AUGUST DERLETH

SAUK CITY, WISCONSIN

15 October 1948

Dear SL,

I sent you yesterday a copy of COUNTRY GROWTH, which is something of mine I like -- I don't like the historical novels. I hope you find in it something to like; I think about half of it is good, and then there is some mediocre stuff. As an "author's pet", it's selling more slowly than anything else I've done!

Sorry to have missed you on the 'phone Friday last. I wanted to suggest a get-together out here at my place, preferably just a small party, possibly John and Kathleen Curry and yourself and a few other people. John suggested that we might manage it when Grant Wood comes to Madison, but that is up to them and their engagements, since I'm willing any time. But I suppose in final analysis it's really up to your engagement-book and your work. If you can see your way to do it, will you fix a date or two (an alternate), and I'll round up the others? I'd like very much to have you out. We could make it a dinner and evening -- all very informal, of course; I do nothing formally because it makes me too damned uncomfortable. The only evenings definitely out for me are Nov 22, 23, and the December 1-13 period inclusive.

Best to you always,