Sorry Elsie had to order a copy of the novel; should have remembered to send one. Enjoyed a recent visit with the William Allen Whites; he teased her about being abandoned by the more literary reviewers. Debate about the book in magazines and newspapers very lively. Nothing interesting in New York on the literary scene except John Galsworthy's new play, Loyalties, on a Jewish theme. After seeing him at the theater jammed between two Jewish matrons on a hot evening, wonders if he's having second thoughts. Beyond the royalties it will bring, feels One of Ours advanced her in her writing. W. S. C. [Stout #625]
Appreciates his good words, though they may make the highbrow critics all the more hostile. Is certain the novel is her best technically, and is certain she knew Claude through and through. Hopes he and Mrs. White will visit again when they are in New York. Willa Cather [Stout #629]
Appreciates his wonderful letter. No one else has recognized the Parsifal parallels in One of Ours. Considered using "The Blameless Fool, by Pity Enlightened" on the title page, but finally decided on the line from Vachel Lindsay. He saw it in spite of her reticence. Hopes to see him and Mrs. Johns on a Friday after the first of the year. Willa Cather [Stout #644]
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]
Has not been writing many letters recently, except to family and to friends of Isabelle. In December 1937 brother Douglass came to New York to spend her birthday with her. He died on June 13, 1938, age fifty-two, the only joyful and attractive member of the family. On October 10 Isabelle died in Sorrento of nephritis after four-year illness, during which her loving though unreliable husband cared for her. This has been the hardest year of her life. Is enclosing a letter from Jan Hambourg. Please return it, but don't write back. Is worn out with letters about Isabelle. Enjoyed [the picture of ?] Dorothy's two granddaughters. Enjoyed having her two nieces with her at Grand Manan in the summers of 1936 and 1937. Both married this year—as well as three Menuhins! Likes Yehudi's wife. Appreciates receiving Dorothy's new book and will read it soon. Eyes giving her trouble, but what is worse is the trouble of keeping people away who want to come and comfort her. Doesn't want them; wants quiet for reflection. Willa [Stout #1440]
Was ill with influenza from February until end of April. Was in Atlantic City in March, but it rained all the time. Only cheerful spot of entire winter was the presence of Yehudi Menuhin and his wife. Can't get over loss of Douglass and Isabelle. Has been too ill and glum to work. Hasn't even been writing letters. Failed to thank her for the nice cutting board; will keep it at Grand Manan. Wishes to be back at Bank Street and Zoë on Fifth Avenue. P.S.: The current state of the world casts a cloud over everything. Willa [Stout #1452]
