Accepts his apology. Could see him on Wednesday the 31st. Willa Cather [Stout #950]
Wanted to let her know about Professor Bates. Saw him very little after he left the university. He remained boyish and yet matured, a very gentle person and quite individual. Willa [Stout #977]
Glad he sent the English reviews of Obscure Destinies, especially the one from Manchester Guardian. Interesting that he was a professor at Michigan when she received honorary degree there. The first university to give a person an honorary degree is brave. Princeton was brave in giving her its first to a woman. Best wishes with his work at the British Museum. Willa Cather [Stout #1153]
Did not receive his letter about the two professors from England coming to the U.S. until some months later, when she was in Venice. Did not answer the accumulation of letters that came then. Yes, their lives have changed a lot since Bank Street. Would never have thought he would become a professor. Willa Cather [Stout #1282]
Has no photographs of Nebraska in 1885 or 1895. Understands from Professor Pupin [?] of Columbia that it resembled the plains of Russia. Otto Fuchs not a representation of a specific person but a composite of many, as are most minor characters. Blind d'Arnault modeled on Blind Boone. Has also heard of a similar Blind Tom and Blind Noah. Actress Jim sees in Camille based on Clara Morris. Many relics such as the Spanish sword have been found in southwest Kansas. Good reading does not come from factual information, however, but from cultivated taste. Does not approve of required reading of contemporary writers in English courses, which should center on great English writers of the past and on Latin writers. Wishes his students were reading Kidnapped [ Stevenson ] or Vanity Fair [ Thackeray ] rather than My Ántonia. Willa Cather [Stout #1306]
Appreciates his comments on the Autograph Edition. Never saw his article in Sewanee Review. Six of the early stories he lists are not really hers. "On the Divide" a college theme that the young professor greatly revised on his own before sending it to Overland Monthly without her knowledge. Some of the things he added—for example, all of the wood-carving parts—were not very credible. "El Dorado" also extensively revised by the same professor; she never intended to publish it. [But see letter #0070.] Others the collaborative work of a group of young newspaper people, including herself, in Pittsburgh; should not be considered her work. Her name used only because she had published stories before. Since no money involved, didn't seem to matter; were just having fun. First published story really hers was "Death in the Desert." Does not want these early stories reprinted; keeps them protected by copyright for that reason. Has even been able to stop circulation in mimeograph copies. Would prefer not to have to consult her attorney on this. No commercial or scholarly interest justifying republication. Does not consider it friendly of him to wish to do so. Like a fruit grower, a writer has the right to cull the crop. Willa Cather [Stout #1432]
Gives permission to quote from anything in Not Under Forty and conditional permission to quote from letter to Pat Knopf explaining reasons for structure of The Professor's House. Prefers the distinct separations of that form to the mixture of unexpressed feelings typical of modern fiction, though it could have been done that way. Outland's life had become as real to the professor as his own; he became part of the old house. Glad Pat is studying with him. Willa Cather [Stout #1433]
Has just returned from Williamstown, from an inn she had heard was pleasant. Enjoyed the stay, though weather not very good. Enjoyed the college students and escaped recognition except by a professor from Shepherdstown, Virginia, near Winchester, who wrote that he had recognized her accent. Had thought it was gone long ago. Has gained back from 110 to 115 pounds. Nerves needed a rest, and solitude was good. P.S.: Christmas will be happy only if there are victories in Africa. Willa Cather [Stout #1601]
Remembers her well though it was long ago. Sorry to hear Mr. Field has died and she has left Shepherdstown. Met a professor from Shepherdstown last fall. So now she is in Santa Barbara! Remembers that area as being very pleasant. Was there during mother's illness. Sorry not to be able to write by hand, but has sprained the tendon of right hand. Willa Cather [Stout #1626]
What he was told about her visit with Housman was incorrect. Hopes to write her own account of the event, to correct misinformation. Certainly Housman was not rude to her and her friends, though they deserved it for brashly dropping in without notice or invitation. Willa Cather [Stout #1684]
