Appreciates his sending English reviews of Shadows on the Rock. Hopes he will give more care to physical aspects of the next volume, Obscure Destinies. Did not like the dust jacket of Shadows. Willa Cather [Stout #1110]
Appreciates his calling her attention to the astronomical error in Obscure Destinies. Has changed "transit" to "occultation" in the second printing and cabled Cassell to catch it in the English edition. Willa Cather [Stout #1119]
Glad she has married an interesting person, so marriage won't become boredom. Enjoyed seeing pictures of their house. Very glad she likes "Old Mrs. Harris," which is the best story in the volume. People may not understand it if they don't know the beautiful but deceitful South. Returning to New York soon; will stay at the Grosvenor again while looking for an apartment. Is ready for some adventures or surprises in her life—and would like to be more adventurous in her writing as well. Willa [Stout #1122]
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]
Has received the royalty report. All books doing well except O Pioneers!. How soon will copies of the cheap edition be exhausted, so they can get back to the regular edition? P.S.: Glad to see the Benda pictures have been restored to Ántonia. Hopes he will like Obscure Destinies. W. S. C. [Stout #1131]
P.S.: Obscure Destinies selling well in England. The pianist Myra Hess came by and said her friends were praising it, and reported good words John Galsworthy had asked her to convey. P.S.: Sorry little Bernard is ill, making Christmas sad. W. [Stout #1138]
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]
Seldom gives people her own books, but may send one to Dick's mother. Exceptionally satisfied with the second story in the new book [ "Old Mrs. Harris" ]. Willa Cather [Stout #1287]
Has decided to allow use of "Paul's Case" because "The Sculptor's Funeral" is overused and not a very strong story to represent her. Will let Alfred Knopf decide whether to allow use of one of the stories in Obscure Destinies. Willa Cather [Stout #1554]
Received a letter from Roscoe discussing his good Washington trip. Envies Elsie and Virginia's travel in western Nebraska and would like see the twins. Since Mary Virginia was going to Canada anyway, has invited her to Grand Manan for her vacation. She will stay at the inn, but can come to the cottage when she likes. Not sure she'll like the island life, but it is better than the place she visited in Nova Scotia last year. Very sorry about Bess. Wants to help, at least with expenses. Hopes Elsie will get porches painted, with thorough sanding first, and send the bill when it is finished. Pleased she liked "Two Friends." The book version is preferable to the Companion version. Tell Bessie that Virginia is spending her vacation at Grand Manan. Mother would have liked the idea; has told Virginia so. Travel to Grand Manan no more expensive than to Nova Scotia. Mary Virginia may not like Grand Manan's isolation and overcast skies, but she can play bridge at inn with nice people there (some rather dull). Tell Jess thanks for the letter and explain the invitation to Mary Virginia. Willie
