For three days has been on the verge of sailing for Bergen, then to Germany to interview German leaders. Since S. S. McClure was going, there had to be someone else, so Isabelle was going. All off when Judge McClung decided he didn't want her to take the risk. Will get back onto the page proofs. It was a more appealing project financially than the novel will be. Would have needed to be tactful in order to be accurate without being or at least seeming pro-German. Willa Cather [Stout #315]
People she knows from Sweden and Norway have indicated possible interest there in translations of O Pioneers! and The Song of the Lark. Could he take it up with publishers, perhaps enclosing a copy of Edward Garnett's article in last February's Atlantic? Is enclosing a list of the best people to write. He can get their attention by mentioning that reviewers have thought Thea Kronborg was modeled after Olive Fremstad. Please send three dozen copies of the advertising booklet for her to send to people who inquire. Finishing some short stories for Reynolds to place, but will start on the next book soon. Hopes he can come to New York to discuss the Scandinavian possibilities. Will have a phone in soon and send him the number. Might he be there next Thursday [Dec. 21] for dinner with the Hambourgs, S. S. McClure, and Harry Dwight? McClure will tell everyone about the war. Willa S. C. [Stout #375]
Please ask Mr. Linscott to return the photograph she sent. Would appreciate receiving her semiannual royalty check now, before she goes abroad. P.S.: Please send a copy of My Ántonia to Dr. Johan Bojer, to take back to Norway. Willa Cather [Stout #504]
So gratified that they share convictions, as her letter shows. War news shows that the mills of the gods are grinding. [Stout #1495]
The lilies of the valley have been delightful, and her letter as well. So happy that after knowing each other through their books for so long they now know each other personally and realize how many tastes and beliefs they have in common. Scarcely maintains a desire to live, with so much bad news, especially agreement of Hitler with the Vichy French. Hopes she will come to visit again soon. [Stout #1543]
Please come to dinner at seven Saturday, the 22nd. Wants to hear her opinion of the new Christian brotherhood with Stalin. [Stout #1557]
On p. 366 of Mathews [ Field Book of American Wild Flowers ] she will find an entry on the swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), which they discussed. Mathews does not note, however, its willow-like and shiny leaves. It was a special thrill to have found one once in a desert canyon rather than a swamp. Greatly enjoys her visits. [Stout #1559]
Feels very happy about her letter. There were not so many serious admirations in one's life, and has long felt such admiration for Undset. Glad she had felt it in return. The fact that they care for the same things is a strong foundation for friendship. Sorry her handwriting is not clear. P.S.: So glad the good news from Russia! [The New York Times of Dec. 2, 1941, reports that the German Army had been driven out of Rostov in a "rout."] [Stout #1560]
Flowers she sent brightened the day. Has not felt so excited about Christmas since childhood. Maybe Churchill [who had come to confer with Roosevelt after the recent bombing of Pearl Harbor] traveled by reindeer like Santa Claus. His presence and his shrewd, searching gaze would wither political pettiness. He knows the American idiom from his mother, and American politicians will realize he is sharper than they are. His coming is almost a miracle. Reminds her that the battle cry of the Crusaders was "God with us!" [Stout #1566]
Has been thinking about Undset since reading her Elleve Aar, or The Longest Years. [Elleve Aar, literally "eleven years," was an autobiographical novel about Undset's childhood. It was first published in English translation in 1935, titled The Longest Years.] Was in France in 1937 when the translation appeared, but had not read it until now. Would like to ask about many things in the book. Can claim that in one way she surpassed Undset in childhood, in that when she was seven, she could sew quite well! Was pleased to read that on Christmas Day a Nebraska boy had taken down four Jap planes—even more pleased to discover he was Bob Smith from Red Cloud, who had gone to school with her nieces. Liked his cable to his father [quoted in the clipping: "Just arrived from Kumming. Came through both battles of Rangoon safely. Knocked down four ships personally. Happy New Year."]. There are millions of American boys like him, but not from big cities. Please come spend an evening as soon as their siege of visitors from the West is lifted. [Stout #1570]
