Shocked by the news of her accident. Must have been very painful and the explosion shocking. Is seeing a lot of returning soldiers and having some to her apartment for dinner. Ours are nicer than other countries' soldiers. So glad she likes Ántonia. Her own feelings about it have vacillated. Terrible how many American soldiers died in training camps [in influenza epidemic]. Do come home to recover, then go back to France to get back to work. What a strange world!—with Germany expecting relief first. Willa S. C. [Stout #443]
Appreciates her nice letter about the book. Surprising that it is so well received, since it avoids all the usual ingredients of a story. Enjoyed Mr. Seibel's romance of prehistory [The Fall: Being a True Account of What Happened in Paradise, with a New Interpretation of Sacred History, Vindicating Snakes and Apples, 1918]. Looking forward to her visit. Willa Cather [Stout #449]
Sending some reviews; please share with Irene. The one in the Dial is the best. Former president of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, Edwin W. Winter, visited to tell her how he liked the book and now drops in like an old friend. Mostly feels glad that her father and Carrie like it. Willie [Stout #452]
May be interested to know Heinemann will publish an English edition of My Ántonia. Perhaps he has friends who could call attention to it? Glad O Pioneers! got Edward Garnett's notice. Willa S. Cather [Stout #457]
Used the device of the introduction in My Ántonia much as some Russian and French writers do, to set a tone. Wanted a male character's memory because it was from men that she learned the most interesting things about the women she was remembering. Wanted first person narrative to emphasize emotion rather than plot. Believes she learned to handle a male point of view by writing Mr. McClure's autobiography. Glad he likes the result. It took getting older to write simply and to be guided by memory. Willa Cather [Stout #462]
Can't they get into the Times Book Supplement a notice such as this one about Hergesheimer? Understands there will be a Czech translation of Ántonia. Still trying to get a phone. Willa Cather [Stout #483]
Advertising Ántonia on the back of Capek's book on the Czechs was a good idea, but the name of the Bohemian who wrote the letter was not Sadiler, but Sadilek. It makes a difference. Another example of his publicity department's work. And they had an agreement that she was to see all advertising in proof! When he comes to see her, he'd better be prepared. Has just finished a good story that opens a new line she can follow when she chooses. Take note! W. S. C. [Stout #490]
Sending quotation from William Allen White. Please return it. Miss Lewis has had a relapse and they couldn't get a nurse. What is the doctor calling the bug he has? Sorry he didn't see Knopf. Viola Roseboro' has been telling her she can't find a copy of Ántonia. Stores in Chicago have been unable to get copies, and Brentano's says its order hasn't been filled. Willa Cather [Stout #495]
Brentano's has a good supply of Ántonia, after having been out for several weeks. Is Mr. Greenslet better? Willa Cather [Stout #496]
Has he recovered? Has been a hard winter. Sailing on May 19 if she can get a passport. Miss Roseboro' searched for four weeks before finding a copy of Ántonia for a gift. Willa Cather [Stout #503]
