Would like to come to Bread Loaf again, but is going to Nebraska in April and will not return until fall. Enjoyed seeing the Whichers and Dorothy Canfield while in Paris. Willa Cather [Stout #721]
Niece Mary Virginia Auld is a freshman at Smith. Could Mrs. Whicher get in touch with her some time? The boys would enjoy her. Came here to work after a wonderful summer in New Mexico living like a Zane Grey character. Wishes Mrs. Whicher could have attended the birthday dinner for Robert Frost. Willa Cather [Stout #797]
Will be in Mexico and New Mexico all next summer, so can't accept invitation to Bread Loaf. Probably won't ever have time to do it again. Willa Cather [Stout #812]
"The Bohemian Girl" was never published as a book; withdrew it from book publication because judged it unworthy. The only copy of The Troll Garden she has belonged to Sarah Orne Jewett, with Jewett's marginal notes. Never lends it. Unreprinted stories are without merit—such as "A Death in the Desert," such a weak story! P.S.: Will be interested in seeing his book. Doesn't agree this is a great period in literature in English. Willa Cather [Stout #851]
Appreciated the valentine treat, which helped cheer her up from a period of feeling down, mainly because she can't look forward to another writing project as rewarding as Archbishop. Has been to a Rin Tin Tin movie. Steichen is coming to dinner; will wear her beautiful new dress. Is reading proofs with Edith. W. S. C. [Stout #875]
No, does not give permission to use her name in the announcement. Would subject her to endless approaches from periodicals. Willa Cather [Stout #1063]
Just back from Canada and finds his discerning review. Realizes that the deep meaning of both of last two books is moral character of the French. Appreciates his sending her the telegram from Edward Sheldon; glad he finds the book rings true. Willa Cather [Stout #1077]
Is horrified by the chopped-up version of Ántonia done by this Miss Hahn. Will still allow him to use first 30 pages after introduction, but with no cuts and with Miss Hahn to have nothing to do with it. Would prefer to drop it altogether. Are they trying to turn it into Zane Grey? He's never treated Ántonia well; has treated her like a cheap strumpet, tried to ruin her character. Doesn't want to be represented in a volume for children that gives them chopped-up versions of things. Even so, is still his friend and sends New Year's wishes. But not to Miss Hahn! Willa Cather [Stout #1144]
Cannot read his last name. That young man's book about Sarah Orne Jewett is very poor, and manners offensive. Appreciates his telling her the incident about Mary Jewett. Dr. Eastman, Jewett's nephew, kept her posted after Mary Jewett's stroke. Willa Cather [Stout #1241]
The debate over Joseph Conrad is endless. Prefers a more direct, unadorned sentence style. Few writers can give themselves up to baroque emotionalism and succeed. Turgenev could. Conrad becomes artificial or decadent. Listened to the king's abdication speech on the radio [Edward VIII abdicated on December 11, 1936] and found it plausible and distinguished. An example of rhetorical control. What does he think of the people close to the king? [letter breaks off] [Stout #1350]