King, Mary Perry

Mary Perry King (1865 – May 21, 1939) was the author of "Earth Deities and Other Rhythmic Masques," "Daughters of dawn" and "A lyrical pageant or series of historic scenes for presentation with music and dancing" with Bliss Carman, and of "Comfort and exercise; an essay toward normal conduct alone." A native of Oswego, NY, King was the wife of Dr. Morris L. King, head of the medical department of the New York Life Insurance company. For many years she was one of the leading proponents of oral rhythmics in the United States, and was instructor in teaching speech and posture to many leading actors and world figures prominent at the beginning of the 20th century. She had also appeared on stages herself, in her younger days, with William Gillette. In 1896 King met Bliss Carman, and she became the greatest and longest-lasting female influence in Carman's life.