Was pleased with his letter because he writes in good sentence structure. His high school teacher must have taught him well. As to "Paul's Case," once had a student in Latin class who was nervous and always trying to seem interesting, always hanging around actors in touring companies. The part about New York reflects her own feelings when first there. The part about jumping under the train entirely made up. Understands his desire for beauty, but if he has that desire he will find it in the artistic treasures of the world. Willa Cather [Stout #1620]
Has to dictate this letter because of inflamed tendon in her right thumb; has hand in a brace again. Sorry to hear she had to escape Italy and leave her books behind. So sad to see the world destroyed like this. Glad to hear she thinks her [Cather's] books have stood the test of time. Especially glad to hear she still likes The Professor's House, which most people do not. Especially enjoyed writing it because of the structural experiment. Tried to use the Blue Mesa like an open window on the sea in a Dutch interior painting. Still remembers when they met, when she had read "Paul's Case" and came to call. That world is gone. Wishes they had been born in 1850 and missed the disasters of this century. Willa Cather [Stout #1666]
Has asked Alfred Knopf to see that no radio adaptation of any of her work will ever be allowed. Legal counsel believes they could win a court case over this. If people just listen they will forget how to read. Has been kept in town by illness of several friends; otherwise would be in Maine now. Willa Cather [Stout #1734]
Yes, may use the quotation so long as he does not use it to argue for translating the Bible into modern language. This was part of an interview many years ago, before she learned not to give interviews. Feels very strongly that the King James version of the Bible should remain the standard and people should not attempt to modernize it. [Stout #1765]
Appreciates Elsie's letter from Hastings and is pleased to learn that Bess does not have cancer. The heat is terrible. Has been hoping to see a cooler, wetter forecast when reading about the Midwest's weather in the [New York] Tribune, but it never comes. Feel pity for all, particularly the elderly. Would say it's punishment for the world's latest ideas and ways if she were a Catholic. Very hot in New York when she was finishing the book [Lucy Gayheart], but didn't really mind thanks to cool mornings and Josephine's good nature and creative housekeeping. The typist [Sarah Bloom?] could not keep the purple ink from running and smearing the manuscripts. Had to send dirty manuscripts to both the magazine [Woman's Home Companion] and Alfred Knopf. Both are thrilled with the book. Sent draft to Jan Hambourg to check musical material and received cable in return declaring the book to be her finest one. Not true, but it has good form. All directed toward the end. Had to put it down for four months when it was going well or it would be even better. Is sending a check now in case Elsie needs something for medical expenses, since getting to Grand Manan will put her out of touch for a while. Virginia cried at news of Bess's illness and has fond memories of her. Paper says that Charles is in Red Cloud. How has the town reacted to Will Auld? Does Elsie ever see the Aulds? Amazed that Bess gave Tom money for school—cannot respect him. Elsie should use part of enclosed money to buy electric fans—was a great relief to have them in the Grosvenor Hotel. Feels guilty going where it's cool, but could not read proofs in the heat of Red Cloud. Fears Elsie thinks her selfish, but the many letters she receives indicate her books serve a purpose for many readers and give others something to gossip about. No matter how strong and charitable she was, she could not do more for people than that. Not that she writes them for that reason, but that is their effect. Integrity is always positive, regardless of the form it takes. With love and sympathy. Willie
Appreciates kind request, but will not allow her books to be dramatized or filmed. Likes going to movies, but prefers to stick to the written word and a more discriminating audience of readers.
Cherry H. Cather of Malta and Edith Cather of Vancouver, British Columbia, have written that they are working on the Cather family genealogy. Does he know the name of his great grandfather and other ancestors? These women have shared many interesting details about the Cathers in Ireland and Scotland. There was a county of Catherlough during King John's reign, and two brothers, Edmund and Bertram Cather, were granted the County of Tyrone in 1660 for resisting Cromwell. Is at least pleased they were Stewarts [sic]. Hopes he will share whatever he knows. Willa
Spent a comfortable, cool night on the train. Though it is hot in Denver, the elevation keeps it from being as stifling as Nebraska. Had a wonderful time with them in Red Cloud, though. Please send check to the La Salle Hotel in Chicago, where she will arrive on Monday. Edith will get whatever money Cather has on hand because she needs it after shopping in Denver, so is counting on check in Chicago. Father should know, in case she in Edith are ever in an accident, where important papers are—in safety deposit box 7032 in Garfield National Bank, 5th Ave. and 23rd St., New York. Isabelle (Mrs. Jan Hambourg) is the executor. Appreciates his constant kindheartedness with her and her friends, despite her occasional moodiness. Thinks each visit is a testament to their good luck, both in prosperity and in good health. PS: Isabelle's relationships with publishers make her the best choice for executor. Willie
Is very busy, but must write about Elsie's health problems. Is she taking the "mixed glands" pills? She should be, as all women, including Edith and herself, are taking them nowadays. Just in case, has included personal prescription for Elsie to use. Has had appendix trouble recently, but will wait until after Isabelle leaves to have an appendectomy. Isabelle is quite sick and is in New York to see American physicians while Jan is touring Canada. Take the pills! Willie
Enclosed editorial represents the New York view on the matter [of the abdication of England's King Edward VIII]. American media created such a stature for the woman [ Wallis Simpson ] that he could not have separated from her even if he wished to. Church officials probably wouldn't have minded if he put "duty" before "happiness," but the public wouldn't have respected him if he did. With such fierce public attention on the relationship, he couldn't really let her go, even though she may seem to be of low character to many. Kings struggle to have any sincere friends, and she seemed like one to him. W.
