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]
Understands that he, too, thinks Joseph Conrad's latest book [ The Arrow of Gold ] weak. Hard to believe how people think it's the real thing. Is working on a new novel. Willa Cather [Stout #463]
Has only one story available [probably "Her Boss," Smart Set October 1919], and it has been declined by Century. He may have it for $100 if he wants it. Looking forward to seeing his book on the American language when she gets back to New York. Interesting that Conrad himself thinks the new book is weak. Willa Cather [Stout #467]
Pleased by his article on "Our National Letters." Earlier in career tried to counter the influence of foreign writers by following Henry James and Edith Wharton; now realizes their conventions took her further into artifice, away from authenticity. Would like to send him an advance copy of new novel when it becomes available. Does not believe it is a sentimental book. Willa Cather [Stout #577]
Sorry, can't commit anything for the first issue of the Mercury. Being treated for neuritis in right arm and has hardly written a thing all summer. Has three new stories planned. Too beautiful here to stay indoors and write anyway. Willa Cather [Stout #698]
Extends sympathy for painful sore. Remembers the infected place on back of her head when she was working on The Song of the Lark. Kept putting off going to the hospital; took codeine for the pain and kept writing; was finally put into the hospital after she went into delirium. Didn't write sooner because uncle was ill in Maryland [probably James Howard Gore, Cather's cousin who was more than twenty years older than her], and niece has been distraught with husband's pneumonia. In addition, has been preparing for a subscription edition from Houghton Mifflin. Willa Cather [Stout #1379]
Has received two letters from John J. Walsh about his thesis. Is not a Catholic, though published reports have said so. Please tell this student he can't always believe what he reads in books. Is sorry people write things about her that are not true. Willa Cather [Stout #1471]
Needs to know whether the Baltimore Sun was in publication in 1850. P.S.: His Happy Days makes her wish she had been born sooner and lived only through that period. Willa Cather [Stout #1476]
Sending an amusing clipping from one of the Paris newspapers about Americans during Prohibition. Willa Cather [Stout #1792]
Sorry she hasn't written, but it is tiring to return home after being gone so long. Thankfully, Edith arrived two weeks earlier and, with Mrs. Winn, cleaned the apartment better than ever. Even the rugs and curtains were cleaned. Had to hire a new maid, since Montana returned to the south—Mattie, a lovely mulatto gal from Baltimore. Likes her a lot. Hopes she doesn't return south the way so many do. Trained her last week and together put up five quarts of wonderful quince preserves. Is worried about parents over the winter. Wishes they could go to wonderful place in Winchester she knows about. Is writing daily, but slowed by housekeeping needs. Hopes mother enjoys staying with Mrs. Wolfe. Mary Virginia's school sent invitation to Thanksgiving, but unsure if she can go. Willie
