Enclosing the story she had told him about. Hopes he doesn't object to an indirect method of narration. Appreciates his review of The Song of the Lark. Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #355]
Has been in the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. Has he seen Alice Meynell's review in the Manchester Guardian? Will have another book ready by the end of the year, probable title "The Blue Mesa." The book on the Southwest to come after that. Is shutting last year behind her. Glad to receive his check. W. S. C. [Stout #365]
Enclosing a review. Such a reader catches the whole better than those who concentrate on identifying originals for the characters. Please share with Carrie. Leaving for New York on the 30th. Willie [Stout #438]
Not interested in doing the book of short stories after all. Has begun two other new books . P.S.: Terrible about Elsie Sergeant's injury. Please send review copy of Ántonia to the New York Globe. W. S. C. [Stout #442]
Thanks for the advance on her account. The Globe still hasn't received a review copy. Has he tried for a British edition? Has written four chapters on the soldier story. Feels like a medium through which the story writes itself. Willa Cather [Stout #447]
When does he leave for England? Is sending a note from H. L. Mencken, in response to hers thanking him for his review. A Mr. Melchers, of some magazine for booksellers, has been urging her to stick with midwestern material, not shift to New York. W. S. C. [Stout #453]
Has many things to take up with him. Bill for corrections on proof has brought all this to a head. If Houghton Mifflin really valued her, wouldn't they absorb such costs? Three New York publishers have approached her recently. Houghton Mifflin has not used good reviews effectively to boost sales and has not been diligent about getting review copies out. One reviewer told her Houghton Mifflin seems unwilling to praise this book. Why are they reluctant to quote people who say things like "great writer"? Wishes they would advertise her as Knopf has Hergesheimer, but they do not seem to take a long-term interest in her books. Their stock of The Song of the Lark has dropped to eight copies and O Pioneers! to four. Hates to have books with two different publishers, but wants a press that will believe in her. Willa Cather [Stout #461]
Delighted to see the good review in yesterday's Times [of Déclassée, which opened at the Empire Theatre on October 6 with Ethel Barrymore in the lead]. Seems a triumph—a word that can only be used for the theater since the advent of trench warfare. Confident the play has real quality, is not just what is usually popular. Will go see it as soon as she gets back to New York. Willa Cather [Stout #477]
"For Fannie Butcher, who wrote the first discriminating review of my first novel. (In this case my interest in the reviewer has outlasted my interest in the novel, for I don't think much of that book now!) With greetings and good wishes, Willa Sibert Cather [Stout #497]
Just back from France after a stormy crossing. Has a sprained ankle, and the apartment is a mess. Edith sick in bed. Trying to manage everything with one helper. Envies her being in New Mexico. Has seen Amy Lowell's good review of her book. W. S. C. [Stout #515]
