A Calendar of the Letters of Willa Cather

44 letters found

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Results 11-20:

To Elizabeth Shepley SergeantJune 27, [1915], from New YorkPM 

Has just read her essay on Provence in Century. Is busy with proofs. Jack is off in Maine. A musical critic is reading galleys and is enthusiastic, especially about the singing lessons. Would have felt bad if those hadn't been right! Has she seen Henry James's article about Mrs. Fields in the June Atlantic? Isn't she disappointed in Owen Wister's novel? [Pentecost of Calamity, 1915] P.S.: Loves her khaki outfit for the cliff dwellings— reminds her of Kurt's outfit in Fidelio [ Beethoven ].  Willa   [Stout #310]


To Ferris GreensletJune 30, [1915], from New YorkHarvard 

Likes the jacket, but the copy is wrong—Moonstone, Colorado, not Arizona. Also, Thea and Fred go to Mexico, not New Mexico. Wishes it could say something about her artistic growth in the cliff dweller ruins. Actually, not so very happy with the cover. Couldn't it be more like British edition of Pioneers? Henry James seems patronizing in his essay on the Fieldses.   Willa Cather   [Stout #311]


To Dorothy Canfield FisherMar. 15, [1916?]UVt 

The Song of the Lark was fun to write, but shows carelessness. Cut out several chapters set in Germany to keep it focused on the Moonstone perspective. They would have spoiled the unity. A few negative reviewers have wished it were a tragedy rather than a success story. The title is a weakness, it's true. Hasn't been up to starting a new book this winter, with Judge McClung's death, the closing of the house, and prospect of Isabelle's marriage [April 3, 1916]. Doesn't get along well with Jan Hambourg. Loss of Isabelle is a severe one. Also, Annie Fields died last winter. So much misery in the world in general, with the war. Wishes they could have a long talk.   Willa   [Stout #351]


To Paul R. ReynoldsSept. 14, [1917?], from Jaffrey, N.H.Columbia 

Will take $350 for the stories. Suggests he try "Little Annie" on McClure's and Everybody's. Did Smart Set reject "Scandal"?   W. S. C.   [Stout #391]


To Paul ReynoldsMay 10,[1918?], from Washington, D.C., cable ; Columbia 

Might sell "Little Annie" to this editor. [Retitled "Her Boss," the story was published in Smart Set, October 1919.]   W. S. C.   [Stout #416]


To Ferris GreensletJan. 7, 1920Harvard 

Advertising Ántonia on the back of Capek's book on the Czechs was a good idea, but the name of the Bohemian who wrote the letter was not Sadiler, but Sadilek. It makes a difference. Another example of his publicity department's work. And they had an agreement that she was to see all advertising in proof! When he comes to see her, he'd better be prepared. Has just finished a good story that opens a new line she can follow when she chooses. Take note!   W. S. C.   [Stout #490]


To Wilbur CrossOct. 11, 1922, from New YorkBeinecke 

People seem to have strong feelings about One of Ours, pro or con. Has been thinking he might like a memoir about Mrs. James T. Fields [for Yale Review], but through a misunderstanding Henry Seidel Canby is expecting such a piece from her [for Literary Review, New York Evening Post]. No longer interested in doing the article she discussed with Miss McAfee a year ago. Wants to keep working on a new novelette [ A Lost Lady ].   Willa Sibert Cather   [Stout #626]


To Ferris GreensletNov. 17, 1922, from New YorkHarvard 

Pleased with the sales report, but the copy of Alexander's Bridge hasn't arrived. Did he see her article on Mrs. Fields? ["148 Charles Street," a review of De Wolfe Howe's Memories of a Hostess, 1922, drawn mainly from Annie Adams Fields's diaries] Is going to Red Cloud next week to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas.   Willa Cather   [Stout #643]


To Dorothy Canfield Fisher,  Tuesday [Nov. 28, 1922] , from New YorkUVt 

Has been ill and won't be able to visit. Leaves tomorrow for Nebraska, too late to reach home for Thanksgiving. Annie Fields was even better than she said in her article. Claude has sold over 30,000.   Willa   [Stout #651]


To Thomas Masaryk [president of the Czechoslovak Republic]Feb. 2, 1925, from no. 5 Bank Street, New YorkBerkeley 

Feels honored to receive his letter and glad to have introduced to him the Bohemian people she knew in Nebraska. While in Red Cloud for Christmas took the original Ántonia and six of her children to see the movie of A Lost Lady. Usually remains friendly with her characters. Wishes she could introduce to him the real Ántonia and her children. The Midwest is such a combination of contradictories that she can only write about what she lived. Has no biographical material to send him except a publicity brochure from Knopf. Is still only beginning to find her proper voice in fiction.   Willa Cather   [Stout #768]


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