REVISED DRAFT

A Life in the Twentieth Century: Innocent Beginnings, 1917-
1950, the first of Arthur Schlesinger's planned two-volume
memoir, confirms his pre-eminent place as an historian,
commentator and author. It is an insightful and absorbing
account by an acute observer of – and often participant in –
the extraordinary events, movements and personalities that
propelled America to center stage in the first half of the
century. It will surely be one of the definitive histories of
the period.

Okay as is ✓

Edit as indicated ____

DRAFT

The first of Arthur Schlesinger's planned two-volume memoir confirms his preeminent place as an historian, social critic and author. Against the background of his life, he writes as an acute observer of - and often a participant in - the extraordinary events and cultural movements of his time and of the many seminal figures he has known. I doubt there will be a more definitive, insightful and elegant account of America's role in the 20th century anytime soon.

OK as edited

Deadline: August 14 - firm within a couple of days

ssm

HOUGHTON MIFFLIN

Trade and Reference Division

Eric Chinski
Senior Editor

JUL 2 7 2000

July 17, 2000

Henry Kissinger
435 E. 52nd St.
New York, NY 10022

Re: Arthur Schlesinger/A LIFE IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: Innocent Beginnings, 1917-1950

Dear Mr. Kissinger:

I am pleased to enclose an unedited copy of Arthur Schlesinger's A LIFE IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: Innocent Beginnings, 1917-1950, the first volume of his memoirs.

Mr. Schlesinger is, of course, one of our greatest historians and cultural critics. Now, for the first time, he turns his studied eye on his own extraordinary life, which intersects, as you will see, with so many of the momentous events of the twentieth century. We are enormously excited about publishing this important work, and I'm sure that you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.

If you are willing, I hope you might offer a few lines that we could use on the jacket and for other publicity purposes. I am afraid that we have a very tight production schedule, so I would greatly appreciate hearing from you by 14 August, if possible. Thanks so much for your time and consideration—

With all best wishes,

Eric Chinski

Houghton Mifflin Company

215 Park Avenue South

New York, NY 10003

phone 212.420.5873

fax 212.420.5899

eric_chinski@hmco.com

www.hmco.com