Pleased with the sales report, but the copy of Alexander's Bridge hasn't arrived. Did he see her article on Mrs. Fields? ["148 Charles Street," a review of De Wolfe Howe's Memories of a Hostess, 1922, drawn mainly from Annie Adams Fields's diaries] Is going to Red Cloud next week to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas. Willa Cather [Stout #643]
Anne Douglas Sedgwick has sent a note written by him praising My Mortal Enemy. Appreciates his favor. Most of her books made out of old memories from which the extraneous has dropped away. Now reading proofs of a book that gave her joy to write, Death Comes for the Archbishop. Willa Cather [Stout #883]
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]
Out of many fan letters, it is easy to recognize one of substance. Yes, it is disadvantageous for a writer to be female. Suggests Virginia Woolf for an accurate statement. Often returns to early memories, because young children are virtually without sex. Interesting to hear which books he prefers, but believes A Lost Lady is better than either of the two he named. Willa Cather [Stout #1033]
Very much admires Lorenzo in Taos [published in 1932; she must have seen manuscript or proof]. It equals the Buffalo section of Intimate Memories. Whether one agrees or not with the views of the people, they are well presented. Lawrence himself is caught better than anyone else has ever caught him, down to his giggle, or snicker. Country itself has its own life, and Tony's car takes on real significance. Edith away for a week, but read it, too. Is leaving for California before long. Mother about the same. Hopes to go to Mexico City before long. Willa Cather [Stout #1036]
Thanks for pudding she sent for Christmas. Saving it for New Year's, when Douglass will be there. Cherishes many beautiful memories of good cheer in the Geres' home. Has had a Christmas both joyful and sad. Willa [Stout #1092]
Hopes he has received a copy of her new book [Obscure Destinies, pub. August 1932] and agrees that "Old Mrs. Harris" rings true, more true than the book about Quebec last year. Books drawn from early memories are always truest. Even so, likes to try different things. Being true is her greatest wish. No, is not becoming a Catholic, though greatly admires Catholic missionaries. Enclosing her letter to Gov. Cross ["On Shadows on the Rock," Saturday Review of Literature, Oct. 17, 1931]. Willa Cather [Stout #1123]
Must scrawl a letter in spite of sprained right thumb because secretary out of town. Very much appreciated his and Mrs. Greenslet's letter. Many memories of Virginia went into the book. Wrote a great deal more, simply for the pleasure of recalling life there, but cut out all that didn't serve the plan for the book. Nancy was real, and her mother really a servant in the family. Books about slavery usually exaggerate one way or the other. Own family found its superficial aspects pleasant and didn't think much about what lay beneath. Material discarded from the book weighed six pounds. P.S.: Yes, may place the note on names [at end of Sapphira] where Knopf placed the note on design in the first edition, which will probably shift for the second. How important a thumb is! W. S. C. [Stout #1506]
Greatly appreciated her letter about the book. Writing it allowed recovery of early memories and escape from painful events. Glad it rings true to someone born a southerner. Willa Cather [Stout #1509]
Keeps thinking about her and wishes she could write a real letter, by hand. Was saddened by Mary's telegram telling of Walter's [Carrie's husband's] death, but had heard how ill he was. Also heard how beautifully she was taking care of him. Remembers first seeing his picture in her watch case when she was going away to school at St. Mary's. Has spent a great deal of time alone this winter enjoying precious memories like that. Sees very few people besides Mary Virginia and Yehudi Menuhin and wife. Will write again soon. Hand is improving since going to Dr. Ober, a surgeon from Boston. Enjoys remembering evenings she spent with Carrie and Walter ten years ago, when they both gave her good advice. Willie [Stout #1534]
