Spent two weeks in New York getting the winter's work set. Promised the magazine two stories before Christmas. Wants to lengthen the Swedish story and merge it with the other to make a two-part pastoral. British edition of Alexander looks much better than the American. Has been reading Balzac and the disgusting Idiot by Dostoevsky. Thought the first two parts of Creative Evolution [ Bergson ] were splendid. Everyone seems to be celebrating "The Bohemian Girl" except a reader who thought it immoral. W. S. C. [Stout #242]
Will go to New York next week, then back here. Has been reading phone directories from various cities—L, K, and O in Minneapolis. Isabelle's sister Edith getting married. W. S. C. [Stout #266]
Will send the epilogue next week. There isn't a prologue. Leaving for Pittsburgh tomorrow, so send proofs to 1180 Murray Hill. Leaving for Colorado and New Mexico on August 6. Please send a sample of the new cover before then. Willa Cather [Stout #314]
Do not send any more mail to 1180 Murray Hill Avenue, Pittsburgh. Delete that address from their records. Willa S. Cather [Stout #354]
Yes, is a woman; can't explain name. In the South, however, it was common to feminize the name of a male relative. Wish they had just left it William. Glad he likes the book. It stays very close to fact. Willa Cather [Stout #939]
Here she is trying to eliminate cheap editions and Cape gets one out. But Murray must have had authority to sell British paperback rights. Is sending Cape a preface just to make sure it won't look like a new book. Houghton Mifflin may use it in future if they wish. Staying until September. Willa Cather [Stout #1116]
Approves photo in striped front with open collar and hat with flowers, though it makes her complexion look like a Negro's. May approve 1920 passport photo and snapshot made in Ville d'Avray with dog or cat, but they aren't good prints so can't tell. Doesn't like reduction of photo made by Nicholas Murray in 1924, in ornate jacket, because all shadows are bleached out. Doesn't like print from photo by Ensminger in 1937 because contrasts of blacks and whites are too severe. Does not approve the Steichen photo in middy blouse. [Stout #1389]
Douglass, the brother she most loved, died in June of a sudden heart attack. He had spent her birthday with her last December. Only four months later, on October 10, Isabelle died. Wrote many letters to inform people— the only service she could give Isabelle. Feels emotionally numb. Regrets Yehudi's wife takes such bad pictures. She is Scotch, not Jewish. Feels confident it is a good marriage. Was happy to see them. Then Douglass died the next week. P.S.: No, does not like Hephzibah's mother-in-law. Willa [Stout #1423]
Regrets having received his letter only today. Is grateful to accept election to the Academy. Has heard many of his public statements, with which she agrees. Senses the country is drifting toward dreadful events contrary to its traditional values and daily experience. Willa Cather [Stout #1425]
In accordance with Mrs. Vanamee's request, is sending this formal acceptance of membership in the Academy. Willa Cather [Stout #1426]
