A Calendar of the Letters of Willa Cather

27 letters found

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To Mrs. Ford Madox HuefferMay 20, 1909, from Thackeray Hotel, LondonCornell 

Apologizes for having caused Mrs. Hueffer the irritation of a complaint from Joseph Conrad about Cather's attempt to see him. Believed Mr. Hueffer [pseud. Ford Madox Ford] had assured her of welcome. Had hoped to obtain something for publication in McClure's. Is leaving for Paris Saturday [the 22nd] but hopes to see her when she returns.   Willa Sibert Cather   [Stout #161]


To Ferris GreensletSaturday [May 17, 1919], from New York ; Harvard 

Please send twenty-five reprints from Chicago News. Is Houghton Mifflin going to insert this item as a folder into new publications? Knopf has done that for Hergesheimer. Long letter to come soon.   W. S. C.   [Stout #459]


To Ferris GreensletMay 19, [1919], from New YorkHarvard 

Has many things to take up with him. Bill for corrections on proof has brought all this to a head. If Houghton Mifflin really valued her, wouldn't they absorb such costs? Three New York publishers have approached her recently. Houghton Mifflin has not used good reviews effectively to boost sales and has not been diligent about getting review copies out. One reviewer told her Houghton Mifflin seems unwilling to praise this book. Why are they reluctant to quote people who say things like "great writer"? Wishes they would advertise her as Knopf has Hergesheimer, but they do not seem to take a long-term interest in her books. Their stock of The Song of the Lark has dropped to eight copies and O Pioneers! to four. Hates to have books with two different publishers, but wants a press that will believe in her.   Willa Cather   [Stout #461]


To H. L. MenckenMay 30, 1919, from New YorkBaltimore 

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]


To H. L. MenckenJuly 2, [1919], from TorontoBaltimore 

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]


To Ferris GreensletNov. 17, [1919?], from New YorkHarvard 

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]


To Dorothy Canfield FisherFeb. 27, [1924]UVt 

Letter came at a good time, when she was in bed partly to avoid social obligations, partly because of a stiff neck. Pleased to report people of Red Cloud crowned her picture with a laurel wreath. Has enjoyed reading The Doctor Looks at Literature [by Joseph Collins, 1923]. Recommends Mme Curie's book about her husband. Mother is still vexed by Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. Unfortunately for Alfred Knopf, just when readers are prepared to buy books by her about the West she starts writing things where setting doesn't matter. P.S.: Is the yellow cat male or female?  Willa   [Stout #719]


To William Allen WhiteSept. 17, [1927], from Jaffrey, N.H.LC 

Is glad he liked Archbishop. Most of it quite true. Gathered stories from Mexicans and priests and from Lamy's and Machebeuf's letters home. The letters gave her their personalities.   Willa Cather   [Stout #898]


To Ida Tarbell,  Friday [Oct. 7 or 14, 1927?] , from Jaffrey, N.H.Allegheny 

Letter gave her great pleasure. Writing [ Archbishop ] was the greatest pleasure she ever had. Is receiving and treasuring many letters from missionary priests. Rector in Denver says he is still using Joseph Machebeuf's chalice and vestments. Misses the book now that it has gone from her. Also, is homeless at present. Will probably spend winter in Arizona.   Willa Cather   [Stout #905]


To Father Malone,  n.d. [prob. Jan. 1928; replying to letter from Malone dated Dec. 1, 1927] , from Red Cloud, Nebr.UVa 

Thanks for his note about the book. Got a sense of the two priests from Howlett's book on Machebeuf. May be in Denver later in the winter. Appreciates the clergy's general willingness to overlook errors in details.   Willa Cather   [Stout #920]


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