Why did Mariel buy the disreputable Sappho? Kit and Mr. Myres flirting. Is feeling lonely but takes refuge in French history, George Eliot, and long horseback rides. Was at Mrs. Garber's on Sunday. Kit loaned her copy of Sappho to a church woman—how depraved! Is doing vivisection on frogs. Mariel could set up lab at newspaper office. Willa Cather [Stout #4]
Hopes she can schedule her visit earlier, as school begins January 2. English now a major subject because of her, and must uphold responsibility. But come any time. Very eager to see her. Willa [Stout #71]
Still doesn't know the amount of the hotel bill Irene paid, and would like to pay her debt. Isabelle sends thanks for the pleasant stay in Omaha. In Chicago, after her [Cather's] speech at the College Club, there was a dinner given by university classmates. Then went with Fanny Butcher to visit major book businesses, very tiring. Will send some good photos taken in Omaha. Willie [Stout #560]
Glad Ántonia is selling well. Can talk about Alexander's Bridge when he is in town. Thanks for the good display of books in Omaha. Sending some clippings for him to show his publicity department. P.S.: Made calls on major book stores in Chicago, besides lecturing. Willa Cather [Stout #561]
Like Henry Seidel Canby, does not believe in teaching contemporary literature. More important to use limited school time to teach classics of English literature. Essential reading in school includes Shakespeare, Milton, Fielding, Jane Austen, with Thackeray, George Eliot, George Meredith, and Thomas Hardy as the most recent. Young people should read contemporary literature as they want to, not as assignments. True literary taste is as rare as perfect pitch, but students can glean something from exposure to the classics, even if they don't have real aptitude. [Stout #1454]
Pleased by A. E.'s remarks quoted on page 81 in Yale Review. Willa Cather [Stout #1457]
Liked his magazine article "Modern Authors Can Be Gentlemen" and appreciated his comment on her. Steinbeck and Saroyan do not use the full range of the English language, but only write in monosyllables. Samuel Morison manages to use even ordinary slang in such a way that it fits the need of the moment, without destroying the dignity of his writing. Enjoyed Morison's book about Columbus [1942]; had not known the role of religion in Columbus's life. [Stout #1527]
Has received two letters from him. Since he mentions he has been fishing, assumes he is well. The second [saying that they need to reprint O Pioneers! and would like to do so with another company's imprint along with their own on the title page in order to utilize that company's quota of paper, under wartime rationing] is most unwelcome. Why should her books be victimized, since they are not long and do not sell huge numbers? Understands that in England the system is to trim down popular hits in order to protect small-market books. This might mean, for example, trimming part of the margin off The Robe [ Douglas ] to save paper for printing Julian Huxley or T. S. Eliot. Is not signing the consent form he sent. Willa Cather [Stout #1643]
His letter with good news about her blood count and information about the typical slow recovery from major surgery has greatly encouraged her. Won't be able to come in before she leaves town. Has been seeing her oculist and her dentist and time is full. Leaving soon for Northeast Harbor, Maine, for two months. Willa Cather [Stout #1712]
Is in Marseilles and will sail October 25; will arrive in New York on November 12. The French were very kind and helpful during her trip from Paris, but the Americans were quite ill-mannered. Has to go everywhere in a carriage while she does her business, but can walk some in the hotel. The injured foot is about as expensive as another traveling companion. Thankfully has a terrific masseuse to treat foot twice daily. Will not need to walk on the boat, but will not like being injured when the boat stops in Naples for three days. French people are so courteous. A Major of Artillery with a missing arm did much to help, and even the drivers have assisted her. Hopes everyone is doing well at home. Edith's mother mailed a nice review of the new book [ Youth and the Bright Medusa ] from the New York Times. Willa
