Pleased she has offered to review the book. Will want it to be well placed for impact. The fact that Claude was modeled on her cousin is not for general information. Glad to have managed to convey the feeling of the uncultivated person who wants culture. A kind of revenge for the way Dorothy made her feel in France, though a revenge without anger attached. Was with her cousin in Nebraska at the start of the war and felt a strong tie. Feels drained by the effort of writing the book and the closeness to Claude's mind, now lost to her since it is finished. An ordeal but a joyful one. Willa [Stout #590]
Has read her thick book [ Rough Hewn ]. Liked the French part best. Family very well done; the shameful mother accurate of a national type but original in fiction. Marise very well done without excess, but Neale would have been better with less said. He's too familiar, whereas the father is strongly felt but still a puzzle. Is planning to visit Dorothy's mother. Willa [Stout #635]
Was glad to see her handwriting on the envelope, because it said, even without the letter itself, that she was better. Will see her this winter if she is in New York. Willa Cather [Stout #747]
"The Bohemian Girl" was never published as a book; withdrew it from book publication because judged it unworthy. The only copy of The Troll Garden she has belonged to Sarah Orne Jewett, with Jewett's marginal notes. Never lends it. Unreprinted stories are without merit—such as "A Death in the Desert," such a weak story! P.S.: Will be interested in seeing his book. Doesn't agree this is a great period in literature in English. Willa Cather [Stout #851]
Letter reached her in Wyoming, and she meant to answer it from Red Cloud but father had a heart attack. Better now. Came back to New York day before yesterday to vacate apartment. Putting things in storage. Has cancelled trip to France. Brother Douglass plans to take parents to California this winter. Doesn't suppose people who are used to movies will care for Death Comes for the Archbishop, a book without women. Sorry moviemakers will soon be at Acoma. Willa [Stout #890]
Cather has gone to California and will not return for some time. Piercy may quote from "The Novel Démeublé" and (if Knopf gives permission) from The Professor's House but not from her letter. Should remind her, quoting from a letter without permission is illegal. Ellen Burns, Sec'y. [Stout #964]
Not fair of him to have used her praise of Laughing Boy in an ad. Has steadfastly refused to give commendations of books even by old friends, and now he has publicized what she said in private without authorization. Please send a copy of new edition of Ántonia so she can mark some corrections for the English edition. Since she will be leaving about the 20th, could he send March royalty check early? Willa Cather [Stout #1003]
Out of many fan letters, it is easy to recognize one of substance. Yes, it is disadvantageous for a writer to be female. Suggests Virginia Woolf for an accurate statement. Often returns to early memories, because young children are virtually without sex. Interesting to hear which books he prefers, but believes A Lost Lady is better than either of the two he named. Willa Cather [Stout #1033]
Yes, would like new edition of The Song of the Lark without Breton picture on jacket. Can't write preface now; indeed, doesn't want to write any more prefaces, prefers to maintain some mystery. Would not want Commonweal letter about Archbishop to be used as a preface. Please eliminate the verse that follows dedication to Isabelle McClung. Shadows on the Rock doing splendidly. Willa Cather [Stout #1087]
Read proofs of "Two Friends" [Woman's Home Companion July 1932] before she left New York. Sorry about the terrible illustrations, done by a ninny who knows nothing about the West. Hates publishing in magazines, but they pay well. Elsie reports house and yard look good. Cabin here very pleasant, even without indoor plumbing. Everything such a nice green this year. Mary Virginia coming to spend a month; will stay at inn where they take their meals. Please tell Helen Mac how she enjoyed the letter about the baby, Bernard. Hopes she and Mary weren't bothered by anything in "Two Friends." Willie [Stout #1115]
