Should never look for a subject but let the subject find her. Imagination merely sets free one's memories and feelings. Going north soon. Enjoyed seeing her. Willa Cather [Stout #935]
Hoped to see him, but understands he is away. Leaving for Canada in a few days. He understood what she was doing in the new book quite precisely. Interesting that he liked Bishop Laval best, as she does also, for his loyalty to French ways. Left it up to Knopf to decide about Book-of-the-Month Club, but he would not have allowed it if she had opposed. Wants to know when Mrs. Canby's book of verse is published. Since in California so much with her mother, loses touch with things in New York. Willa Cather [Stout #1060]
Was disappointed to miss her in New Haven. Seems to have been living on trains, rushing to family crises; never sees anyone. Has built a house here in a quiet place near the sea, and is again feeling happy to wake up in the morning. Willa Cather [Stout #1064]
Was pleased to receive her poems. They carry the voice of friendship. Feels very displaced and lacking in purpose. Willa Cather [Stout #1082]
Has just found her book of verses [High Mowing, 1932] among a great many books that have come by mail. Likes them very much. Will be in town at the Grosvenor for about two weeks. Hopes they can talk. P.S.: Especially likes "Timid One" [a poem that expresses a wish for escape from being one's self ]. Willa Cather [Stout #1106]
Do come for tea on Christmas afternoon. Willa Cather [Stout #1245]
Leaving town until after Christmas. Hopes he will come to tea when she gets back. Willa Cather [Stout #1280]
Just arrived from three months in Canada and found his letter in accumulated mail. Has just learned of Mary Austin's death. Has he begun his work as executor? Willa Cather [Stout #1329]
Yes, may keep her name on the roll of PEN, but does not care to meet visiting dignitaries or go to meetings. Writers should spend their time writing instead of talking about it. Was pleased by his review of Katherine Anthony's book on Louisa May Alcott. Glad to know he is as tired of Freudian extremes as she is. Annie Fields once asked her to destroy some letters that included some from Alcott. They seemed cheerful, friendly, and practical, with no trace of trauma from having dealt with naked men as a nurse. Wishes now the letters were still in existence to refute the likes of Anthony. Willa Cather [Stout #1400]
Like Henry Seidel Canby, does not believe in teaching contemporary literature. More important to use limited school time to teach classics of English literature. Essential reading in school includes Shakespeare, Milton, Fielding, Jane Austen, with Thackeray, George Eliot, George Meredith, and Thomas Hardy as the most recent. Young people should read contemporary literature as they want to, not as assignments. True literary taste is as rare as perfect pitch, but students can glean something from exposure to the classics, even if they don't have real aptitude. [Stout #1454]
