NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONN

23 February 1952

Dearest Bryher:

This has been a busy week and an especially busy day, but I must write you to say what it has meant to me to have your letter, and the feeling of freedom which I have had after been able to discharge these obligation which have been so harassing. I know you know how I must feel; it means straightening the eyes when I look, and feeling that I can breathe. These mean a very great deal; that this should come from you means a very great deal more and in addition. I have been thanking you so constantly that I perhaps find no right words now. I think you understand, anyhow.

This has been a busy day, for it was begun by a telephone call from the nursing home where Susan's uncle has been, saying that he died early this morning. He had a slight stroke a week or so ago, his mind has been becoming so cloudy that he had little idea of anything, and two days ago began a series of heart attacks which sent him to an oxygen tank out of which he never came. We cannot grieve deeply, altho it is always a sad thing to be connected with. Neither of us has had much experience with the necessary arrangements, but Susan has done wonderfully in arranging for services, cremation, interment in New York, telephoning and the like. Her parents are in Florida of course, and cannot come, but perhaps it has been less confusing that way. Quite by intuition I realised yesterday that if the uncle died neither of us really knew much about his life, so I spent a part of the afternoon digging into Yale records and elsewhere to resurrect the skeleton of his biography, so that this morning I could phone the obituary to the local and New York newspapers, and not have on our conscience that he had died unsung.

I have taken the Return from Parnassus to the library, as well as the Maggs package which came in rapid transit, and they will be checked. The whole job there should be done by the end of next week or early in the following.

I have heard indirectly that the book is scheduled now for April, but have heard nothing in the past fortnight from Wolf. I will drop him a note soon to see what has happened. Or perhaps I can call him tomorrow when I have to go down briefly to see a wartime friend, and will let you know later.

The package of letters from Barton and Edith came last week and I shall put them safely with the rest. I did the galleys for Hilda's poems for the Virginia Quarterly and got them off by return mail. They looked fine. I am not sure when the issue will be out.

This is not a proper letter I see. I am exhausted from having written notes to friends of the uncle. I can do better at the beginning of the week, but I did want to send my love and thanks.

if the envelopes hadn't been chock full. I am really serious about this.
The stakes are too great. The bundle with the Pangolin and the "edgehog
arrived safely, with it also the three Arabic notebooks of yours which
delighted me to have in my hands as well as to have as part of the collection.
It is just the thing I need for the feeling of the past. How far it does
put back the interest in all these things, and the pages of your Egyptian
book came back to my mind. Be sure that a copy of that is safely on this
side sometime.

And what about Sands? Wolff is eager to see it as am I. I
cannot wait until it arrives.

The weather has been dreadful here, or alternately springlike
and sublime. Sometimes both in the same day. There is a blizzard and then
a few hours later comes a warm sweaterless sun. But spring will soon be
here.

I must get a my lecture for tomorrow morning.

With the deepest love and gratitude,

N O R M A N

H O L M E S

P E A R S O N

2 3 3 H G S

Y A L E U N I V E R S I T Y

N E W H A V E N · C O N N

9 March 1952

Dearest Bryher:

A letter from Wolff earlier in the week said the publication date for October was April 28th, a little by a good deal later than I had thought it would be, but apparently he hopes for the summer sale as once suggested for it. He also said he was sending up an advance copy in paper binding, but this has not yet come. I called him by phone and asked if he would send you one airmail; he was vague, said he would if they had another copy on hand but that it would soon be ready in finished form. I go to New York this Thursday to talk about distribution for the book, and will check then. I am in two minds about sending you the advance: paper-bounds always look temporary; perhaps you should have your first sight of it in christening robes rather than as a red-skinned puckered-up infant in a doctor's arms. But it marches anyhow.

And now we wait for Sands. Do try to finish it at the latest before the Valentines arrive, because from then on it will be hopeless.

A series of packages have arrived from you, all safely, for which many thanks. Your letters to Hilda (1932) which I dissipated myself to read over, and was engrossed with l'affaire Claire, if you remember it. Hilda must have hung panting between letters to see how things turned out. What has happened to her now, or is she vanished into the Swiss mountain air? Also, in fine shape, the envelope with Usbert's letters, which will go safely into the files; and yesterday the set of George Plank's Butterfly which was quite new to me, and not listed in the bibliography of little magazines of which it was a forerunner. A bookdealer friend happened to be here when I opened it, and was infinitely intrigued and is to look up to see how well known it is. What a lovely thing it is, and of course very much of the manner of ten to fifteen years before in England. I shall guard it with great care, since it is in such immaculate condition. I do think more and more that if George has no particular plans for his papers that they ought to be with yours and Hilda's, and if you ever write or see him you can decide whether it might be mentioned to him. He is very much owed a niche.

The early part of the week, like the last of last week, was filled with the working out of the mystery of who it was who tried to break into my office by the attempt to remove a panel from the door. I had immediately connected it with the mystery of two months ago when, working at my office at the unusual hour of a quarter to seven of a Sunday evening, dark, when some one tried the door, then tried it again, and when I yelled "Come In!" ran with hurrying feet. I after him, and decided that he had had time only to go to the men's toilet, where I followed and found some one

she thinks that the way of redemption towards a professional teacher
is through supreme grades. She would like to, and attempts to, write
poetry, but has less than no talent for it (quite literally) and beyond
a certain point I cannot tell her that it is superb (as she would
like) because it only makes things worse when she quotes my enthusiasm
to teachers who know otherwise and can't publish it in school papers.
At any rate, after a physical examination, she has been this morning
for a first talk with a psychiatrist, and perhaps he can help her.
She is willing, and after a second talk on Wednesday will go back to
school again, and pick up the conversations (I hope) during her
spring holidays. Susan has been reluctant on this score but is now
willing also and perhaps a little relieved. I hope he can help her.
Don't misunderstand me, I don't hold myself guiltless but I do know
that I am helpless. And I often think of some of Pup's efforts to
try to shine in the same line as her two mothers. I am sure it will
work out all right; her older sister had a long period of crise,
particularly aided and abetted by her father while I was in the war,
and she influenced Lizzie enormously as she recognises now. But the
older girl has come out of it very well, and the relationship is fine
now; and perhaps it will work in the younger case too. It is all
terribly complicated, and of course very hard on Susan, who is pulled
in so many ways.

Another busy week ahead, and I shall probably not be able to
write before the weekend. Monday I have to lunch with Arthur Aoestler,
who is speaking to my class on Wednesday and to the Elizabethan Club
that night; Thursday we go to New York for my business and to bury the
ashes of Susan's uncle; Susan has a tea for the English Department on
Wednesday when Lizzie goes back to school; and on Friday six girls
from Smith come for a glee club concert with Yale in which little
Susan is also singing. They will be here two nights.

Pray for us.

Meanwhile we send you our love and hope all goes well with you.
I have just been reading Fitzgerald's * Tender is the Night*, part of
which is laid in Vaud. Do you know it?

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

22 March 1952

Dearest Bryher:

I look at the sheets of barely begun letters to you: one on the 15th, and from then on. Never taken beyond the first apologetic paragraph. And I sigh with the sense of defeat even before beginning, but I have a few minutes at the end of a Saturday afternoon at the office, when even the afternoon has been broken by appointments with students and the like. For it has been a wretchedly busy period since I last wrote you, and likely to keep on so for the next few days until at least midweek when we have a ten day Easter vacation. Only some four or five articles to write during that time, but it will seem like heaven all the same.

I was of course desolate at the errors in the text which had crept in somehow somewhere, and now, as you know, too late to be changed in this printing. But if we have luck and sell out the four thousand we can make the changes in the plate, so if you find more do jot them down for me so that I can make my alterations as well as my apologies. Alas, not having the copy here with me I do not now know whether in each case it was my fault or the fault of the editor in New York; but I can only take the blame on my shoulders. I was in town two Thursdays ago, to finally bury Susan's uncle, or at least his ashes, and saw Wolff then and made some plans about distribution and the like. Now I have a sample of the actually printed dust wrapper as well as the designed paper for the binding; but I am not going to send them on to you because we should have finished copies in a few days now, and I think you should see it as a whole. I found that they had altered the front wrapper text a little from the way I wrote it, but I think it doesn't matter, and it has the advantage of giving slightly more scope for the story. The only alteration is at the end of the first paragraph. They have printed your statement on the back of the jacket, as a guide to readers and reviewers, and I think this works out well. Altogether it should be a handsome job, and I hope you like it.

As for your feelings about the book itself, that it has too little action and too much landscape, I do not take them any more seriously than I do my own comments on my own things once they are finished with. For the landscapes are part of the life and quality of the novel and give it a real distinction and a tone which is incomparable. I still congratulate you with all the warmth I have felt from the beginning.

I saw Marya when I was in, for a moment, and think I made my piece, and we have arranged for a printed copy to go to them immediately it is off the press. Marya actually seemed very well, as did Horace when I talked with him over the phone a few days ago about a conference on the city to be held at Yale, which he is to attend as a feed speaker. He seems to have involved himself in a good many chores, but I am in no position to chide him on that score. But I hope he will concentrate as much as he can on the Whistler. How Marya is coming on I can't tell. Pat seems to have done well at Virginia, is on an honor roll there and has been accepted for what I gather is free training

2

by the American foreign service, and both he and his parents seem to
like that. It will be a financial relief; but I suggested again that
they keep the three thousand separately against his education until it
is actually and formally finished. They still hope to get across again
this summer, and I think it a good idea. They have their house in the
country still, and Marya wondered what they should do with it. I said
I thought they ought to sell it to keep away from the burdens of absentee
landlordism, but to make a separate investment fund with the proceeds
and not use it as ready cash. I can direct them to an investment
councillor who can handle it for them, give them income, and re-invest
any increases in capital. Marya's only idea of savings is the savings
banks, with interest at less than a half of what even a conservative
portfolio will bring.

Lizzie went back to school, apparently relaxed after a couple
of talks with the psychiatrist, took her exams the next day, and had
fallen to pieces by that night. But the psychiatrist had told us to have
her speak only to him, which we did, and she has stayed on until the end
of this next week when she has a fortnight's vacation. Meanwhile she
has written a hysterical letter saying that we are imprisoning her etc.,
and that she must tell us bluntly what is to be done, etc. --which I
take to be an interesting variation of escape in which she reverses the
role of parent to child by somewhat imitating the diuerctions she feels
are given to her. The psychiatrist will say nothing to us, quite liter-
ally speaking only thru his secretary, and I sometimes wonder if he knows
what he is really treating since he speaks of how composed she is. I
suppose I look at it too much as a scholar would, feeling that he ought
sceptically to hear testimony about as well as from, but no doubt he
wishes both to get her story first from her, and secondly to build her
confidence by the assurance that he is not working behind her back. I
am quite worried as to whether she ought really to be allowed to take her
trip abroad, which according to her sister she basically fears because
of the responsibility of being on her own, but that is up to the psychia-
trist I guess. It will, as you say, have to be a long process of re-
training and re-establishment of confidence, and unlike tonsilitis
cannot be removed by an operation. But I can assure that meanwhile it
is torture to us with our fears, and an immense drain on one's emotional
resources. In a way it is lucky that the Connecticut flower show comes
this week, in which Susan is exhibiting, so that she has another direction
toward which to turn her thoughts.

The story of the boy who stole the books has gone into a mist
of obscurity, and I am not sure of what has happened lately--for reasons
which I will explain, but which take a letter in itself. But your idea
was very much what mine was, except that I received absolutely no sympathy
in my wish that they should not simply let things slide. But I must
check on the whole matter. The other victim concerned, in addition to
myself, has been sick so that I could not consult with him.

Your comments on Rita make it quite clear that she is going
through some profound sort of experience, of some sort or another, and
any of your or my conjectures might be a possible explanation. I notice
that Bevan is active again, and this may touch her; there is nothing
quite so stimulating to a defeated candidate as to feel that in a degree
she or he is being a martyr to a cause, even if a new cause has to be
invented for the occasion. I am seriously worried about Rita and her
general relationships, which a prolongation of this sort of thing will
profoundly alter when it gets impossible for former friends to communicate
with her on the old terms; but I worry about her also as a symbol of

3

what may be happening to younger middle-aged England as a whole. I
am so glad that Hilda is out of it; she would find herself less and
less at home. And it may be that with this change, it is now the
States which will be more congenial and that she will wish to take
out her papers again more or less as a gesture. I think it is on
those symbolic terms (intellectual also) that she should act, not
in any terms of expediency for that is not really relevant.

The list for October, as well as Hilda's, will of course
be taken care of. Frequently however publishers do not wish to send
out books to such a list until it is actually published (yours will
be on the 28th April), so you may not hear from the recipients until
long after you have had your copies.

To return to the budget for England, of course it seems to
me that they proceeded in the only possible way. But there are always
howls when the bowl is withdrawn. Rita is simply acting in status of
the opposition.

I am so glad about your new wireless. You know I have been
urging you to succumb for months now; it will mean a lot, and there
is no reason to deny yourself or the others the freedom that comes with
the ability to pick and choose amongst programs as you may wish. No
one will compell you to listen to it; no one, also, will compel you
not to.

I am sorry about Beryl, and wonder what the trouble is. England
will not be easy for her just now. I am of course overwhelmed by the
thought of Waley on skis; he is perennially young.

I shall keep my ears open for anyone likely to be interested
in Kenneth's Capri villa, and will pass on the word to some friends in
New York who might know the right sort of people for it. We will have
to be careful of course; the thought of tenants is always frightening.
I wonder if Kenneth will want to keep on 12th with it. I should
think the ties to Capri might well be shattered a bit by Uncle Norman's
death, and what you describe as his change in manner and tempo. I am
of course pleased to hear it. I thought of him the other day when I
was reading a book on the Negro and the film and saw such praise of
what he had done, with numerous quotations from him as well as one or
two from Robert. I do sometime wish I could see the films, especially
the ones in which Hilda appeared. But I suppose there is only a single
negative of them. If more perhaps one ought to be in the collection of
the Museum of Modern Art, but Kenneth knows about them anyhow and is
probably a friend of Iris Barry.

Ashby's ms, by the way, arrived this morning, and I have written
her a note to acknowledge it. I shall probably not get to it until
next week, but hope to then.

I am still eager for Sands!

27 March

(which is the way the world goes!)

Everything seems to march in regard to Leslie's mask: that is,
the Yale Press wants to see the final text with notes, and there is no
question but that it will be taken by them and published by the Elizabethan
Club. You and I will both feel a share in it; it's rather fun, this way
of helping and pushing buttons to turn on the current in the right places.
Leslie hasn't been in for a fortnight, and I imagine he is still working
on the piece he spoke to you about.

4

Next Tuesday Susan and I go in town for a little cocktail party in your honor, which the Wolffs are giving. We hope to have final copies of *October* by then. Horace and Marya will be there, Marianne, and the pups. Bill Rogers of the Associated Press, Charles Rolo who does reviews for the *Atlantic*, Charles Poore of the *NYTimes*, etc. I hope John will approve. It seems to be the sort of thing which must be done, but probably you will be glad not to be locally available, or I should have to lead Fido to it on a leash and make her heel, and say to her to hold her tail and her ears up like a good show dog. Anyhow we will be gnawing bones in Fido's honor. I will have four copies sent by air (foolish but called for) to you, and get the other list out, but have not settled with them whether they will send other copies now or wait until nearer publication date as some on doing. With your permission I plan to be rather generous in giving out free copies where they can do good. It will help build for the future.

Actually if the book is ready, now that I look at a recent letter from you, I shall send five so that you can give Edith a copy. Do give her my love; I wish so much that she had been coming to this side so that we might have seen her; on her last visit life for me seemed so complicated that I really had no chance to profit, from her being here.

I wondered if you got the Masefield, and would have sent it.
Reviews here were really kind, though perhaps not excited about it. He
seems so much of another generation that he does not seem issuable or
arguable at the moment.

Did I write you that the books are now safely on my shelves at
the house and will wait for your visit next autumn so that you can see
them in their glory. The duplicate cards are being made now, along with
the insurance evaluations, and I will send a set when they are done.
I will take the expenses for cataloguing etc out of the savings account
I have with funds for publishing etc., so there is no need to worry
about that for the moment.

I think in regard to Sylvia's acquaintance who wants to see
Peowulf that we had better wait for a bit (a) until we find out who he
is and what status he has; (b) until we hear from the Wolffs about any
plans they may have for placing October with an English publisher. If
they were successful, you ought not to be coming out with two publishers
in England at the same rough time, especially if one is of a distinct
nature. Tell Sylvia, if you want, for him to get in touch with me; that
will stall the matter off. I do want October to come first, but someday
I do want both Peowulf and Manchester to come out properly in English.

Lizzie is back from school, and seems better. She only arrived
last night so one cannot be sure, but for the immediate moment she wants
to have the right attitude, talks about her summer trip abroad and plans
for the rest of the school year, so we feel for the moment a good deal
relieved. Susan's brother is apparently more often in a coma now, and
we hope the end is really near. It has gone on devastatingly long.

Had better call quits on this letter now, so that it can really
get off today at so very long a last. Have an article on Faulkner, the
literary executorship article, and a review to write during the holiday,
as well as to correct some papers, so I shall be busy. But I will write
after the party on Tuesday. Susan joins in love to you and Hilda; I
shall be writing her within a day or two.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

3 April 1952

Dearest Bryher:

The party for October on Tuesday was a great success! I wish you and Hilda could have been there. I saw the final book for the first time, and perhaps by the time this reaches you you will have had your copies by air mail. I asked Wolff to send along an extra one in the hope that it would reach you while Edith was still there so that you might give her hers on the spot. It does look handsome. The binding and the wrapper were printed from the same stock and on the same inks so that they blend with a particular nuance which I hope Walter will approve of.

I can't say that I remember everyone who was at the
Wolffs. Horace was there, but Marya was ill and could not make it.
I believe she has a virus of some sort. Pup and John were there, with
pictures of Valentine which are to be brought to you and Hilda--and they
both seemed in excellent spirits; Perdita looked particularly handsome
and they were to go on to a belated birthday party for her. Marianne
had been in New London, or somewhere in Connecticut, to see her brother
on some urgent business, but returned to be there at six and was both
radiant and indefatigable. She went everywhere telling people how much
she liked the book, copies of which were laid on the tables, and she is
to review it for the New York Times. Charles Rolo who does the column
for the Atlantic was there; Max Gissen of Time Magazine (with whom I
discovered links in the past which will I hope be links for the future
of the book); Charles Poore of the N.Y. Times; Bill Rogers of the
Associated Press, who is an old friend of mine; Bob Cantwell of Newsweek;
Mary Marshall of the Nation; Belle Rosebaum of the Tribune, etc etc.
The Wollfs really pulled in the lions, and now I shall keep my fingers
crossed in the hope that they will, at least some of them, run reviews.
I hardly saw Horace, who had to leave early, but I know what praise he
has for the book, and I can only repeat that Marianne was superb.

Susan's brother died in Florida on Saturday, at last. Her
sisters went south for the funeral there, but since there were memorial
services in New Haven, Susan stayed here to represent the family at them.
The services were early Tuesday afternoon, and we took the train immediately
afterwards for the party in New York. It was exhausting, but took our minds
off the brother. Fortunately he had seemed only to sleep for the last
twenty-four hours of his life, and simply stopped breathing in his sleep
at the end. "e are of course releaved that the end has come; the tragedy
happened long since when we knew that he could not live long, and even that
only in agony.

I have been working away during this free week, and have
written one indifferent review and an article on Faulkner's *Light in August*,
which I sent off last night. Tomorrow I have to go to New York in the
morning, but will return early to start finishing the article on literary
executorship which I should have had done by the weekend. Today is little
Susan's twenty-first birthday, and we will have a little family fete tonight.

Susan joins in love.

A separate sheet, in case you want to show the rest of the letter to Hilda. I shall try to make some arrangements for something *for* of hers for publication, but I am always a little worried and made unsure by the constant pressure from Horace and Marya that we must hold off Hilda's prose as being bad for her local reputation; and that even the poetry must be very sparingly issued in order to maintain the idea that each thing of hers is a jewel worked over lapidarily for years. I think they don't quite approve of the number of poems I have placed already. My own opinion is -- but I want your frank opinion, as we have always managed to give it to each other --that Hilda's personal satisfaction is more important a consideration for us than too great a restraint from fear of what the public will think. Reputations of literary persons seem in the long run usually to take care of themselves anyhow. Since I like her prose, I do not feel quite as the Gregorys do, and I am made a little less sure of their judgment after seeing their pleasure when they thought Covici might persuade her to do her memoirs. I do not want to tackle Wolff on Hilda just at the moment, until we get Sands arranged for. Normally they don't publish with subsidies, and I don't want to rush them into thinking I am using them.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

5 April 1952

Dearest Bryher:

It is April but I have been spending the day with
October. The Wolffs wanted a statement on it from me as a teacher
for calling attention to it in certain circles quite apart from
the normal trade ones; writing a number of letters about it to
friends to whom I am sending it with my compliments; and sending
to them the lists of those to whom you wish it to go with yours.
Tell Hilda that I have sent off her list also, and will bill her
later. I let you send it to Harold Doolittle and Frau since I
thought they might particularly like to have it from you.

A few queries about possible additions to your list
of recipients "with the compliments of the author." Don't you
think we ought to send a copy to George Plank; he would be pleased
I know. Also Robert, so that it would be there when he returns
from South Africa, or I can ship airmail there. Also shouldn't Adrienne
have one of her own; what about the typist who did it? Martita?
And all things considered, I should think Rita who probably does not
understand what the book is about but might be hurt--I think of the
past. Similarly René, since he is still partly in your employ, or
I could as from me. Melitta, despite the dedication? And both Osbert
and Edith; certainly I could send to Renishaw as from me, if you
don't wish to, but they have to you. It is so to speak within the
royal family.

Your annoyances by letter are confounding, but I suppose
the things will never cease. I am glad to know about Thies; those
sort of people are bound to turn up in my attention, and I daresay
much better that I should know now rather than have to dig in the dark
later. After all it is a protection if ever needed.

I am glad Plank is having a chance to be out with you all.
Hilda will enjoy seeing him. I had almost forgotten Hester, not having
heard of her for so long. She has real perceptions.

As for Sands, keep working on it but don't strain for the
effects, but I do think as you do that the death scene can have lines
laid to it so that it misses no effectiveness dramatically and stands
no chance of missing the point.

I look forward to the Masefield (his copy has gone off by
air), not having bought it here.

Lizzie seems somewhat solider, but not eager to go back to
the psychiatrist which is too bad but we cannot force her as an analysis
on those terms seems too much a conspiracy. However she seems to have
no thoughts now of not finishing out the year of of not going abroad
this summer. We keep fingers crossed.

All love from us both,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

10 April 1952

Dearest Bryher:

Wolff wrote today to say that five copies had gone to you by air and five more by surface. I don't quite know why the second five, but I daresay they will be useful. You can send one to me: I should love to have a copy. Others have gone as ordered, mostly from you, to which I added a few with my own card. Unfortunately the copy to Masefield was addressed only to him, as per your instructions--or at least your instructions said only that you wanted John Masefield to have one by air. So why don't you write him, say there was a slip-up and you had intended it for both. I don't suppose, however, that it matters.

There were highly complicated instructions from Wolff regarding our state of affairs. As I told you, there were some extra rolls of paper so it seemed better to print them up, altho only binding part of the edition. So as for the moment I am proprietor of 2500 bound copies and 2200 unbound sets of sheets. To do this I have to pay some three hundred dollars more than originally expected, but there is money enough in the savings account for it, and if by some chance the book should go well then we would come out much better. You will be aghast at the optimism, and we will see. The Wolffs really do believe in it, and she especially is working night and day to pull wires etc to help it. There are still some letters etc to write about it, but soon we can sit back and watch what happens. .... And then to bands as soon as you send it on.

I was sorry to hear about Doris; I daresay all this gastric flu etc which besieges her is a souvenir of the war and post-war and all the dietary problems. What Plank says about the overworked state of the doctors is seconded on every hand. A close friend of mine, a doctor, said that what was even worse was that they were so tired with normal day by day chores that nothing preventative could be done in advance of the crisis, so many suffered who need not otherwise have done so, simply because rules say nothing can be done until the worst happens.

Lizzie did hold back, as I wrote you, but I did push push push Susan until she did just a little pushing and Lizzie saw the psychiatrist and felt better after doing so and will see him once again before going back to school. I am glad because it doesn't break the continuity even if there is no intense self-examination.

Glad you agree about Hilda. I feel of course as you do. I am afraid there is perhaps a little gulf between Horace and myself, quite naturally because I do not always follow and he is right to feel himself and his judgments right. But he is not always in a position to understand some of the human as well as critical problems involved in matters, and it is at those moments where I have to go on my own. But perhaps when you see them this summer you will be able to get a better slant on it. Only do not praise to him my critical articles because that would seem to be a comparison, even though none would be intended. Better to keep off that subject.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON
233 HGS
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN·CONN

20 April 1952

Dearest Bryher:

What a split-point timer you are! Susan and I went to New York on the 12th to see *Parsifal* at the Met., as the guests of some friends; and went I went down to the office on my birthday (even the Sunday) there was the envelope with your present as well as a birthday letter from you. I was grateful for them both, infinitely grateful, as I always am for your friendship and your confidence. Easter Day itself was cold and always on the verge of a shower--at least that morning when we went to church. Everyone wore fur coats instead, or over, easter gowns, but were so thankful not to be dowsed that it made little difference. "because it was also a nice's birthday, we went to the shore for a picnic with the families of the four sisters, ate in the kitchen of the big house, and then because it cleared a little most of them played softball on the playing field. Altogether it was a particularly nice way to spend a birthday.

The week before that, and this week which has just passed, have been crowded at every moment, particularly with the interviews I had to have with college sophomores who were planning their major field of study and had to make out schedules. From morning until six at night there were usually four or five waiting, and I could hardly stir from my chair. But eighty new students definitely entered the American Studies major, which pleases all those connected with this new department (I am in charge of the undergraduate program). The seniors held a vote as to which was the most valuable course each had at Yale, and it was pleasant to be a close third in the vote, with the remainder far behind. There have been other events at night, such as the undergraduate newspaper banquet, so that I have hardly drawn a free breath. Today is heavenly outside, and almost like summer. Susan has gone to the shore to garden, but I am spending the day at the office in a desparate effort tidy up before next week begins. And what a week! Wednesday there is to be a large lecture given by the Fundits, which I must introduce, have a little cocktail party afterwards, and then entertain the speaker --a young novelist named Louis Auchincloss at dinner. That same night, alas, Horace is coming to speak at a Civic Planning Convention --on whose committee I nominally am--and I fear I shall not see him unless at the tail end. I have written him about it, since I was responsible for his coming, and asked him if he wanted to spend the night. All of Thursday will have to go to the second day of the program, since I can do nothing on the first. Friday and Saturday nights are also taken. The following week comes the New England Conference of the College English Association, of which I am president, and by a thorough use of the phone I have been trying to get that program in shape with the local chairman in Hartford where it is to take place. Williams is one of the speakers whom they have got; it will be a little embarrassing for me but cannot be helped. However I tremble a little. Then the following week, I think, comes the entertainment of Hotton, which I have to arrange and so it goes. Also a banquet address to the seniors, which they have chosen me for, so I cannot back out, tho I tried to.

I am so happy that you liked the book-making of October. It seems to be quite successful--perhaps the title on the back is a little large in lettering but on the whole it is fine. I bought a number of copies to give away, and have been writing letters about them. One went to a friend, Wallace Noteslein, a famous parliamentarian historian, fellow of All Soul's etc., who will read it next week on his crossing. His wife, equally known as a former president of Radcliffe picked it up however and he says could not put

it down until she finished it. A rare tribute from her. But I feel sure
there will be many like her, in the long run. I shall send it to New York
the additional list of copies for abroad. I shall write Edith shortly, once
she has had time to get settled. I of course will be infinitely happy to
have the proof copy of the book from you; I half jested when I wrote, but
there is no jest in my gratitude.

I spoke to John by phone just before he left, and he had told me
the sensible plans for flying on with Valentine and then leaving him while
they take their trip. Much much better to do it that way. John had inquired
earlier about the possibility of helping out one of his clients, an Maestine
Evans of no very great literary repute but probably deserving, and I had to
settle that matter. I dare say he will tell you about it. If it had meant
anything in the way of a precedent I should not have been interested, but
precedents are not meaningful since the foundation will be officially closed
soon. I have just written to Rene today, and will let you know when I hear.

I was sorry about Rita's father, but delighted that he eyes are now
on the Conservatives, or at least on a Conservative. It will be a secret joke
for us if the effect is as we suspect. As for Doris, it will be important for
you to check thoroughly on the matter when you get to England. She should
certainly not permit it to go on without a thorough checking. George I presume
is better. But Kenneth will have to watch out. How many people seem afflicted
at this time. Don't send the Circe which George gave you. It is ultra rare,
quite impossible to come on, but by rare luck I have a copy as well as the other
which the Clerk's Press, in Cleveland, put out. Perhaps eventually Pup should
have it.

Robert's adventures are exciting of course. Let me know whether you gave him a copy or if I should have one sent to him at Chelsea. Philip is lucky to survive. The french line has an absolutely appalling reputation, though perhaps the statistics would not bear it out.

As for summer, I have been going over everything and involvements
carefully for some time, so as not to write until it seemed clear. In first
place is the fact that we are expecting you and Hilda this autumn. Second
the quite incredible things that have to be done. I have still not had a chance
to finish the literary executorship article, even working nights. Then there
is a little introduction to the Pound bibliography; then Fletcher's anthology
which is still in my desk drawer; then an introduction to Cooper for Random
House, an article on Cincalir Lewis, and above all and before all the Hawthorne
letters. I have hired a very able student to assist me, and have my old assistant
also if I employ her, and I'd like to break the back of the edition if humanly
possible. Then of course family: little Susan had originally expected to go
abroad to Florence to do music; a great group of them, but split up and no longer
possible because the chaperones are now divorced, and Due has split up with the
music student she thought she was in love with. I think it is indicated that
I take her and her mother for a week somewhere in the car, which will be more
holiday that I can afford until the Hawthorne is out of the way. I have been
able to do so little with family this winter that I cannot seem to run off in the
summer. Lastly, and as a pleasure for me, will be whipping the Dands thru the
press, once I get the manuscript of it from you. Wolff is eager, and I should
not like to have to do it in a hurry in the winter, even if publication is
actually delayed. Also I must put my mind to the next book from Hilda's pen,
and that will mean going over her manuscripts again most carefully, both for
the book and for perhaps a few stories which I might place. You and I have much
business to catch up on, but so much better done here with the papers et al
immediately at hand. If you were not coming over in the fall it would be dif-
ferent, but since you must for many reasons besides me, it will be wonderful to
know that we can clear them up then.

Lizzie went back to school seeming quite like her old self, and much
more balanced, but did give us an infinite surprise and something of a shock

when she wrote within a couple of hours of returning to school that she and a sixteen year old local boy (fortunately of a good enough family) were in love and engaged, that he was with his parents permission (!) giving her a ring at her graduation (he is only a third year man in preparatory school) and that they wished the engagement to be announced then or after her return from Europe. She of course is eighteen and legally does not need our permission, but I am little surprised at the boy who has five years to go. Fortunately their "plans" do not include marriage for three years, she says. Well, there is nothing to do but be polite about it, though it is difficult to be enthusiastic except as it seems to have given her a new seriousness. There is still a good deal of the old phantasy escape in this pretending to be adult, but it does have the value of possible translation into adult behavior. Her second letter puts off the possible announcement until December. Who knows but what it will not have to be then. I am thinking only of the embarrassment to her, which she can hardly realize, in regard to the age of her fiancee. Anyhow we have not had hysteric about it, and if it did last for three years or so there is no reason why it would be improper. But there is always the possibility of things reaching other kinds of hysteria during the summer, which is still a third reason for keeping close at hand.

I must stop now and begin to prepare my lecture and classes for tomorrow. Tomorrow always hangs heavy over my head.

Susan joins in love,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONN

26 April 1952

Dearest Bryher:

Valentine will be with you when this arrives, and I
shall not expect many letters for some time to come. Unless it
rests you to slip away at moment to scratch the paws of Fido across
the keys and let out a lone woof across the waters. But the arrange-
ment seems eminently sensible, and I hope you live thru it.

Edith's letter of course is like a knighthood, and I
bow from the waist to you in homage. Of one thing one can be certain:
she would not have expressed herself this way had it not been aus dem
herz, and from her mind also, and from her sense of inviolable integ-
rity. Of course I like it particularly because it so coincides with
Susan's feelings and my own.

I enclose the first two reviews I have seen (or rather
will enclose them tomorrow when I can actually get copies, having but
glanced them over ahead of time.) Marianne's pleases me very much;
the Elisabeth Dunn, who is a professor of English at Smith, and has
written on Shakespeare--why this choice by the Trib I don't know!--
seems not to understand the firm emotional line which is the real line
of the novel rather than outward events, but it never occurred to
either of us that it was confused, and still doesn't. The real tribute,
I suppose, is that the two leading American papers reviewed it as of
its immediate publication, and that is a complete triumph! Usually
reviews wait for weeks and then get crowded into the back amongst long
pages-full of similar notices. Merrill Moore wrote me a nice letter
about the book and is writing a review of it which he hopes to put into
a Boston paper. He seemed very enthusiastic, and knowing how busy he
is with his cases I take it as a tribute to an angel that he should
feel he wanted to write about it. I will send it along if he succeeds.

This has been a busy week. "Wednesday the Yale Pundits,
an undergraduate club founded in 1881, had their annual lecture to
which we invited a young author named Louis Auchincloss to speak on
the writing of novels. There was the lecture, entertaining him before,
then a largish cocktail party for him afterwards, then a dinner given
him by the Pundits, after which I hurried to the art gallery where
Horace had finished speaking, but took him to a club for a drink and
to catch an eleven o'clock train for New York. The next morning at
nine I had to start the day-long series of lectures on the second day
of the conference on civil art, on whose committee I was, and didn't
finish that until after eleven the next night. I still feel somewhat
weary, but take advantage of a rainy day to work at the office and
clear away accumulations, as well as make more or less final preparations
for the convention of the College English Association next Saturday, of
which I am president.

I had an excellent conversation with Horace and we went
into so many matters about his situation that I think I can clarify
Marya's letter a good deal, even to dismissing much of it. She has had
a virus, which takes time to get over and is therefore somewhat exhausted.
As to finances they are not in bad shape, comparatively speaking. Pat's
education is to be paid for mostly by the government since he was

2

accepted for their foreign service training program, and the 3000 which
we turned over from the foundation for his last two years will clear
all other expenses I should think. Horace has not drawn any advances
for his Whistler, which Random House is to bring out this fall, and he
should do well with such a go-getter firm once the book appears. He has
a new tenant with a lease for their house in the country, and is putting
in an oil furnace for them and will have a better rent therefore. As
Marya often says to me she has faced such poverty that she feels she
must live in the fear of it, putting away dimes lest Horace spend them
rather as a good peasant woman will put down turnips against the winter.
This is eminently sensible and must have taken them across some rough
corners, but one has to take it into account at any particular moment.
That is why, at the last crisis, we went over accounts bit by bit. The
true reason for not going to Italy is that Horace is hurrying to finish
the Whistler, turn in the manuscript and read proof on it so that it
can come out before another Whistler biography by some Englishman which
is announced for later in the fall. Random House insists and Horace
likes it, so he arrived for his lecture one half hour before it took
place and left by the first following train. Too many doctors bills
may play a part but they are not the reason, just as with Hotson it is
a matter of wanting to finish writing what he got the last time before
he adds new material to it. To return to Horace he also has a contract
for doing some classical translations, which excites him immensely.
He will be angry at Edmund Wilson's recently published memoir of Edna
't. Vincent Millay, where he quotes Millay at going into hysteria at
reading Horace's translations of Catullus. This is absurd, if she
actually did shudder so much as he reports, but it will not help the
atmosphere.

I enclose a note to John, which I wish you would forward to
the proper address. I think I wrote you about his aged client, and
Gene's office agrees that it is an appropriate way to use some of the
odd final dollars. They have also approved the Aiken award and I will
send it to him. I got Stevens opinion on this, and he heartily
approved. We had waited however to see whether a young poet named
Richard Wilbur received a Guggenheim, and had he not I should have given
him the money instead. But it will be a godsend to Conrad, and should
buck him up no end. When you come in the autumn we can lay plans for
any future actions.

I shall be eager to know about Willy Maugham's visit and its
purpose. Perhaps it will be Authors'? Do let me know.

Susan joins in deepest love,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

50 April 1952

Dearest Bryher:

I enclose your latest triumph,—and it is a real triumph!

When I found that October was appearing on the same day as the new volume of Boswell's journals and Herbert Hoover's memoirs, I gave up hope of your making the daily Times; for they review only six books a week as against the large number in the weekly book section. You did not beat Boswell, but you did beat the ex-president, and I enclose the trophy. I hope John and Walter will be impressed. Seriously I do think it a very good review indeed, and I am sincere in saying that it is an honor. My last collection, for example, was completely passed over by the daily. And it will help. Lewis Mumford came to see me today, saw the book on my office table, said he had read the review this morning. I gave him the book. Leslie came in later in the day, said he had read the one by Marianne on Sunday, and then affirmed my feelings about today's.

Yesterday the third folio arrived, a really beautiful copy, tall and with almost no repairs. I am no expert but I should say that it is a distinguished copy. In getting it did you turn in the other copy of the third which you had had in England, or is this in addition to the one you had before. If I recall correctly you had one which Edith used, then a second, and now the present one. The third is, as you know, the most difficult to come by, and I think you have done well. Send the bill when it reaches you, and I will put it with the other. A letter from Maggs today speaks of their sending a Farquhar, Inconstant and a Hentzner Travels, which I shall put with the others. Leslie of course is a devotee of Hentzner, and I shall have to read it. He spoke of your having given him a copy, and that he has gotten several things from it for a new book.

He showed me today the page proofs of his latest, on the Motley, which looks interesting. He had had to put in a device so as to keep it from seeming to read "Shakespeare's Motley Leslie Hotson." We made a few more plans for the production of his "entertainment" on May 15th. I cannot really start to work on it until next week after the College English Association meeting is over. I seem to be able to concentrate on only one thing at a time.

I agree with you that Lizzie's jump into an engagement is a part of the general situation and has much fantasy about it. However it is a fantasy which will entail some responsibilities and perhaps in that way may draw her back to earth. No, I am not against analysis; only that if it is to be effective it must be done willingly; and if she feels a tension between herself and Susan and me as parents I want the conversations to seem other than another part of that tension, or the compulsions which I suspect she feels are infra dig to her supposed adulthood at eighteen. So we manoeuvred her into going twice of her own accord during the last vacation, and she will go again for several times before she leaves on her trip abroad, and I hope afterwards. The analyst, or psychiatrist, still has gotten into no communication with us, so I wish to give Lizzie the assumption that this is something between him and her, rather than a triangle. Or at least I can only presume that that is the way he wishes it to be. It would be easier if we knew, but he has ignored the one or two requests we made for guidance on what we should do.

Susan joins in love,

in Florida. Fortunately he had been able to get back to New Haven, but had
had to go immediately to the hospital and no one expected him to recover.
It is very hard on his wife who was devoted and has few other interests;
but she seems to take it well so far. Fortunately there were plenty of
relatives this time to arrange things, and all Susan and I had to do was to
attend the funeral on Thursday. It was a little ghoulish, since I had
to ride in front car of the funeral procession immediately behind the
hearse, and then stand at the widows right as they had the interment
services at the cemetary, but she held up nicely and I had no faintings on
my hand.

You will perhaps have heard that Marianne received the Pulitzer
Prize for poetry. This is her year! I think a note from you, of congratu-
lations might be in order. I am sorry that Horace didn't get it, and I
think he hoped he might--but who wouldn't. Anyhow his book has served to
bring him back to notice. Did you ever get a copy of it? Let me know so
that I can send it if possible.

Alas, I don't see how I can get over this summer. When Susan went
last year I promised to take her somewhere for a week this summer, and for
most of the time I have signed up an assistant to help me tear away at the
Hawthorne letters. And I have too many articles to do. I am sending one
by surface which just came out. An obscure magazine, but I wrote it as a
favor for the editor to help him.

All love from us both as always. Tell the dentist to be careful
with my Fido's fangs. I want her capable of gnawing bones when she comes
over next autumn.

3 June 1952

Dearest Bryher:

I shall not really be emerging from the underworld into full
view now: it will take too immense a period of time to wipe out the silences
of these past few weeks, in which I simply staggered from moment to moment
in the chaotic frenzy of the last of the college year. I shall not start
by a catalogue of duties done or to have been done or to be done, and I cer-
tainly cannot try to get the recent past into one letter -- but SCHOOL IS
OUT, more or less, and you will receive a topical correspondence until I am
caught up.

Things I hope begin to quiet down for you. I was delighted
with the accounts of London and our Edith, be-turbanned with dark glasses.
What particularly delights me about her is her capacity for enjoying the
full possibilities of every moment; she has a childlike actresslike ability
to build countless new lives for herself. And it all seems to turn out
quite nicely. As for Osbert I am really disturbed by the reports of his
condition. I know it so well from what it has done to Eugene O'Neill, and
it is a tragic situation made doubly tragic in his case by his macabre wife.
One worries about Osbert in terms of who will stand by him properly, to en-
courage him and let him make the most of what he could certainly continue to
do in many ways. But Osbert of course is proud, and pride isn't a good
companion for this condition. Nor can I quite believe that David will be
altogether good for him under the circumstances; but of course you know this
situation far better than I do.

Your reference to Maggs reminds me that I have made no report
on your shelves lately. The cataloguing, save for a few items since, including
the third folio, has been completed, and I have paid the cataloguer for what
was a very professional job indeed. Then I have had the cards photostatted,
so that there is the original set plus two copied sets. I thought I would
keep one copy at Goodrich Street for quick reference there, the original set
at my office in case of fire, and the third set is for you if you want me to
send it to you, surface, in Switzerland. I await your decision on this.
Stonehill has seen the books and will be making the American valuations of
them next week, for insurance purposes, and in the autumn I shall take out
the necessary insurance additional to what I already carry. I will not do
it now since in a week I shall be putting the books in the bank vault for the
summer. We do it anyhow for our silver, and it will only require one extra
box from the bank. I would not want to leave them alone in the house while
they are vacant. Since I wrote you last, the Nash volume from Stonehill has
been delivered, and when I receive the volumes you picked up from Maggs on
this last trip I will have the third, the Nash, the one or two other Maggies
recently come, and these new ones catalogued and added to the files. So I
think this matter is now in pretty good shipshape.

Having finished the worst of dissertations, examinations,
graduate papers etc., I found myself too limp to settle down as I should on
the literary executorship article which must be done instanter, and so I
spent two pleasant days with my filing cabinets really putting your papers
and Hilda's into proper shape. Everything of course had been safely stored
but not really ordered into folders etc. Now the three drawers gleam. I
shall inventory them shortly, and send you a list so that you can have it to

2

refer to. There are still some gaps in the files of letters from you to Hilda, as you know, but I rather suspect that most from Hilda to you are here. But, for example, there are none from her to you for 1926 and very few from early 1927. Generally speaking the earlier ones are pretty scanty, but in many instances this is probably because you were together and therefore had no need for correspondence. When you think that all the letters are here, then I shall re-read them carefully and call on you to help me draw out a dramatis personae of pet names etc when I do not recognize them. But this can wait for the moment, certainly until Sands is finished and you can relax from visitors etc.

Hilda's drawer is in good shape, and I have started already to re-read everything there so that I can take some action on it. I have had a letter from a boy I know who has just gone to the Atlantic Monthly as a special editor asking if he could see some of Hilda's short prose. I seriously have my doubts that it will be in the Atlantic manner but I have sent him three to look at anyhow. But have, nevertheless, said nothing to Hilda about this until I see the results. But I will shortly know where I do stand, and can make plans about trying to get some book published. It is all somewhat complicated of course. The other big step for her during the summer is to work away at the situation with Liveright, whose contract for the collected poems seems to be expiring, and I want to get that away from them and into other hands. I may need a lawyer for this, but presume you will authorize me to go ahead with getting an able one to handle the matter for me. It will take some doing because Liveright is rather a nasty bunch.

Wolff will have sent you the excerpts from the reviews, and I have authorized them to use five hundred dollars for cautious advertising on the basis of these. This sum will come out of royalties and therefore needs nothing extra from you for it. I think it's only fair to them to let them do this, and the reviews of course have been unusually good for what is in rough fact a "first book" for the American audience. It will help also to keep the way paved for Sands. I had not seen many of these reviews, and will want to look at them when I get to New York next. I'll get photostats of them for you if he hasn't sent you the originals. I enclose a clipping from this last Sunday's *Times* with OCTOBER listed under "And Bear in Mind." This is a real cachet, more so than you probably will realize, for it is the Times' way of balancing the sheer commercialism of the normal sales. I hope that some will be attracted by this special attention, but whether or not they are attracted the listing is a real honor for you.

A letter arrived from you today, saying that Sands was on its way by surface. Naturally I am pleased, and especially so because it comes during the summer when I work on it without so much hurrying. I will try to watch the matter of commas, and in any event we will not be so rushed as we were last time. Actually it is short enough so that I think that if it's necessary to have it typed over again, it might as well be done here. But we will see what the estimates for it would be. I shall hold conferences with Wolff as soon as it comes. A letter from Wolff said he might be seeing you in September if he went across. I hadn't realised he was going; did you do it. At any rate, even if he does go, I think it is absolutely indicated that you may a trip this side. Football games of course; the matter of the ms.; the questions of whom we shall help and how (if) now that the foundation will be non-existent; the possible question of taking the collected Hilda from Liveright, etc etc. Walter will just have to be patient, and Hilda also. Fido must wag her tail in an American kennel once in a while even though we promise not to exhibit her in a show.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

5 June 1952

Dearest Bryher:

With another little spot of leisure at hand, perhaps I dare
try for another installment of catching up on the past few weeks.

The check from Barsis arrived safely at my hand, and will be
deposited to the publishing etc account. I acknowledged its arrival to him.

I am glad Leslie's MOTLEY arrived safely to you; or, rather,
since that is a silly way of my putting it, that you have seen a copy. It is
not out on this side, tho he had told me of its publication in England and
said that he had sent you a copy. I daresay it will arrive. If you happen
to be writing your British bookseller will you have him send me one so that
I can comment to Leslie on it. The last issue of the T.L.S. had the backpage
devoted to a short article by him on the function of stage-keepers on the
Elizabethan stage. Do you see the TLS or would you like me to send you mine?
I think it very good, and he was kind and mentioned a suggestion I had made
to him in connection with it. He was in on Monday before setting out on the
next day for Sorrento, Maine (what a name!), and handed me the manuscript of
the "entertainment" by Lyly, which the Elizabethan Club here is to publish for
him. I think he has done a good job with it, and liked his introduction. On
the whole he is not so eager in his claims as he used to be, which I take as
an indication that his desparation is somewhat subsiding, thanks to you. I
think it works out very well. He is producing prodigiously and no one can say
that he sleeps on the job. Mary will not permit him to, anyhow. "We are going
to keep at work, aren't we, Leslie!" she kept saying at dinner when at last we
met her at the time when the entertainment was presented. The two of them had
dinner with Susan and me after the party; a sitter had been provided for the
aunt, and we had a good chance to become altogether acquainted. I think Leslie
approved of the way the boys put it on: it had rained the day before and all
morning, but quite miraculously cleared so that the several hundred guests could
stand on the lawn of the Elizabethan Club to watch it. A fine lad directed it
and took the chief part, resplendent in a white satin elizabethan costume, The
president of the club took Dr Caesar's part with great aplomb; there was a lovely
and stately girl from the Drama School as the Great Lizzie; there were three
musicians playing actual antique instruments as prelude; and altogether it was
a huge success. Leslie could not have been nicer to the boys, and made great
pains to compliment them. The club has been a little in the doldrums, and this
was a great occasion for them also. Everything looked fine: Susan took infinite
pains with the flowers, which were everywhere as be fitted a May Party.

They hope to be in Maine for some weeks, and I shall perhaps,
depending on circumstances, let him read thru the Sands quickly; but mostly
because it would please him to think he was helping you. He might just catch a
little detail somewhere in the manuscript; otherwise (commas etc) I should only
be glad of his general impression. I might let Prouty do the same and for the
dame reason. It does please people like them to think they play a little part.

It was horrifying to read about Doris' false diagnosis. Everything now seems to scheme against the thoroughness in medical affairs on which all of us used to depend. Of course the States are perhaps too insulin-minded, but really I do think that nothing else has been developed, and this plus a proper diet has kept people like Susan's aunts going for many years and quite in normal shape. As for the diet she simply must face this, as well as the insulin.

2

I simply warn you that she will be careless about it at first, as all are; have
one or two breath-taking and frightening experiences because of her lapses, and
then settle in. It is great fortune however that she did not die meanwhile.
Really, they might have suspected something like this and tested for it; but this
is the curse of the overworked system now in GB, and precisely what my own doctor
friends in England warn me happens over and over again. Nothing is done until
it is needlessly late, and then all the damage has to be repaired.

As for Osbert, alas, there really does seem to be nothing discovered
which is of any help; although (sometimes I think alas) it does not seem to kill
anyone. The psychiatric condition is what is so apalling, and no one seems to
do much about these effects. Mrs O'Neill (this is quite private) only bears down
on her husband and assures him that he cannot and must not do anything; so he
simply sits and looks at the sea. One must invent work at the beginning until the
patient regains confidence enough to invent things for himself which he can do.
Perhaps Osbert really could learn to dictate, by going over the results carefully
afterwards; at least he might do more for authors' Club and the like. But his
temper will be frightful meanwhile, and perhaps it is as well for Edith to keep
at a distance. As I wrote you before, my only worry is David. Actually I think
Robert in the long run would be more helpful, but of course this would be at
Robert's own expense, and I gather that he is trying to find something for himself
still. What did happen to the Shakespeare? The new dog is nice but perhaps not
entirely sufficient.

It is good news that Gerald Henderson has something, though I wish
it could absorb all his time. But whatever he does he will do well.

There has been too much politics on this side for me to pay much
attention recently to GB, so your notes on that were most helpful. I shall
write you a "political" letter soon, but that is an errand in itself and I shall
not weigh down this letter by that extensive topic. Eisenhower is back, gave a
rather footless first speach, but I dare say he will catch on. One tends to be
rather in opposition to certain people than for others.

To pick up another letter from you, I haven't the slightest idea
about the Salvation Army, but will write to Wolff and tell him to do what is
best. I never heard of giving copies to them, but suppose there is no harm in
it if it doesn't start a precedent. I certainly don't see the music school in
Illinois, unless there is some particular personal reason on Hilda's brother's
part. But she has not yet written me about it. Better always refer such matters
to me.

Osbert's book arrived today, and thanks for sending it. I shall hope
to read it shortly. This caught me off guard; I had not realized it was coming
out.

Your letter of the 3rd arrived just after lunch today. It is very
exciting to think that Elsie might come out. Do tell her we long to have her,
and of course she must come up for overnight and a look at the shore, also a
peak at a village or two such as we did when Hilda was here. Susan will be most
pleased when I tell her tonight.

The only thing is—which has nothing to do with Elsie's coming, that
I do think you *must* come. There are really so many details to go over which
letters simply won't take care of. Elsie will have helped the Valentines to
move—which is very important, and can take care of Walter and all for a fortnight
for you in October. I think of such matters as Hilda's book to be taken from
Liveright; the filing cabinets here; the Sands and its commas, etc etc. Maybe
you should answer the nice old man from Hollywood and try out as assistant script
writer there. Anything to get you this side.

My desk begins vaguely to be cleared, with the chance to read some-
things besides graduate theses etc. I had three lengthy doctoral dissertations to

3

read. A fair one on Henry James's use of the fine arts in his novels; a pretty good one on Ford Madox Ford; and a very pathetic one on D.H. Lawrence's technique of fiction, which did not use enough evidence, interpreted badly what it examined, and did not know the previous literature on the subject. Then two long undergraduate senior theses on judicial review by the Supreme Court. One 550 page study of Stieglitz's first forty-five years: repetitive but not uninteresting. Etc etc.

Lizzie has been having troubles again, and the school called up a fortnight ago to say we must come and get her and straighten her out again. She went back after a couple of days and more visits to the psychiatrist, but it is wearing. Her graduation from school comes this weekend, with only two more days to go before it. It is not certain she will graduate, but I hope she will have passed her exams. Not that graduating per se means anything, but at least it will have been a hump. This time the blow-up came when the parents of the boy (or rather his father, who does not seem to have been au courant even to the presentation of the ring) laid down the law about a public announcement of the engagement. I agree, but do wish he had done nothing for the two weeks before Lizzie's graduation. We held a most disagreeable discussion on the phone, in which I fortunately held my tongue at various remarks I might have made, and the thing seems to have settled down again. Fortunately Lizzie wants still to make her summer trip abroad, on which she sails on the 18th, and this should be a good thing for her. She wants to stay home next year, she says so she can be real friends with us but more or less admits so she can be next door to the boy. This would be catastrophic for him and his school work, and I think she has come to see this, so we are looking for some junior college for perhaps two years. It is all very confused, and one cannot say whether there is any real progress or not. But we agree with you that it is a long painful process and one cannot expect miracles overnight. What disturbs me most is her inability to stand on her own feet, which can of course in the long run be disasterous. But she has more appointments with the psychiatrist before going and he will perhaps get to know her better and what it is he is treating. He does not ask us questions, or answer the few we have dared to write him asking whether it is all right for her to go abroad etc. I suppose this is right, but it seems somewhat unscientific not to check at all on the data or even to give us hell.

Susan joins in love to you all. We had such a wonderful set of photographs of the Valentine mailed from New York. So tell erdita and John how glad we were to get them.

["NORMAN\nHOLMES\nPEARSON", "233 HGS\nYALE UNIVERSITY\nNEW HAVEN · CONN", "21 June 1952", "Dearest Bryher:", "These days are altogether too hectic! One thinks Yale is finished, but it goes on indefinitely, with faculty meetings, interviews with students and prospective instructors, the correction of papers, and the like. And I have been haunted by the imminence of leaving tomorrow for the University of Vermont where I teach for a week in their school of modern critical studies. Meanwhile I have had to revise a student monograph on the Scottsboro C cases (where the nine "egroes were so badly treated in the South for accusations of rape of a tramp girl in a boxcar-- constitutional questions and the like involved). No reason why I should have to do, but he couldn't and no one else would, and it had been on my desk for months. Then trying to get an assistant started on the Hawthorne letters and other jobs before I left. Writing an 8000 word paper on literary executorship which I sent off (Gott sei dank) yesterday. Going to Lizzie's graduation at school (she got her diploma), and then putting her on the Elizabeth for her summer abroad. Helping to close the house in town and have it painted. Move to the shore. A three-day class reunion (very pleasant but dionyssiac and exhausting) etc etc etc.", "This is only a letter of notations, for I must get my things together to take with me tomorrow when I drive north. The SANDS arrived safely; I read with great excitement and pleasure (how much does happen, and it all beautifully told!) and sent it on to Wolff so that we could discuss it early in July. As to the letter from Miriam de Ford; my answer is no at least for the moment. TIME might have liked it, but I wouldn't give it to them. Better to wait at least for a while and a book or two more. Tell her that I handle all those matters for you, and will write her shortly. As I will on my return tomorrow week.", "The copies to Miss Woolford, and I will take care of the others also, will go out next week.", "\"The first sleeper\" is a tremendous compliment; it means anything that did not catch the attention when announced, but turns out to be important without anyone having previously suspected. The only ones asleep are those who should have known. The Carson book on the Sea was a sleeper!", "My Luganese sugar sweetened my heart! It is really very fine, and I shall cherish. How I wish I might have gotten across this summer, but really quite impossible. Hotson's Lyly to get out; the Sands to work on; now the Pound checklist has gotten into a mess and I shall have to snatch from the fire; my introduction to Cooper to do, and the Lewis article on Babbitt. And then of course the Hawthorne letters. We will have our day, but you can see how truly important it is for you to come this side in the fall. I'd like to pat Fido and scratch him behind the ears, but most of all to go over a lot of woof-like concerns.", "The Hesse visit was wonderful. Do get a bottle of the pills for me.", "I will speak to Wolff viz-a-vis the Urzidels when I see him about Sands. I am sure he will have no objections, however."]

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON
233 HGS
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN • CONN

1 July 1952

Dearest Bryher:

No letters waiting for me when I came back from Vermont last
Saturday, so I judge you have been enmeshed in the last days of Pup's visit.
I had hoped to write from there, but it was of course quite impossible. I
drove up two Sundays ago, leaving in rain, then as I got into hilly and
mountainous country finding it hazed by clouds so that it appeared like a
Constable of the English countryside, and finally emerged into a pleasant
breeze and clear weather. The faculty of this School for Modern Critical
Studies all stayed together in a small woman's dormitory, which was pleasant
because of the company, but I found myself glad that I was no longer perman-
ently a student, since the cot-beds slumped in the middle so that I was
sleeping or trying to sleep either in the palm of a hand or the depths of a
well.

There were a few interesting students, though only 32 altogether,
and so divided up that none of us, save Allen Tate, had any real burden of
paperwork, tho more came to listen than to study for credit. My course on
Faulkner was rather routine, -- for me anyhow if not for the students--and I
had little to do but go over the ground I cover in the seminars at Yale. But
I did give a course in modern american prose style, which was more exclusively
a focus on that than I had ever tried before. I concentrated mostly on experi-
mental writing: Stein, Hemingway, Faulkner, Cummings, Dos Passos. Found that
I needed to know a good deal more about formal rhetoric than I now do, but I
suspect the students didn't know on what think ice I was skating. One simply
does not have the vocabulary to discuss prose style, and I have been trying to
work away on it, casually, for the past year or so.

The life was quiet, tho we had some good conversations, and
the faculty--Tate, Blackmur, Mizener, Shorer, Elizabeth Drew, and myself was
(leaving out myself) quite an exceptional one. We caught our share of the
heat wave which swept the country, but escaped it for a few moments by going
on a midnight sail on Lake Champlain, which made us all feel rather like
school children again. I dined one night with a former research assistant of
mine, now married to a professor at the University of Vermont; and on another
evening went to see the collections (American antiques) of a wealthy woman
who buys houses, takes them down, and erects them again as part of a model
village in which she is housing her things. She has infinite quantities, all
done on the grand scale: for example a large collection of early weather vanes,
another of quilts, and the like. It is a sort of Mystic, for the country. But
the acquisition I cherished most was the largest covered bridge in Vermont,
which was to have been torn down, until she dismantled it stick by numbered
stick and had it reassembled at the edge of her village. But a bridge without
water seemed odd to her so she built a pond under it. This I think is elegance!
But an old Vermonter who came by after the pond was filled said to her: "Waal,
I should have thought it would have been cheaper to fill in the pond rather
than build a bridge over it." So I don't know whether elegance has triumphed.

We are now all safely settled at the shore. Little Susan is
basily studying typing and shorthand, and I come in town each day to work on
the Hawthorne letters. The first two days I have been tidying and dusting, as

well as polishing up the notes left over from last summer's not very prolonged
work. It will take me a little while to get back into the 19th-century atmos-
phere again, but I dare say it will come. Anyhow even to have done this much
is to have a slight feeling of accomplishment.

I go to New York tomorrow to discuss Sands with the Wolffs who by
now have read it. I am eager to know what they think of it. If I have time
I shall take the ms on to the libraries so that they can see it, and try to
see that with this book they do not feel left out in the cold. The envelope
of early letters about the book from them and from Marianne, as well as about
the Williams autobiography, has arrived and reminded me how remiss I was the
last time. But the truth is I thought they had known, and was spending all
my time in the hurried preliminaries for getting the book into galley sheets.
I suppose Horace is up to his ears with Whistler. Someone else has just written
me about the possibility of a biography on Whistler, but I did think two in a
year--even longer--were enough.

I had meant to ask your advice as to how to respond to a personal
plea for membership in and contribution to some free-trade organization in
England, I being written at the request of Rita. But I seem to have mislaid
the letter and so will have to write later. Unless you know what I am talking
about. I leave my action entirely in your hands. I have no desire to do any-
thing except to please Rita, but do not want to put my head into even a
liberal lion's jaw.

We have had excited and happy letters from Lizzie who seems to be
getting all the thrills out of her trip which one is supposed to do. I only
hope it continues so. Apparently she is with a nice group of people, and their
honest, non-sophisticated enthusiasm sets a key for her. So many try to be
blase and only deprive themselves.

Will write later in the week. Meanwhile, all my love, and from us
both,

10 July 1952

Dearest Bryher:

Ever since Vermont I have been sticking to my last,
going to the Library immediately in the morning and staying there
until the end of the afternoon. All of which has raised havoc with
my letters to you, and may continue to do so for a while yet. But
at any rate I do feel that a little is being accomplished. I think
I told you that I decided to hire a boy to help during the summer.
He works for me, for his board, during the winter, so I know him and
best of all can order him around (since he is only an undergraduate)
without having him feel it is infra dig. This is not without its
importance, for so much of what he can help most with, is to fetch
books from the shelves, look up dates, run errands etc. And since
he is a good typist, I can keep him busy that way too. At any rate
the papers are in good order, have been checked, and the like, and
I have been going over notes for which I had made notes, typing them
up and clearing the way for a new step forward. The main thing is
to have consecutive time to work with. Already yesterday I was able
to work out three obscure problems simply by remembering, when I
caught the name of a brother-in-law, in a biography of Charlotte
Gershman, the 19th cent London Shakespearean actress. Simply as I
turned the leaves looking for something else. The main thing was to
be able to put them together.

I think I wrote you just before I went to New York to
see the Wolffs. We had a pleasant lunch together, and I went over
the reviews of OCTOBER, so many of which I had not seen. They are
truly remarkable. I have seen nothing like it for anyone who is, to
most Americans, a "new author." What is really fine is that the re-
views are sensitive, and thanks to your note on the jacket, and the
book itself of course, understand the theme of the book and respond
to it. The theme does seem to have helped it immensely, for it makes
history into something which is pertinent. Then I looked at the
sales report, which was again quite amazing for a book of this sort:
altogether so far, 2152 copies: 1426 in April, 353 in May and 373 in
June. Especially nice that June was higher than May. The New York
'imes' enthusiasm has helped most of all, and they keep plugging it.
I enclose the latest evidence.

The Wolffs thought the writing of *Sands* really brilliant,
and had only some slight reservations about the arbitrariness of the
transitions from apprentice to Lumber merchanting; feeling also that
the theme was not so apparent as in OCTOBER. Since I had wanted Horace
to read it, I have taken the book on ho him for his opinion. Leslie
has been in to see me about the Lyly, and also wants to read it. He
throws something of a bombshell (tho he will want to reserve judgment
until he has read it) by stating dogmatically that there were no
apprentices in the theatre itself—that view, once stated, now being
not accepted. In a later card to me he wrote: 'Tis true that Aug.
Phillips in his will called Sands 'my apprentice'—and if Bryher makes
him a musician, a minstrel apprentice, it could be; but not _apprentice_
actor (there was no city livery company of actors, as there was of

musicians or minstrels." This may present a real problem, and one
might want to modify the book somewhat to accomodate scholarship.
But we can only see, and I'd like to get Prouty's opinion on it also.
I say these only because I think it would be better to wait upon the
retouchings until one knows definitely. What might be indicated is
that in fall, you slip over--talk with Leslie, Prouty and Gregory,
then take a room in New Haven with us or separately, and a couple of
weeks at the typewriter would put it in shape.

Am glad more letters are on their way. All in all things
seem to be disturbed enough so that it is better that all should be
together. One does never know, and after finishing my article on
literary executorship I realize how important it is to have things
shipshape at any time. Especially since there is an ocean between
us. It's not so much a question of tossing out as of ordering the
material. I do of course always hope you will do an autobiography,
but sometimes think that too many letters on hand tend to pad and
distort rather than shape as the imagination will shape a life in
retrospect. One can always check then against letters, or I can return
certain packets which are particularly relevant.

Many thanks for your tip on Rita's group. I seem still to
have mislaid the original letter, which perhaps means that God did
not intend me to answer it.

I'll write you at TREMOWETH, but wanted you to have this
before you left. The British art book has come, also Sachy's, HOTSON's
and the others.

Susan joins in love, and I send a particular scratch behind
Fido's ears.

Norman

my father had helped him for many years. So there were mitigating circum-
stances. The funeral was held at our home. These days more and more seem
to use what we call funeral parlors, but for the older generation this was
an unthinkable thing, quite infra dig. All this was hard on my mother, who
seemed less well than before; but I daresay she will recover. They were just
back from their holidays on the Cape Cod.

The Republican convention was exceptionally interesting to watch
on television, an extraordinary spectacle altogether, of angry words, sullen
looks, and victorious beams. The result was a kind of revolution in the
Republic opposition party, with the Eisenhower group making a great play for
the younger members of the party. Most of us feel this to have been a good
thing. Taft had almost no chance to win the national election, although he
had the political machine apparently well in hand. Only the almost certain
defeat at the polls, plus several political faux pas by the Taft group, gave
it to Eisenhower. What the Democrats will do at their convention next week
I don't know. Rumor keeps whispering that Truman will run after all, but I
think it not altogether likely. However he may; they seem to have no one
else.

I am having Stonehill's bookshop make the evaluations of the books
now, but they will probably not be through until after you have gone. However
I have an extra set of the cards for you to take with you if you want, or I
can send. Will you bring any Mageries with you?

I shall try to get in another letter before you leave England, but
if I do not, I shall be waiting for you. Our summer telephone number is
New Haven: Hubbard 80237.

With infinite love and anticipation of seeing you,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

28 July 1952

Dearest Bryher:

Your two little air mails in the post this morning, telling me Lowndes, so I dare write again. I had feared Trenoweth, since it would take too long for the letter after it arrived on your side finally to get to Cornwall. Actually there is not much to report, except the continued expectation on our part of having you with us. Susan leaves tonight for Maine and a week with her mother, returning (I think on the 4th). And she insists that you and Doris and Elsie come up. So do I; but this is quite on her own. We have two guestrooms, with three beds, if one way or another you could divide yourselves. I think both would enjoy our summer place; and I thought Doris might like to see Mystic (perhaps Elsie also). We will get together often. Wolff will want to see you before he goes overseas; and you will want to see all the reviews. I will try to have them in shape so you can look at them at your leisure. Horace has written you, after reading the SANDS. He much admires, but has some minor suggestions. Hotson wants you for overnight. I shall draw up an agenda of things for us to go over. Naturally I do not think it at all mad to come over at this time. You have never seen it now, and it is perfect for our affairs. As to the weather, it continues hot, but counting odds is likely to be more comfortable by the time of your arrival. I should say Washington by all means, if possible for Doris and Elsie at least. But accommodations will not be difficult then, and we can wait your arrival.

I shall make inquiries as to who Doris might consult for an American checkup on diabetes. The best, I presume, is the Lahey Clinic in Boston. At least everyone swears by them; but there may be a spot equally good in New York. The New Haven (or rather Yale Medical School) hospital will know. So one need not waste time. I should think it an encouragement for her simply to have another point of view. But I am glad she takes insulin; be sure she brings her formula with her.

The Hawthorne letters march, though slowly. I have just bought four more--not seen yet--to some British photographer. Can't imagine they will be interesting or of any importance; but a dealer picked them up in England a couple of weeks ago and a letter is a letter. Also cabled for another Hawthorne included in a group to Lady Morgan, which was in a catalogue. Hope I wasn't too late.

This is first thing Monday morning, but wanted to get it off while I could. Pack in any letters or things of that sort you see lying around Lowndes, or any Magazines you can bring out. Give my greetings to Rita, and my deepest love to yourself. It is exciting to think I shall be seeing you. Will try to run down to New York before Susan returns.

2.

I always carry such charges until first royalty settlement, when adjustment is made. We will be getting something back, so why should we worry.

Now as to OCTOBER again, I see no reason why Edith, Tom usw should not go over it; only if question comes up about the end or other part, one could mention it then, but see no reason why it is likely to or necessary. But am jumping with glee at the possibility of your seeing Martita about the blending of the two scenes.

When Leslie brought back the ms he made a number of suggestions in regard to individual words, which I'll try to pass on now. In almost every case they seem to me worth accepting, as adding color and verisimilitude. Since he made his notes in the earlier Sands (not the most recent), I'll give page references by that:

1,1 substitute "wherry" for boat; to make true

2 surliest of catchpoles, for"of constables." L says this preferable. Die in single fight, for"in a duel"

5 last 2 lines Hotson questions. Knows of no word bandy cur, and thinks what is meant is "bandog"(band-dog or tied & chained dog), which is another name for mastiff. The mastiff or bell dogs were set on the bull, not on other dogs. Actually once Leslie points it out, and I read carefully I do not understand the picture of the sentence at all.

6 Leslie feels very strongly against legge for leg

9 similarly against jigge for jig.

10 Always Queenhithe in Lizzie's day, not Queen Hythe.

11 drained his glass (see 7 & 8), not cup; and later on page, glass or beaker, not cup. L says it wd be; and I rather tend to believe him on these things. "He has a tenacious memory for details.

Lo suggests "the goodman" or Goodman John, but not Master Goodman; which I think L is right about. One wd not use both, and they don't mean the same thing.

13 may for May.

16 high road for "main" road; also L is right.

21 suggests: "sup of burnt sack, with or without sugar." Burnt sack is vin brule, or vino abbrugiatо.

23 suggests error in using ell, or if so others will think error rather than exaggeration. L suggests "a nail" which equals 2¼ inches, or a handful, which is 4 in.; or a yard which is 36 inches, rather than an ell with is 45 inc. or nearly 4 feet.

32 L points out, correctly, that Indians no not row with oars. of Capt. Smith, Virginia II.32: "Instead of Oares, they use Paddles and stickes."

37 L suggests "Cress. Fresh water cress." Kitchen stuffe is waste grease and fat saved by the cook or kitchen maid to sell. Perquisites, or perks, not greens. Dozens of examples for this: cf Donne: for as a thrifty wenche scrapes kitchen stuffe. and cry of itinerant buyers: "what kitchen stuff have you, maids." not rheumatism. No Lizzie wd ever say it, but instead joint-gout. Until he had caught her a great whacking blow behind." not on the back of her skirt. This is too Victorian a gentility.

40 "Because I was impatient to be gone", not "to leave" about to go, not to leave.

53 Then you are Master Beaumont, not Sir Francis Beaumont was never knighted, as "Leslie reminded me, and as I confirmed from "aith. I fear this is rather serious and must be changed, including the references to his wife.

54 fantasy for "phantasy."

55 "like what my master was" for "like my master was"

56 L says the apprenticeship laws" are too strong in any case of decision.

57 "hiss thee from the stage", never *boo*

60 *Not dittany.* Dittany was said to expel arrows out of wounds, and to stanch blood.

24 West Lane, Ridgefield, Conn.

29 August 1952

Dear Norman,

Here are a few terms from a 1594 Chancery suit
against a purveyor of timber for H. M. Navy, who lived at
Pulborough, Sussex:

sawed timber:
joists
(written _gyse_)
basters
(not in OED: I
dubiously guess
_bolsters_)
quarters
laths
boards:
inch board
quarter "
ship "
barrel "
kylderkin "
firkin "

In a builder's account I find "elm boards, deal boards, fir boards", "beams".

OED under _quarter_ gives (1617) "a piece of timber commonly
foure square, and foure inches thick, as it were a quarter
or fourth part of a beame."

Thinking again about the "bandy cur" I remember that Bryher
is Fido, and that she probably wants this. All I suggest is
a change from the incomprehensible "bandy" (which I imagine
is meant to mean _bandy-legged_) to "wretched" or "pitiful"
of "worthless", or something.

Agnes Latham could probably suggest the proper words for the
guards or soldiery at the execution.

You know Bryher isn't bad at all. I've just been reading Clare
Williams's translation of Thomas Platter's Travels in England
1599, in which she had the help of several X expert professors
in England. She translates Platter's _Meerschiffe_, of which he
saw a hundred or so docked between St. Katherine's and the Bridge,
as "galleys". My God! And when he goes into the Tower Ar-
moury, he is shown the first chamber full of pistols (_feustlingen_
and _hocken_. Instead of seeing that this is his spelling of
_hacken_ (bills, hooks, or halberds), she translates it "squatting
vaults" - making the museum, I suppose, into a populous privy.
I'm convinced that the public will swallow anything.

What a brick you are to make the inquiries about the motor for me!

I should like another go at Sands, as I think I could make a
few suggestions after what you tell me, and I do want KMX BB
it to succeed.

always your
Leslie

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

26 September 1952

Dearest Bryher:

Yours of the 22nd has just been given to me this morning,
arriving at precisely the right time for a speedy answer. The beginning
of term this week has made life as impossibly hectic as ever at such a
time. As I, because I direct the undergraduate program in American Studies
there are countless schedules to be altered; then make-up examinations to
be graded; graduate school language exams in German to be corrected usw uws.
Fortunate Miss Latham whom I imagine has no such devoirs.

Sands being so much to the fore, perhaps one should jump in
there. I feel rather as though I were skirmishing in Philaster myself; but
I hope not with knives drawn, or mastifs snarling. Naturally as to ditany
you should suit yourself and the authorities. As to Theophrastus, I think
ypu score over Leslie; I should not worry about using it. As to the quarrel
on commas, which I daresay will never be really settled between us, perhaps
we will have to leave it as a sacrifice to the illiteracy of this side of
the water. As for myself and my own practise, I would never defend it on
any eighteenth-century rationalistic grounds, being myself so much more moved
by the expediencies of what I conceive to be oratorical phrasing as found in
drama and in sermons. I can't automatically be expected to capitulate to
Agnes because of her status as teacher, or because I am not "specially
instructed," and my only defense is the fact that for those who have been
brought up on our terms, the repunctuations demonstrably help us to under-
stand. Perhaps my difficulty is that I can't take it too seriously.

I am really a good deal puzzled about the Beaumont prefix and
what should be done about it, and am much interested in Agnes Latham's view-
point. I am of course a good deal out of my depth on such matters as to what
would have been habitual in the period. In your letter of the 20th you say
that he was 'spoken of in most books as Sir Francis, from at any rate the
middle of the century'; yet I cannot think of any where he was, nor did Waith
have any places occur to him. Nor Prouty: for them the habit of course being
pretty well established by the lack of title to his authorship of any book
of drama, to his burial, etc. I quite sympathize with you in not doing "a
coronation treatise on the protocol of heraldry," but if you will cite "special
instruction" of schoolteachers at me in punctuation, you must permit me to argue
back on these matters. When you say the English would be down on you for not
giving him a title, I wonder; especially since as we would, I think, both
agree that the name of Francis Beaumont is better than a knighthood to the
reader as to the apprentice. But to resume our little scrap: courtesy titles
have been common to the British, but isn't it in a special sense (here you see
the avid American who thinks that Burke is a book on the peerage rather than
a statesman). That is in terms of the honorary use of Lord, Lady for younger
sons of earls etc; the use of "Hon" for peers; the use of Prince and Princess
for members of the royal family. Francis Beaumont's father was not a knight
(altho the family was certainly distinguished, God knows), and I think I
think the latter was wrong tho the father's father was only a
knight and ended in ill repute. But the father was described in his will made
the day before his death as "Esquire." Francis' oldest brother, Henry was
knighted in 1603 and died in 1605. The second son, and older brother, was
created a baronet in 1626, apparently thru the agency of the Duke of Buckingham.
This of course was some time after the death of Francis, who in the records of
Westminster Abbey is simply called Francis Beaumont. Now if it was really

2

custom to call the youngest son of a wealthy commoner "Sir", that would be
fine if one did not make too much of it and the knightly privileges etc.;
but I would have thought that somewhere along the line in references to him
in his own time someone would have done it in print. If mistakes were made
about this long after his death, that would, or might be appropriate to
remarks made about him then; it would not have much to do with what was
customary while he was still alive. I can even believe that since Beaumont
was the plutocrat of the theatre circles, someone might often jestingly
there have called him that (so this would be dangerous to most men's pride),
but I cannot persuade myself that in his own home this would be done.

You might well ask why I take this so seriously, since I do
not seem to be similarly serious about the punctuation. Actually I imagine
my attitude is a little similar. I know perfectly well what you are about,
and since I did not know whether Francis was a knight or not my reading was
hardly bothered. It would not be now, although I could not escape it on a second
perusal. Or fifth. But, I want the book to reach as many people as possible;
and I want it to be well received; and I want to have favorable reviews which
will make both possible. I do not want the book cheapened or "popularized"
or anything of the kind. But I shudder to think of the reviewers with their
little knowledge (yet proud of what they have) bringing in and discussing the
propriety of calling him knight. No covering note would help in this matter
unless it were established, and I can't believe it is. In other words I am
not automatically persuaded, and I want to be. What will the others do; and
if there is any period in which people like to delve and consider themselves
amateurs it is the Elizabethan. In the October novel, or the Scilly, or the
Swiss it won't matter a hair in proportion to the interest the reader will
carpingly take in details. This is so minor in its relation to the scheme of
the story, and the theme of the story, that I do not place it in the same
category as the problem of apprenticeship.

But of course you must settle this as you want. All I suggest
is that you postpone a final decision for awhile, and then ask yourself whether
the establishment of Beaumont's quality and character depends on the title.
If it does, then that answers the question.

I have read only casual reviews on the book on Elizabethan women.
I had thought to send to Hilda but not to you, because it might interfere with
your revision. But I shall gladly get and send; it seems worked out from
source material, and if not brilliantly written should be useful for facts and
data. A kind of anthology.

I will have to enquire on a place (possibly) for the Close Up
blocks. I should think some place ought to be found for them. Perhaps the
Eastman Museum of the Film at Rochester; it is probably to be the greatest,
the most of course in terms of the stills rather than stills from movies.
But I shall check.

A few days ago I posted a letter to Rita about her visit, and
went to the house in town to pick up things and found a letter from her. I
wrote back again immediately so she will feel flooded by my epistles. I gather
she lands on Saturday which will be too late for a football game (alas, but I
have asked her to let me know if she comes on Friday), so I suggested Sunday
to her so that she could have her weekdays free in New York. It will be a
great lark to see her.

We are still at the shore. The house has at last been painted,
and today the cleaners move in for their chores. You can imagine from experience how it has gone. The painters started a day or two late, lasted a day
or two longer than the original estimate; then the cleaners were late etc. I
suspect we will be able to take in a few loads this weekend, and then move in

3

early next week. The weather has been wretchedly rainy until the last day or two, and coldish in early morning and at evening. It will really be simpler to have the town house as base.

By the way, Prouty was anxious to know if you had received his letter. I realized you had not answered because waiting for a cue from me as to whether to admit you had been in country here. So I explained about your guests, visit to Lugano etc., and that these had come on top of your visit here (we being sorry he was not here but at his mother's, which I later found to be the case); so it is all right. But perhaps a letter or note is indicated when you have a moment to spare.

Incidentally we were all delighted with the postcard of the Lugano flood-a great discovery on your part. Susan was particularly interested, having been there just after the event.

Thank you for your signal on the possibility of helping with the Pound *anthology*. It may not be necessary, since the printing office gave 90 days credit—time enough for money for a few copies to come back in. But I was anxious to get the thing out of the way, and it is a relief to know that one can provide a cushion (temporarily) against contingency. As you know the checklist is not by me (tho I did agree to do a forewordly note), but I did see that it was checkled, enlarged etc.

I'm sorry the check hasn't been cashed, but on our return from Canada I was resolved, come hell or high water, to get through my self-set assignment on Hawthorne, then came the meeting in New York, and I have not been to the bank in person as I must to make a deposit to the special account.

I have sent approval of the use of Hilda's poem in the anthology, as well as the setting to music. The Virginia Quarterly, unhappily, returned the stories and the poems. But as she may have told you, she has done a new poem which also arrived in today's mail, and on first reading appears to be first-rate. "I think Bryher and the little birthday house-party was very good for me, and the long summer rest for I could not work in the heat. I bless it all now—and dear Perdita's visit." So you see what you have done. I am delighted. Every little while I say please to her, not expecting that it will bring immediate response but simply to plants little seeds of my desire in her breast. Then occasionally the little seeds sprout.

It is hard to know what to say about the two most recent Magheries which Philip brought. If he goes straight to N.Y. from Switzerland I should say probably best to bring. In the case of these two I should probably simply put in the bank for the time being. They are surely not completely a part of the Elizabethans, and better not to keep on open shelves. Maggs seems to feel strongly about this; I remember discussing it when he was here, I thinking better to stay in England, he feeling strongly the opposite. I was never sure of the reasons, but I suppose dealers in his position know the pulse beats in attitudes towards such things.

Susan by the way longs since had sent the bulb permits to Doris, and she should have had them by now. I will be sending her on more clothes etc. I rather gathered that the other overcoat should go to the son-in-law; do you feel that way? or should it go to Doris' husband.

In glancing over the letters to be sure I have not missed anything of particular importance, my eye falls once again on "I am NOT writing a thesis on Elizabethan." I know you know I know you are not. "I am doing an imaginative reconstruction." That is what you have done, and done brilliantly. But that is a question of the imagination so wonderfully in it, the general theme, the tone, all those things. This is only a matter of tidying up, even with the titles and especially with the words. You and I are both such tidy people by nature that we are likely to go around growling at each other as to where a boner should be buried. Then we will go yelping off, shoulder to shoulder across the fields, in chase of a lark.

checklist

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

27 September 1952

Dearest Bryher:

I was rushing along so swiftly and chaotically yesterday, thinking that Susan and I would be going out to the cranberry bog this afternoon to pick our fall crop, that I realize I did not get all of the incidentals into the letter. Probably I got altogether too much in as it was. As you perhaps sense, my chief anxiety about the Sands is lest carpers should pick you up on this side; and altho I cannot be completely sure of what the British might do, I do feel more confident about the American, and confirm it somewhat by Poouty's and Waith's agreement with me.

As to Hodgson, I dare not write to Aiken until I have read the advance copy of his autobiography which he sent me. It is done in some fictionalized form, and I simply have not had time so far this fall. But a comment is indicated, naturally, and when I make it I shall go on to find someone to consult who will tell us what we want to know.

A package of books arrived and I am delighted, especially to have the clean copies of TWO SELVES and CIVILIANS, mine on your shelf not being being virginally immaculate enough for the dignity of serving posterity.

The political situation here does not clarify itself very much; attention being diverted for the moment by the accusations against Nixon for the fund given him, and now against Stevenson for the same (more or less). Nixon yelled bloody murder, then delivered a lengthy accounting; Stevenson (whose dignified silence vis-a-vis Nixon now seems less chivalry than self-protection) took the dignified-silence-method, but is to give full statements tonight. Nixon put on his sincere tie for the show, and brought tears to the eyes of the nation by referring to a little dog given his children "which I shall not give up no matter what is done to me, because my little boy and my little girl love that puppy." Eisenhower has apparently gone more in the direction of Taft, which is discouraging; but I still do not believe that he will ever endorse or permit Taft's foreign policy. Eisenhower's own record is too tied to the past. So that still seems to be the issue. Stevenson is still by far the better speaker: we listened to television the other night, and little Susan said of Stevenson: "Oh I wish he were a Republican!"

1 October 1952

Dearest Bryher:

A letter from Rita, and it is all arranged. She arrives on the 10th, but thinks it best not to try to come next day for a football game but will come up on Sunday the 12th. Now I shall only pray for good weather. I liked her final greeting: "If there is anything you would wish me to bring, please write me. Provided it's not a brother for Venus."

The envelope with Marianne's letters and that from Mrs Fletcher arrived this morning. Actually it seems to work out pretty well for Marianne, with a possibility that Marcia can slip into the place of M's mother. I suppose it is not altogether healthy, but I really can see no harm in it and it does fill a vacuum.

I think also that I forgot in my last to say that the package of books had arrived. That is the good copies of *Two Selves; Civilians; the Anatomy; and Why Do They Like It*. I almost fear to open the latter, so immaculate it is in its jacket, but do not recall it. What makes me think it is by your brother?

Prouty was in today to say he had heard from you, and that there were clouds over the Elizabethan landscape. Oh dear, I have run you rather ragged on all this, far beyond anything you or I envisioned, and I am sorry for it.

The news of Devan's latest Labor triumph was somewhat startling, especially in seeing Morrison go out from the council. I gather there is actually no shift in the control of the Party, and that this is little more than another skirmish. But eventually it may really cause a realignment of men within both parties, and this should eventually, or could be eventually, healthy. Meanwhile the only benefit seems to be to the Conservatives.

Truman is now swashbuckling his way through whistle-stop country towns. From the eastern point of view it is a revolting spectacle, especially since he so blithely sacrifices himself to an intelligent audience in proving himself either a fool then or a fool now. But it may help the Democrats with the rural vote. It is hard to say.

The re-readings of Hilda's new poem, or the first canto of it, stand up wonderfully well. I presume she has showed it to you, or will when she returns to Lausanne. I have settled the matter of permission for her poems with the Oxford Press and with the other English one. Checks to be made out to her in pounds. It seemed wisest, and I hope you approve.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONN.

7 October 1952

Dearest Bryher:

Two letters from you yesterday, which made it a festival
for me.

But another story to relate first: for your advice as to
procedure. Last week I had a letter from Peter Russell, the British
bookseller (now) and publisher of NINE (which Hilda likes) rather myster-
iously referring to the "little Pound book which I mentioned to you", but
of which I had not heard. Saying that he had decided he would like to
sell it after all, which made it something still vaguer since I didn't
know what he was talking about. This is the way he described it in what
turned out to be a second letter, the first not having arrived: "The book
measures approximately 4⅔ x 4", is bound in vellum, and contains 55 leaves,
each of which carries approximately fifteen lines of poetry in Ezra's own type
script, more than half of these leaves having his own manuscript corrections
on them. The only poem in the book which was printed subsequently (I am not
counting 'A Lume Spento', since I have not been able to check up on this) is
'The Tree'. There is one poem addressed to 'Saint Hilda' written entirely
in his own hand-writing. I may add that the literary standard of all the
poems in the book is very high. They are not mere abortive juveline efforts,
and a good many things sort well with the poems in 'ersonae (1909) and Exul-
tations." I thought of a young collector in New York who might be interest-
ed, and wrote him a note while writing to Russell to say I ought to have more
information and wasn't quite sure what he was talking about; but also wrote
a note to Hilda on the off chance that she might know what it was.

Russell's first letter, arriving secondly, came today. And I
should think Hilda would know what it was! So I have had to drop her a note
today also to clarify the matter with her. This is what Russell had to say
about it (after referring to my attempt to get Back from him Hilda's letter
to him about Ezra, which he had asked for the Pound volume but never used.
He had said I could have it, and I had sent him a quart of whiskey, but no
matter): "To turn to the matter of H.D. and her letter to me about Ezra,
the matter is complicated further now because a little book has fallen into
my hands (at a ghastly price!) which was evidently typed and bound (in parch-
ment) by Ezra himself and entitled HILDA'S BOOK. There are 40 or 50 pages
at least. I feel that HD's letter to me should be kept with this unique
item. I have not yet discovered how it came out of HD's possession--it plain
must at one time have belonged to her, but I do know something about its
history during the last 20 years. Perhaps you knew of the existence of this
little book, which we can pretty safely say is Ezra's earliest 'book'. I was
unaware of its existence. I have not yet written to HD as I only purchased
the book last week. I would be grateful if you would not publish the
existence of this book until I give you the word. I have told nobody else.
It seems to me to have been a tremendous discovery. Although the poems must
be very early indeed, they are terribly "Poundian." Some of them are very
beautiful indeed. It may be in the future that the book might be offered to
your collection, but I certainly could not do that at present."

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

The problem is of course what its history has been, and I daresay in time I can find out. But another problem presents itself, by the second letter in which he said: "Yesterday I was offered a staggeringly large sum in hard cash for the little Pound book I mentioned to you. At the time I refused to sell, but thinking the matter over I have decided that if I can get a really good price like that I should be willing to do so. The reason for this rather surprising willingness is that I want a substantial sum of money terribly badly in order to set up my own printing press at this address 7 Tunbridge Wells/. I have been dead keen to do this for a long time now, and my plans are quite well advanced --all I need is the money! Although I have reconsidered my decision not to sell I have not yet clinched anything. The price--and may you not be too overcome--would be 250 pounds. It is impossible to say what the true value of the book is. All one can do would be to find the highest bidder--a laborious and distatesful task, but this figure apart from being a practical one in biew of the offer I have already had, has a certain validity because it would enable me to set up this much dreamed of printing press. Whether this price is remotely practical at your side of the Atlantic is another matter, but since you are forming this collection I thought it only fair to make the offer to you. Obviously you would want to see the book first, but before sending it to you I should want to feel pretty sure that you really wanted it at something like that price. ... This letter is all rather breathtaking to me as well as to you. Please treat it confidence until anything is decided either way." n.b. the quotation in my second para to you intervenes here.

Well the truth is that had I received the letters in their proper order I might have written you at once. As it was I was interested of course, thought the price probably high, and wrote him to let me know more, and possibly if letter got to him in time and he could do so to give the volume to Rita who could bring it over and take it back if necessary. All this was done on the basis of the connection with Ezra. Now of course I tend to look at it in terms of Hilda. It will do not good to protest that the book never belonged to the seller of it, in case Hilda did not give it, and we 'd get nowhere. It is something obviously to be preserved, but I am not sure that it would do any particular good to have it hawked about or exhibited for the time being. What do you think. Should I dip into the publication fund and send him a check as of dollar equivalent, or there is no reason why it could not be paid directly in pounds. That is of course if you think it wisest to do so. One thing I think we can feel, and that is that you are not being held up by him. He would have no idea of our relationship; I can well see someone offering him so large a sum for what are apparently unpublished poems and a rare association piece in another sense. His price to me seems to set pretty squarely on his idea of having a press, and since he has all sorts of things published for him in a borchure sense I daresay he does want to do them himself.

Having written Hilda about this I daresay she will get in touch with you, or you with her. But please don't burst in on Russell directly sine he asked me to keep it to myself. I really don't know what to advise you about this. There is no questioning the importance of the piece, but the price is high. Whether this matters somewhat less under the particular circumstances, or because there may be other material eventually from this same source, to control as I have tried to control the McAlmon source is

3

difficult to say. I shall write Russell again and acknowledge the first
letter and say that because of it I want to be sure he won't sell it before
I have made up my mind or explored possibilities. I daresay he rather likes
the idea of selling it to a collection, but I know little of him except
his enthusiasm for Pound and his courtesy in letting me have two rather
unusual bibliographical items for the Yale Library.

Rita will be up Sunday, and I shall be discreet. I only hope it
is good day, with just a touch of frost before hand so that there will be some
autumn leaves for her to see.

I daresay we have worried the punctuation and titular questions
enough for the moment. As to the latter my own preference would be a note
for the British edition to explain why the courtesy title was not used. As
for the punctuation, that had to be done in a hurry the last time, and then
because the publishers had insisted on it. Another time we should be able
to exchange by airmail.

Susan and I grinned from ear to ear about the BBC query. If you
mentioned out exchange of letters to Robert, might it have been his jest?

We weep at the thought of your cold. Lizzie seems in for it, having
only just started her new junior college in New York. After a week went to
bed with fever, nausea, pains here and there. They say it is not appendicitis,
but fear mononucleosis or a recurrence of her thyroid difficulty with com-
plications. At any rate after telephone conversations by Susan with N.Y.
doctors she has been taken from the school infirmary to Presbyterian Hospital
for all possible tests, and we hope for the best. So far psyche seems more
or less stable, and the doctors say definitely it is not that. One might
have had her come home to a New Haven hospital for the tests, but the
hospital here is so crowded they will not take patients except for surgery or
emergencies. We should know in a few days.

All love from us both,

Norman

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

13 October 1952

Dearest Bryher:

I enclose first-page of a letter to Hilda, telling the results
which Rita brought with her. The chief gain was the knowledge of who had owned
it. The implications of this I do not know; one must wait to see what Hilda
says. My reactions are, as you guess correctly, that if were simply an Ezra
item, one should not be interested in it--certainly not at that price. If it
is somehow involved with Hilda or her emotions or her sentiments, one might,
since it is not a bad manuscript by any means, go rather higher than normally
(if that were to happen at all) for strategical reasons. That is, not to have
it bandied about, with stories built up of unduly romantic proportions, etc.,
or exhibited at books fairs, etc etc. Hilda says she has written you about it,
and I imagine it will be much in the vein of her letter to me. Queries, wonder-
ings. "I am a little un-nerved to think of such a book wandering for 20 years
and then coming home to roost, with you. But yes, it is interesting and good of
you to take such an interest--but should one BUY it? I will leave the matter in
your hands and in Bryher's. " Well, I leave it in yours. You will naturally
know how to interpret better, and the matter of tactics. I should think one
could, if you thought best, easily arrange thru Rita to have pounds as of
England; and then perhaps Hilda would want to see it; but if it is nothing to
her (in honesty) then perhaps there is no point. Meanwhile I inquire from him
a list of titles and first lines; I have a feeling he doesn't really want to
check it with A Lume Spento. "e says simply some 35 unpublished poems. We
will see. Rita took a ten day option, in best business fashion. Her telephone
call to you was in the best manner. But she did want to do things right, and I
had not had time to warn her. I had thought she might bring it over and then
take it back, but he was perhaps too canny.

We had a splendid day with Rita--quite unbelievably fine weather
after a rather chilly and overcast Saturday for the football game. But on Sun-
days the air was autumnally crisp (last night I heard the geese flying overhead
on their way south). She came in the morning by train, and we went to the shore
to see Venus, then back to the house in town for lunch, and in the afternoon a
long meandering motor drive through back woodland roads, in quite another direct-
ion from that on which you and Doris and Elsie went, but equally rural. The
leaves are just beginning to turn, and while we talked we saw the landscapes
softly colored. She stayed for dinner and took a nine o'clock train back. I
daresay you will hear in detail. "e were delighted, and I think she enjoyed
herself. I was good and avoided politics, though she did get little Susan and
a boy visiting her onto the subject. "ut strangely she seems to be Eisenhower,
and her only speech was a long defense of Churchill. Mirabile dictu. Is the
Bevan split rather to her distaste?

The overwhelming event of recent days was a telephone call Sat-
urday morning from Leslie. I should have said on the very tail of events. A
big blow and split-up with Auntie. The truck would be there within the hour, and
by noon they would be out of the house. Could I get them a house in or near
New Haven. They were to go to stay with a Mrs Hammer in Branford, but could not
stay long. Perhaps they would build, etc. He would call that night for the name
of real estate agents. He did; I gave him some, and he said that they felt they

2

were beginning to breathe again. There were no details; perhaps I will get
some tomorrow morning when he comes in. I just could not hear his troubles
today, when I had a class and a seminar, and appointments scheduled all day.
At the moment I have one 300 lb Jewish teacher without a job, who got a grant
from a foundation on the basis of studying with me. What could I do? And an
Emily Dickinson scholar and his Trinidad wife now staying at the shore house
(somewhat to Susan's natural annoyance since it means she can't close it, but
she takes it well), and now Leslie! I am a little worried because I had hoped
they could stick it until she died, but am not surprised after your report.
I wish they could dig in with this widow for a week or two until they see whether
or not it might seem better to go back, before renting or trying to buy at this
unfortunate post-rental season. It looks to me clearly now as though I should
try to pull strings to get Leslie a job somewhere, for next autumn perhaps. One
is always a little frightened, and I must not feel that he can depend on you or
on anyone beside himself. He does have somewhat the nature of an artist, which
is good --and dangerous from a practical point of view. Well, we will see. Do
not worry about it. I only report as a faithful emissary. You will no doubt
hear directly eventually. If it were not that he needs to be not too far from a
good library, a house in Maine would be the answer. But alas, a scholar is not
the same as a novelist.

The news of Edith's trip is exciting. I read yesterday in the N.Y.
Times that she and Osbert and Sachie were to give a reading at the Hebrew Institute,
which is a sort of center for that kind of thing. You had not spoken of the
London "reading" until you told me you were going. Do give all dirt etc about
it. I shall hope to see Edith in New York, when she comes, and if she will per-
mit. Perhaps you could inquire of her in a way that would not embarrass her. I
wish I could flip over for the weekend--that or any other. I have a fall meeting
of the New England College English Association on Nov. 1. I am president of that;
that God this will be my last time in office--then I need not go unless occasionally
for good form. On Nov 7th I have to go to the University of Virginia for one of
their Peter Rushton Seminars--rather de luxe affairs of which they seem to make
much: pretty programs, etc. I shall fill you with souvenirs

Rejoice to think that APPRENTICE SANDS goes off to typist soon.
Don't forget to have her make two copies to be sent to me. We must have exact
transcript of the Phillip's will. Perhaps we might use as epigraph or on the
jacket. I see no reason why you should not use apprentice; I had thought that
finally we had agreed only on possibly deleting something about formal papers.
I agree with ell: why not let it stand as an ell; I worked too fast when I sent
in suggestion of L's without modifying that it would be recognized by all as a
joke. A nail would mean nothing to me or to most. Congratulations on finding the
Gilburne error. It is tidier this way: I suppose that is why I thought better to
stick to plain Francis.

Lizzie's prolonged tests have been finished, and the N.Y. doctors
say definitely mononucleosis. This is a breaking down of white blood cells (if
I understand correctly) which denies resistance to diseases etc. It will be a
matter of several weeks before she can be very active; but meanwhile she is to
return to her school infirmary, do a little homework, then go to classes, and
increase doses of out-of-bed along the way. She does not seem to mind too much, and
it is much better than being out of bed.

Will let you know any further developments about the HILDABUCH, and
let me know what you think of Hilda's reactions to the source.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

19 October 1952

Dearest Bryher:

An interim report of a Sunday evening at the office--not a letter, because I must make notes for my morning lecture and my afternoon seminar. The latter the first on Pound, and always a difficult one.

Leslie lunched with me on Wednesday, and with Prouty and gave news of his new house. They have bought, or I gather done all but actually sign the papers, for a new six-room house in Notthford, one of the rural suburbs near New Haven, and are now living in a sort of motel nearby so they can supervise the final touches on the house (which has not been finished). They hope to move in by or in December. Taking it this way, they have been able to have it fixed as they wish: an extra window or two, and a room entirely lined with bookshelves for him, with a shelf which draws out from beneath the books, all along the shelves at waist-height, on which he can look up references without taking to his desk. On two sides of their house they are protected by land owned by water-company, and therefore woods and not to be built on, and by buying an acre the other surrounding third is taken care of. Across the road is a farmer. They are on a side road; but not so many miles from a new aircraft factory but that they think the value will stay up. They pay, I gathered seventeen or eighteen thousand, most of which will come from a house they have continued to own near Washington D.C., which they are told will fetch sixteen thousand or better. Susan, who talked with Mary on Monday, to hear this said that Mary was ecstatic. Leslie sounds likewise. I gather that while they were away in Maine, other relatives persuaded Auntie that Mary and Leslie were bad; and have moved in in their place; Leslie says they will now move Auntie to a nursing home, but thinks Auntie will repent and beg them to return. They wished for commitment of house to justify their saying no, having wanted for long to get out of it but without knowing how. Now that I know of the Washingto house to be sold, it makes better sense. But the long-range problem will still have to be met. I think now perhaps a year appointment here, and another there, and see whether these develop into longer stays. In the long run this will always be a rentable pied-à-terre.

Doris munificent package of bulbs arrived yesterday. 37 varieties, and Susan immediately dedicated today to taking out her old bulbs and putting these in. I wish Doris might have seen Susan's pleasure! She was like a child with birthday presents, and laughingly admitted it, and that she could think of nothing else. It looks very much, for the state of the wrappers as though they actually had not been treated at all by the U.S. authorities. So the chances of damage are thus much lessened. Most got in the soil today; the rest will be put in tomorrow. They did come in plenty of time for us here, though perhaps it will take two years for them truly to settle in as immigrants.

We went to the football game again yesterday, taking a woman (Professor at Gottingen) who is a student of mine, so that she could see a game once. The day was pleasant, but the game nowhere so exciting as the one you saw. But Yale won, 14-0, their fourth win out of five this year; so everyone is as happy as though it were a championship time, which it is not. Still, we have not won for so long that it seems that way.

The campaign proceeds muddily. Each time I hear one side I am almost persuaded to vote for the other. Stevenson shows up well, but Tru-man stands in his way.

Love from your friend,
Norman

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

2 November 1952

Dearest Bryher:

This will have to be one of those ridiculously incoherent
letters, whose only logic is in counterpaint to your letters on which I
comment, or my own life which I mention. The usual involvements of academic
life have been tripled over the past weeks, by an assignment to gather
material for a report of the 25 leading 19th century American writers and
the research and editing that should be done on them (which I had thought
due end of December, but it was Nov 1 instead, without warning; this took
special delivery air mail letters all over the country, and then redrafting
replies); secondly the fall meeting of the New England College English
association which took all week to prepare nominating slate-again telephones
to all of N.E., etc etc, and the last two days until midnight yesterday; and
lastly rather feeble gesture in preparation for a lecture on Gertrude Stein
scheduled to be given next Friday at the University of Virginia, and not yet
begun. Therefore and that is why no letters from me recently, and the chaos
of this one.

But for a few points: Thanks for the volume of *Signatures*,
which arrived safely. Also the letters of Erik Knight (the book) and the
Margiad Evans. Also the carbons of your letters, which I have not yet read,
but look forward to.

Leslie gave for me the main morning speech at the NECEA meeting,
and was a great success. His topic was "Realizing the Elizabethans", and the
theme and tone altho not highly original was personalized in a wonderful way.
It really meant little more than soaking one's self in the period and being
infinitely careful about details and the coöoperation of them. A good deal of
time on the illustration of his discoveries on the word "fat", as in *Hamlet*. I
gave him 25.00 and paid his expenses up and down and while there, and I thought
it would be a good thing to put him in circulation again. I also took along
Prof Kokeritz at Yale, who led a session on teaching Chaucerian pronunciation.
"He was the one who did the Shakesperean article I sent you. I will forward a
copy surface of the mimo graphed information he drew up on Chaucer to be passed
out at the meeting. Just for your fun! He and Hotson seemed to get along well,
though they entered into such a hot fight about "beast-eating clown" that I thought
they would tear each other's hair and reputations out by the roots. Finally I
had to change the subject in order to save the interior of the car. Each one
constantly protested how yielding they were to reason, except that in this particu-
lar case (and all others I have witnessed) it just happen that each one himself
was correct. Leslie did not buy the house he intended, since Mary discovered
the only light in living room to be from north and hence cold. They build now,
in same locality, and the same kind of house tunned around towards the sun. I
quite believe them. Builders can be ridiculous in such matters. I will write
more about helping Mary later, but for the moment I think I should let them go
their own way for a number of reasons. That is, of course, not to abandon them,
but simply not to rush in at this moment.

I went to N.Y. two Fridays ago, to get things started with the
lawyers vis-a-vis Hilda's contract with Liveright for the poems. I must get
Hilda to ask her brother to send me the royalty statements he has received from
Liveright to add to those Hilda sent me, so the lawyer can know where we stand.
I must write the Library of Congress to find out the precise date of copyright

2

of the poems. He feels there is no need for any legal document between Hilda and myself, for the moment at least. She can simply go on doing as she has done, to refer the matters to me. I have been cleaning up a few London matters for her lately, but will make a fuller report on that later.

I then had a cocktail with the Wolffs at the end of the day, and told them that another set of Sands would be along shortly. They like the idea of weaving the two parts together by the recall of the play in the final fight, as you see it, and I think the important thing is to get it as you want it. Did anything come of Edith's profer of the ms of Sands to Faber? I am only curious. I enclose a copy of a letter from the Harvill Press in London. My answer to Wolff is no; but pending your comment. It seems to me better to wait. Perhaps we have to wait longer than Sands. We will not have to wait forever. There are some matters about Avon, but I will save those.

I was surprised to hear elsewhere in New York, that Horace's book on Whistler was indefinitely postponed. The story was a new batch of letters he had discovered, and the desire not to compete with Hesketh Pearson. There must be something I haven't gotten. But I haven't heard from him for some time. He did not acknowledge the Nazi-Soviet Pact article which I sent him, which is usually his way of saying politely he did not like it. This is not surprising. He was in it and sees it clearly from his personal point of view. He has, I believe, a diary, which he says is sensational. It was really written for people of a generation too young to have experienced it for themselves.

As to the Freeman review of Marianne's book, by Eugene Davidson, I know him, he knows nothing, nobody will pay much attention to this repetition of a sometimes repeated story. Actually Marianne would be embarassed, and I think even possibly not happy to be too indebted to Hilda. Maybe I'm wrong. I think only of the different attitudes towards helping the books. But I am delighted to have your statement on the facts; I shall file for posterity and my own use sooner.

How horrible not to be able on my part to go to the Reading. But in terms time it is quite impossible, though it would be a godsent change. My first para will explain if it needs explaining. But give my love to Edith. One never needs to wish her good fortune in an appearance; she is herself good fortune incarnate.

Do look up Horne when you go to London, if you have time. He is an excellent person. Prouty and Hotson think absolutely first-class as a researcher. I don't think he needs more money now, in addition to what the Foundation gave him. If I think he does, or seems to from his letters, we can see. My idea would be to let him come back, work on this material, and then perhaps in a few years the chance to go back for a summer and tidy up or start again.

Sorry about Vernon Watkins. I'll have to check the lists after next week, and see what the score is.

A card from Rita in Miami. She seems to like it better than she thought. Philip and Lotte came up last Sunday for the day. But arrived for lunch only and had to go back in mid-afternoon. "We went to the club for lunch, after a sherry at the house; and had a very pleasant time of it. Philip seemed in great form.

I have heard nothing from Russell since I asked for the table of contents to check against A Lume Spento. I shall write again. It is difficult to know what to think until I know the contents. The letter from Andrew is compliacting. There is a certain fascinating in trying to unravel the thing.

3

I should not say that Sands "needed" bawdry; but I am anyhow certain
that you should not try to put it in. Sometimeif you want to see the low
pubs, maybe not England but elsewhere we can take you out of skirts for the
evening and crawl together. Anyhow, don't pubcrawl in the book!

I was amused by shadow grass, and since Leslie was in I showed him the
paragraph. His eye caught the Mireille Cooper of Happy Season; says he knows
her, thinks you would like her, and planned to write you about her. Perhaps
he will. I have gotten a little farther into Aiken's autobiography, if it
can be called that. Some very beautiful writing, but I am curious to know
what Walter would think of it p.a.-wise. You might be interested; if so, let
me know. Or I'll report after I've gotten further into it. Sent Hilda a copy
of Consuelo Vanderbilt's life as the Duchess of Marlborough. I hear it is quite
good, and though Hilda might be amused by the impact of England on another.
Also sent copies, one to each, of the Elizabethan woman book. I have no idea
how good it is; but it seemed to me you should read it siumulatenously, and
exchange delights of annoyances at the teas. They begin soon I should think.
Toss the books into the brink.

Did you know the #second" program did a quarter hour on the anthology?
Horne sent the script; it was very sensible and well done, I thought. "Third"
might not have surprised; second did, rather.

Such goings on in the TLS about Swinburne's Lesbia Brandon. It is good
19th-century scrapping, no holds barred, and brass knuckles worn by all. I enjoy
every minute of it. A friend of mine has a long letter (paid for at article
rates) coming out shortly, which will stand Hughes' hair on end. He is the one
who edited Lesbia, and had questions asked in the House, as to how my friend,
an American, got access to the B.M. Swinburne things.

Have gone on longer than I thought, and must stop to copy letter to send
you. Let me know what to say vis-a-vis.

Love from us both

C O P Y

Directors: M. Harari, M. Villiers, G.S.Frazer, F.A.Davey,
J. B. Ashbrook (U.S.A.)

THE HARVILL PRESS LTD

23 Lower Pelgrabe Street, London, S.W.1.

Dear Mr Wolff,

FOURTEENTH OF OCTOBER

We have had another reading of this book and have discussed it
at great length. It raises a rather curious problem. We like the book very
much, but all our readers' reports suggest that it should be put out as a book
for older school children, with a few line drawings. We would be quite tempted
to try it this way, but the difficulty is that, as is probably the case also in
America, children's books have a very low ceiling price; for those which are not
lavishly illustrated the top price is probably about 7/6d. Now to get down to
this price even with a low royalty we would have to put out a much bigger
edition than we feel we are likely to sell. So we wonder if by any chance you
could sell us sheets, or plates, which get over this difficulty. I say this
very diffidently--you may feel allergic to the book being put out in this form,
and if you don't, you may still find it quite impossible to help us out of the
difficulty. But we dislike turning down the book without trying this chance.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S

3 November 1952

Dear Bryher:

I came down tonight again to work (despite election eve and all the political prayer meetings on radio and television) on my Stein paper, for which I am still reading or re-reading. But found a letter from Peter Russell with the details of the contents of the manuscript. There are 57 poems in all, of which by checking with <u>Lume Spento</u>, I can find only three which have appeared in print before.

Whether this was actually "Hilda's Book" in fact as well as on the pencilled cover, I do not know. From Hilda one would judge not. But many of the poems seem possibly written to her, and some also certainly so if it can be judged from the first line. viz: My lady is tall and fair to see. Others: thou that art sweeter than all orchards breath, might of course have been written to anyone, but they will be judged by the cover to be written to her. As to the letter from Hilda to Russell which I have been trying to get back (he says it is a letter, and I am afraid Hilda agrees that it is), he wants that to go with the manuscript; so for willy-nilly the item is associated with her. I cannot tell you whether you think you should spend 250 pounds for it; that of course is up to you. It is however not a bad investment since it is so early in his career, and it is bound to Hilda whose things we wish to keep together even in association. If it were a smaller amount, I should say yes without hesitation. But I leave the matter to you. If you do want to take it why not have itta pay over the money to him, and she can either simply send it here, or you can take it back to Switzerland and send from there. Maggs could of course do it, but they would ask an extra 25 pounds as commission from you.

I forgot in my last letter to say I had inquired about the blocks from Camera Work. I asked my friend Jay Leyda, an old friend of Eisenstein, who get around a good deal; and he suggested the Theatre Collection at the New York Public Library. Said this was film also, and used much more than the Museum of Modern Art, far better taken care of etc. Or I could ask the librarian of the University of California at Los Angeles if he would be interested in the things as a nucleus of a collection. Perhaps he has one already. If you will query Kenneth for his reactions, I will proceed according to his and your wishes.

4

to her about it while in London. But it really must come from you or
me I suppose. They are anxious to have it by early in December. For
their sales meeting in January. We mean to rush through, in order to
be out in coronation spree. Do let me know when Edith is to be in New
York; I want to talk over English situation then.

Incidentally, in this regard, do, when you feel you can,
and after the last of the novel has left your hands, write me the usual
kind of letter for me to pick and choose from, and redraft, when I do
the material for the jacket. The pack of jacket will, I think, be devoted,
to the praise of October.

Away from this for the moment, probably for the letter, and
until all is in my hands, I was delighted to see the new Geoffrey, which
I found most interesting. I think you can hardly go wrong on it, and for
many reasons it seems harder to find the Elizabethans to pick up for the
main collection. A dealer in N.Y., who acts for me, tells me he has
some B & F's, and will send me a list to check against cards here. But if
he offers it will be to Kenneth Maggs, so it can be paid in pounds.

Have now finished the Aiken book, which he sent me, and so can
write him again to thank, and ask more about Hodgson. Most curious. I
am anxious to know what you think, and what Walter does. As being more
up in p.a. than I am. I found it extraordinary. Is not, for example, an
analysis, itself a profound experience in life? But it is never mentioned
that he has had one, or except in briefest passing. Nor is their really
any reference to the world outside himself (for me a most remarkable ego-
centrism, which is certainly not vanity in the ordinary sense). It is
filled with remarkable writing, and quite often with somewhat pretentious
writing. It would hardly be correct to say I couldn't put it down; but I
didn't.

Speaking of the types into which people can be classified,
I was delighted a day or two ago to learn of the little girl who divided
everyone she knew into: birds, horses, and muffins. It's rather fun; I've
been trying it.

I was worried by Marya's letter about Horace, and will try to
check up a little from the publishers, whom I know. Marya does tend to make
things seem somewhat grimmer than absolutely necessary, but even so. I shall
try to get downtown to see them during the Christmas holiday. I had hoped
to see Patrick at Virginia, when I was there; but arrived only ten minutes
before my first engagement. After the lecture, where the room was filled and
people standing, so it was difficult to separate faces, I learned that Pat
has sat beside a woman who was at a party given for me later that night. But
he did not come up, alas; so I did not know the chance I had missed. I
rather gathered he was not a part of the particular group sponsoring my
lecture and he perhaps did not want to intrude. I wrote him a letter saying
how sorry I was not to have seen him, but have heard nothing. And of course
nothing was required. Still I was sorry. I shall start from Random House
now and work back. I agree with you: we will have to watch out. Meanwhile
the Italian trip may be a good solution.

Must close now and go back for a little supper. All love to
you and Hilda, in which Susan joins. My worst days are over; you will be
hearing from me more regularly.

November 30, 1952

Dearest Bryher:

Have had less than the time expected this weekend, but it seemed
to me that I had better begin seriously with SANDS again, since Wolff is anxious
to begin with it; and I had not really had the chance to read the text for I,II,
and IV, which have arrived. It was good to begin again; I had gotten all bogged
down in details. It was not a question of seeing the forest for the trees, but the
forests for the broken twigs. At any rate, the book sparkles, and it should do
wonderfully well. Your solutions for the problems we discussed, seemed brilliant.
I am perhaps happier about them than you are, but anyhow....

As I told you, Leslie asked for the chance to look at the typescript
again; and since it means so much to him to feel that he is helping in any way, I
I could not really say no. Nor actually wish to, for his suggestions have always
been worth listening to. I remember D.S.Lewis always saying to me: well, do what
you want to, but at least you know certain difficulties in your way. Leslie has
a keen nose for such difficulties. The worst of the matter is that the slighter the
lapse, the quicker the hounds plunge in for the kill. Fortunately I see none now;
but I enclose two brief lists of suggestions for chapters I and II. A good many
relate to the "you-thou" problem, which is a headache rather than an argument. I
did not include all his suggestions, and put in a few queries of my own. I suggest
you simply take these two sheets, write over them, and return. It will save you
time.

I think they are self-explanatory.

A fine letter from Hilda came yesterday. I was delighted to have it.
Also your enclosure otherwise of the photographs. The letters have not of course
arrived. Also another one in world life. How wonderful?

Did I write you of the shouts of laughter from me and others, when I
was sent Auden's brochure for hislecturing tour, listing among his activities his
collaboration with professor Navina Pearson. Is it not choice and Russian! Like a
dancer in the ballet. What with all the religion going around, perhaps it should
have read "Novena"!

I meant to send you the latest, awe-inspiring photograph of Edith
published in this week's *Time* magazine. But it refers to her constantly as *Dame*
Edith. Is this true? Was it on the last list? You said nothing, and I should have
thought squeals from my Fido were in order. If not I call it most embarrassing for
her. I stopped in for a moment at the Gotham Book Mart on Friday, and Steloff said
E & O were now on the high seas. Sachy gave only one reading, at the Young Men's
Hebrew Association, which sponsors most readings in New York; otherwise he has been
silent. I gather now is on his way west, perhaps to arrange for the west coast wel-
come.

Any brilliancies in the way of suggestion for jacket?

All love and salutations from us both,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

14 December 1952

Dearest Bryher:

The attached fragment is what is left of the letter I wrote on the 11th, but forgot to post. And since on Saturday there came Act III, to complete the text—it seemed wiser to start over again on the letter insofar as it concerned the book. At least these come more sensibly, and in reference to the suggested illustration for the jacket, make much more sense after having read the revised III.

Incidentally I think the ten pages added to III work out wonderfully well, not entirely because they underline certain aspects (as in the relationship to Philaster)—which may be more apparent now that you have worked through the relationship of the skirmishes, but also in the ambivalence of the loves which Sands feels. In this respect particularizing the painting which Dickey had, as being a banymade, was a first-rate touch. "Not entirely" I have just said in terms of the themes, but because they fill in the particularities in general, instead of simply suggesting them by inference. I feel that nothing has been changed in essence, as from the first draft, except the manner of presentation. So congratulations on a task wonderfully done. I know Wolff will be as keen about it as I am, when I have the answers from you to some minor matters, and can hand over the typescript to him.

As to the questions:

(1): I notice that this latest version omits the dedication to "H.D." which the first contained. Is this a shift in plans, or shall I re-insert.

(2) In your five acts, the first four have a date; but the last is timeless at the beginning. Wouldn't it be better balanced if we put one in there?

(3) Also in relation to the introductions of each of the 5 acts, there are other inconsistencies, which are perhaps all right if they mean something, or might otherwise be made equivalent. For example the headings to II, and IV are quotations, using quotation marks; but I and V are also quotations, but without using quotation marks. I and I have the sources given; IV and V have no sources. III of course shifts to the name of a character, which is all right. I presume these may seem petty to you, but I know it would help in designing the book to have them regularized one way or the other.

(4) As to a suggestion to Wolff for the jacket, I had rather omitted the idea of using the illustration from the 1st issue of Philaster, since the princess akimbo on the bank, hand cocked to head, breasts slightly exposed, beside her "a country gentleman" with his knee bent in a seated legge, bare sword in his right hand; while from the wood or going into it or leaving it, sword in hand of Philaster, did not seem so relevant, until I had read your Act III and seen what you had now made of it. So I think it is fine, and will have a photograph taken, and see what the publishers think of it. I had had one taken of The Maides Tragedy, despite the obvious objections, since one could eliminate the names of Aspatia and

2

and Amintor, and have it two actors as swathsman. One might also have used
the illustration from A King and No King, in which the hand from the cloud
lifts the crown from the head, as tho this were what happened to Sands and the
Age; but it might require some explanation. At any rate I am really grateful
for the suggestion. I had gone through the books on the shelf, but we are weak
on first quartos, and they are the only ones much likely to furnishing the material.

Now as the final, and always tedious checking of miscellaneous and minor queries.
There are only a few to Act V, so I list those first.

p. 1 line 5: I assume a typographical error in 2nd marjoram, and have included
an r, but perhaps you meant the cry to shift.

30 5: This is such a long paragraph(and will go well over a page in the
bk, that I'd like to begin a new one before Sands, you dreamer.

Act III (we are back with some Hotsons for you to ponder):

1 1: Leslie here and elsewhere does not like "tree trunk" to sit on.
Perhaps he sees the trunk as going up. At any rate you will
find several of these as we go on. Here he would prefer deleting
"trunk."

14: For "slashed with murray", L would prefer "cut on murray" as
more technically correct. My only objection is that I wouldn't
have the slightest idea of what "cut on" meant, even if more
accurate.

2 7 L objects to "Very" vividly alive" and would like to delete
vividly. Purists in language of course, would sinve vivid
means alive by derivation. I rather like very alive.

4 according to the dictionary a knot of May should be a knot of
may. I think I prefer lower case.

5 4 L would recast as follows. I like the swing as he does it.
"I do not care to be young. I would rather be of middle age,
and have men listen, when I wish to better what is wrong.
'Twill come soon enough, what wouldst thou change?"

22 L would read "fallen tree" for "trunk"; in this case I do
prefer his picture; the other makes him more like a squirrel.

7 15 I had a little trouble reading a sentence here, to get the
right breaks, and wonder if I could change it to read so: "If
the rest of the company had listened to him,-- and he certainly
had had more experience than most players, and if he might
add this, the capacity to profit from it, -- what ...."

9 18 L would pead "that he wished to be alone" for "wanted to be"

10 16 L would substitute "chamber" for "room" as more Eizzielike. I
suspect he is right, anyhow gives it a little flavor.

11. 6 L would have "but who would sit in front of" for "who
wants & sat in front of"

3

p. 11 line 12: L would have "fallen tree" for "tree trunk/"

17 "Art thou truly Mr Sly's" for "really"

13 10 "L" would have "to seek for it" instead of search for it.

14 20 Is the cap proper for City life? I should have thought
city life better, especially as not THE City.

22 3 Fallen tree for trunk, again.

23 L would have read: "but was never suffered to leave the garden, without a serving woman to attend her."

23,24 (error in pagination, but nothing left out)

8 L would read "somewhat ill at ease" for " a little embarrassed."

25 5 L would read "lose our hold" for "lose our grip"

26 3 L "Stay" for "Look".

19 L would have "not presenting it" for "not acting it".

31 18 "Youth, boy, all thou saidst thou would not have!" I should imagine that the echo would be familiar in address; perhaps not.

33 2 L would have "I longed to fly" for "I wanted to". I gather want was not so much used for desire, but not worth arguing I should think.

8 L would make Martin more a sallor by reading "Sands, mate," Question would be whether Sands' man was nautical.

34 23 L suggests "a blue-coated serving man". I think better.

48 9 One can go wrong too easily on this sentence. May I shift to read, including a Leslieism, "But I wished them to mean: good Mr Beaumont, if I do well, let me be your page, take me back to Sundridge." I'm not sure that I like the change, but I had to go back a couple of times before to see what was meant.

three from bottom: L suggests "Look ye!" I like.

So there it is: why not simply cut these sections out from letter, and scribble over them, to save you time and nausea. This is a problem one won't have with the Scilly book or the Swiss one; but it is true that everyone considers himself a Lizzieeman and qualified to quibble. I think this will have been a real triumph by the conclusion. And actually altho I don't agree with L in all his particular suggestions, he does have an ear for many things of this sort. Think what he would have done to me, had to do! I saw him at M.M.'s reading here; he and Mary came to hear her, and both looked wonderfully well.

QUERIES

Bk. I:

page: 2, line 3: may I substitute "thy master" for "your.

5 16: Leslie suggests it should read "at the banquet of the Shoemakers Company?" instead of Guild. I gather there is some technical difference, and one might as well avoid the problem.

last line: may I change to "a flagon of wine to set beside his meat";
Leslie suggests, I daresay in terms of setting the table.

cut

6, 4 lines from bottom: Leslie suggests "cross-caper" for "cross cut caper".
Again I daresay in terms of the common usage.

7, line 8: should it read "make thy leg", for familiarity to a boy? I take it the "you" should stay for Awsten.

line 15 & 24: Leslie suggests "Master Doctor" for first "leech", and "physician" for the second. I know too little of medicine then to advise on this. I daresay a difference in treatment.

8, line 29: Do I take it you wish to retain "you". My only hesitancy is whether someone, not knowing it has shifted to a general expression, will think it a slip.

9, line 7: Leslie suggests eliminating "away" to read "to keep her from the infection." His way sounds rhythmically archaic and not unpleasant.

11, line 1: because of the period after the last word of song (there was none in the earlier version) I wonder if we should start a new sentence with "And I would wonder if Maudlyne...." Adding the extra two lines to the song impresses it but makes it pretty long without a full stop.

12, line 11: Leslie suggests reading "whatever name you care to give" for "want to give."

15, line 1: Leslie suggests "swaddling bands to winding sheets" (I like this emendation!).

line 2: Leslie suggests "quit" for "leave", probably since one could leave it in a will. quit is a nice strong verb.

line 14: Leslie suggests reading "Who would live with a fire in the chest ... I would not be old, Sands,..."

17, line 5: Leslie suggests "for he was in a doublet".

21, 2nd para: I want to be sure we discussed the "you"s in this para, since the second sentence has been partly changed. Something _must_ be done to regularize this para. As we had reworked it when you were here, it read: "Yes, boy, thou hast understanding, more than the others, but how can knowledge breed success unless it be paired with action... _thy_ indentures are not half _out_, and I _must_ pass _thee_ on to Master Sly." -- I underscore the words which might be changed. "Out" seems a nice almost technical word.

24, line 10: Leslie suggests "I do not wish to wear it".

QUERIES

Bk. II.

Should there be a citation to the Grammar lecture, more consistently like the previous one. I confess I don't know what it is.

page 10, line 8: shouldn't it read: "Look thee, Sands..."

16, line 16: "before thy beard"? cf page 18, where Humphreys calls him by
thou.

18, line 19: Leslie suggests "Who talks of the Moon?"

21, line19: I would suggest two question marks. "With the Spaniards? With his life-long enemies?" This as a concession to American historical ignorance, which might think the other was a positive affirmation rather than a lunacy.

23, last line: Leslie suggests, "I've no mind to his gold"

24, line 2: Shouldn't there be concluding double quotes after in gold!"

25, line 6: Leslie suggests "usually men who would step above their degree."

26, line 9: Leslie suggests "playhouse" for theatre". I have changed "off it" to "of it."

29; line 13: in order to regularize the pronoun, Leslie suggests: "Fix thy mind on thy heart's desire, boy,... it will come to thee in time."

line 22: Leslie suggests: "I long to go with thee...I should only disgrace thee, thou'll have to leave me."

Last weekend, as I wrote you, we went to Cooperstown N.Y. to see
the Deerslayer country and visit the museum of American folk art there,
really exceptionally fine. We joined three couples from Rochester, including
a Mr Beaumont Newhall, an American who is head of the Eastman Museum of
Photography, in Rochester. It was set up by money left by George Eastman,
of the Eastman Kodak Co., and altho the Kodack company gives it grants now
(it has been going about a year), some million or more has been given by
others, so that it is without question the finest collection of photography
there is. I thought of the Close-Up blocks again, especially since I had
not heard from you on the matter; since here was an active museum, with a
splendid collection (including cinema) which they are anxious to have used.
I asked him if he would be interested, were it possible, and he was much
excited about it. And since his return I have had a letter from him, as
follows: "I have discussed with Jim Card, our curator of films, your
suggestion about depositing here the cuts from Close Up. As I anticipated
he is most enthusiastic. He tells me they would be extremely valuable
in our publication program, and we want to assure you that the material
would find a good home here. Would you like me to send you any kind of
official letter or write to anyone?"

I presume you will want to check this with Kenneth, but this appears
to me to be precisely the solution we have looked for. If you think it
better from Mr Newhall to write directly to Kenneth about it, I will send
Newhall the address. But I prefer to have your directions first.

If you want to send over the child's book by your cousin, I can discuss the matter with John, or get an opinion from one or two friends of mine who deal in children's books. The title "Daddy Twiggums" sounds ominous, but I am no judge of that. Even old Possum sounds ludicrous for Eliot, to me.

Marianne was at Yale on Wednesday to give a Bergan lecture. I had
not heard she was to come until I read about it in the paper on Monday, so
could not write ahead to ask her if she would like lunch dinner or a small
party afterwards. I suspect however she would not have, since she came
with her brother and his wife, and they darted off afterwards, perhaps to
return to New London. Marianne looked very smart; like Adrienne her
costume becomes more and more stylized (and I daresay costly) all the time.

3

Her hat was really superb, and as much a trademark as Edith's are. This
was done like a black cockade, with a little swallow's tail of black down
the back; so that when she lifted her head to smile at the audience, the
swallow's tail glided down the back of her head to frame it. Whoever
designed it managed a masterpiece. Marianne reads infinitely better than
she used to; her voice is strong (although this was a smallish room and
did not tax it); she makes little jokes and asides, which delight the
audience, and altogether in an inimitable way is a stylist on the platform.
She talked for a half-hour on "The Poetic Principle Unscientifically
Approximated," which was filled with excellent quotations and not alto-
gether easy to follow. Afterwards she read one of the Fables, which was
really first rate. I know you would have been delighted with it, and she
delivered it beautifully, with all the right tempos. I felt much encouraged
about the book as a whole, not having been too excited by the fragments I
had seen before.

Lizzie makes her debut tonight before local society; and I shall have
to take her out to make her bow before the patronesses. Susan is one of
them, so not all with be strangers to her.

By the way Susan was much excited by the Scottish gardens trip, which
is quite exceptional. She has hardly had a moment to settle her accounts,
but she might very well go. She is much tempted.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S

26 December 1952

Dearest Bryher:

I write you the second letter after Christmas (the first was to Wolff). I hope it was one, a per se at Kenwin. I don't know whether Hilda planned to come to you but at any rate I know she will have sent on to you Susan's and my love and our greetings. I did not have time for the final letters, as I should have liked to do, but I was thinking of you as I went over the long and fine answers to my queries and got the chapters ready to send to Wolff with my first letter.

Susan's letter from you, with her orchidaceous gift delighted her; and our etching card had long since come, as well as the Milton poster for me. I was delighted with it of course. I had seen it in the Maggs' catalogue and lusted for it--was I so indisscreet as to hint? At any rate what could go more splendidly with the copy of the *Areopagitica* than this. I had seen copies before, and somehow always wanted it as symbol and sentiment. I do thank, and my Fido's tail would be wagging if she knew how much pleasure it gave me to have. The wire came too, and was on our tree. Ferdita and John and the Valentine had been with us Sunday afternoon, and we drank a toast to *Sands* completed and to Hilda's poems done and begun. I did write a long letter to Hilda, which I mailed on the 24th--too late of course for it to arrive much before the New Year, but such that she would know how much I truly admired the poems. They are, I think, among her very best. I quite marvelled at the crystal diction of them, and the poetic skill (a real maker's) with which she worked within the narrow metrical limits she set herself. The theme of course was an important one, one she has been feeling towards steadily, and this unity will be invaluable in the new collection when it appears. Now, with the initial stages of *Sands* cleared away for a spring publication, I can settle down to the poems and see if we can do something with the prose. The P.R.B. period has not yet quite reached these shores, but it is well to be forehanded about it.

Christmas Eve and Day were pleasant. The girls decorated the tree, and Susan did the rooms with her usual fine holiday touch; and was even able to hang the first of the new curtains she has been making for the living and dining rooms in town. It is so fearfully expensive to have a decorator make draperies that she has been doing it herself. It will cut the cost from some 800.00 to 400.00 dollars, which is no mean consideration. "We had the two rooms repainted this summer, and the old curtains looked impossibly shabby. Some neighbors and Mrs Bennett came in for an egnog and for carols on Christmas Eve, and we had Mr and Mrs "ennett and a widowed aunt in for lunch on Christmas noon. Afterwards we went to Mrs "ennett's house for the gathering of the clan. A bagpiper has moved into the neighborhood and led a group of carollers around the night before; there were enough Bennetts on Christmas Day for me to have hired him to pipe us into the family tree.

3

which are with me. Speaking from a purely financial point of view I daresay the things he still has would be more or less worth that if one were ever to sell them. My idea would be eventually to put the best of them with the other collections at Yale, or somewhere suitable. That would mean they could never exist without the others to balance them. Of course that step is a long way off, but I am always frightened that he will try to unload elsewhere. Others would buy them.

I must have let slip sending orders for October, but when I come back from Boston on the first of the week, after going to the meeting of the Modern Language Association there, I will straighten out all that and see that you have several for Kenwin. This has been a hectic fall. I am glad it is over.

There was a nice parallel between last Christmas and this. On that Christmas Day I was reading proof on October; on this one I was going over III of Sands and making the changes, and being sure it was ready to send off. I had had a wailing letter from Wolff, almost assuming that we were not to be able to publish this year, and saying that he must have things before the sales meeting on the 3rd. So I had sent him down I and II before Christmas, with the changes made, and with the suggestion for the jacket. This morning I shall send him III, IV and V. If you make little changes after this I can insert in the galleys or before, once the estimates have been made. We are agreed that the general appearance of this will be like that of October, so that they give the sense of a linked sequence. The jacket and paper design will be different, but reminiscent; the typographical layout will be identical. I sent him the matter of titles, and asked their opinion, as one usually does here. I did the same with the chapter titles; these can easily be altered in the galleys. Now, if you would like to go back to "The Apprentice Sands" or to "Apprentice Sands" I think we could, for this reason. The discussion about apprenticeship as an institution will not arise now because of the slight shifts in the body of the novel; the sense of the term will be clear from the quotation of Phillips' will. My only objection to Marianne's suggestion is that it is really too long to be striking or remembered. One could say simply "Sands", but it might lose the historical touch. If you want to go back to Apprentice, better cable me, since I would prefer not to change it after the meeting on the 3rd.

It might be too tedious for me to rehearse in detail the shifts I have made in terms of your various responses to my queries, altho I can if you want. I will certainly make every humanly possible effort for you to get galleys (I mean this, it is not an evasion), and then one can see anything which the publishers might have done to it in their styling as well. But in general I can summarize first, and then give a few details. First, I ought to say: don't blame Leslie too much. His were mainly suggestions, done out of admiration and in a wish to help. I relayed them on to you for what they were. It is quite wrong to think of us as in any waying bullying Fido about words or anything else. I agree that it is not an antiquarian's piece, but you remember saying how it was a life you had experienced, and my feeling that I was trying to be only the friendly analyst helping you to recall. At any rate, it is over now; and like a good novelist you will be to the next. If that should be the Swiss one, there will be no one to worry over it here, and the

4

whole problem is different. I should get a good Swiss historian
to glance over it, but perhaps not even that is needed except for
a possible Swiss publication. Alas, the kind of thing we have been
worrying out always depended upon the tone, and I so frequently wrote
in too great haste to always control that.

I have changed by deleting Acts; that was only a suggestion,
and I can make a hint of the parallel in my wrapper comment. And have
gone back thru and changed leg to legge, and similarly with the other
doubling at the end—I forget the word for the moment. As to want,
I gathered from Robert's definition which you quoted, that Leslie using
the same dictionary had the same purist's definition which Robert gave.
But I can't see that it matters really, and I have changed all back to
want again. Similarly I have let the word "vividly alive" remain, since
you had planned it that way. Leslie was not talking about whether or
not one was more historically accurate than the other, but that the
phrase seemed tautological. It has a nice emphatic touch of liveliness
to duplicate it, so I kept it. Also I kept "acting" instead of "present-
ing." Also "slashed.", which I like better anyhow since one knows what
it means. Similarly "constable" instead of cacklepole." I changed the
tree trunk to fallen tree, tree, and sometimes trunk. Also I left
"grip" instead of putting "hold" in its place. I didn't use "mate",
since I doubt if Sands would have said it. Left it as "portugales"
instead of prtugees. In other words, as I had intended, unless you
were enthusiastic about the change, I kept it as it had been done at
first. I do feel so infinitely guilty about the tedious decisions I
have subjected you to, and am really grateful for your tolerance in
the matter. I should not fuss with it any more. It is beautiful and
true as it stands.

Now I must begin to get ready for two meetings in New York
on the subject of American Culture, to be done partly with an eye on
Europe. I am supposed to get up the agenda for discussion for both
meetings: the first to deal with mass aspects of culture (industrial
design and the like), the second with high spots: whatever has been
done of more absolute value and influence: say Whitman or Frank Llyyd
Wright or Isadora Duncan. You and Hilda have been so long associated
with the useful double vision of both sides of the Atlantic that I am
greedy for your ideas. The first agenda must be done by the 7th of
January; I suppose it might be called the road from culture to C ulture.

Susan joins in love to you abl, and in our warmest greetings
for the new year.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

26 January 1953

D earest Bryher:

I saw Wolff at his apartment for a half-hour last Wednesday, as I wrote you, and went over the last details about SANDS. I have signed the contract with him on the same terms as before, and in order to straighten it out at both ends, inclose herewith the bill of sale from you to me to the rights for the book, which should be signed and witnessed, and the copy returned to me for my files. I enclose also my check for one dollar which you should cash as before, in order that I can have the endorsed check in my files.

As I think I wrote you before, the book is to be set up to look like OCTOBER, so that when we finish they will each be distinct but of a kind. Instead of the red for the wrapper, we are using a nice blue with a suggestion of the Philaster title page, using the cut from it for this one. The binding itself will be in the same color and will have the British crest figured on it; the design looked very handsome. Wolff liked the blurbs I wrote, and I hope you won't have found them too distasteful. I enclose the proof of the title page for you to hug, or for Fido to rip to pieces with her fangs. Wolff wishes to rush the galleys through in order to have at least bound pages by early in March, or mid-March, the date of publication to be in May. This will let the reviewers have copies in good time; naturally he wishes you could be here for a little party or two for it, but I could not hold out any hope to him. Yet if you would come in Spring, as you have sometimes spoken of doing, you could see the new child and the new book too, and we could christen both. As to proofs, I shall still try to see if you can get them, the Wolff wants them back in a couple of days after I receive them. I don't know. Sometimes I think it would be best for you to see them (if only you could be here then), and sometimes I think you should be truly Elizabethan and leave everything to the publishers as B&F and Shakespeare did. The next book will be easier on these matters anyhow, since there won't be any pretense of special knowledge at this end.

You letter of the 22nd arrived this morning. Poor Hilda, I'm afraid she feels I've neglected her; though I have always felt that I constantly walked with an arm about each of you: one about her, and the other for my Fido-Wulf-Sands in all the manifestations thru time. It is a little as it was last year, for when I am getting one of your novels ready for the printer, I am so involved that other things are crowded out. The Pound letter helped, I think, to recover, and I shall write her a piece of news which she can have first to tell you. Alas, Farrar returned the Freud volume, saying how enthusiastic he and the others were about it, and how they racked their brains to find a way to bring it out; I have answered back that I know a way, and will put it to him. At least an offer to subsidzie it will put it straight up to him! We shall see. And if I can get somewhere with the lawyers, who now have the necessary papers from Hilda's brother and from Washington, regarding a new edition of her poems. There is a natural mixture on her part, one might guess, of true delight in the success of your novels and of a little uneasiness at the fact that now again there are two authors in the family instead of one. I

N O R M A N

H O L M E S

P E A R S O N

2 3 3 H G S

Y A L E U N I V E R S I T Y

N E W H A V E N · C O N N

1 February 1953

Dearest Bryher:

I was sorry to be so rushed yesterday, but I
did want to get the card off, and had to go to the wedding recept-
ion I spoke of. And I was really too tired to work last night.

I'm sorry that the bundle wasn't the copies of
OCTOBER, but since the others seem to be getting theirs, I'll wait
until after another letter or two from you before checking on
Wolff. I had a letter from him yesterday saying that the copy was
so good he was having it made into page proofs immediately. I
can't say I really like this idea, but suppose I am not a good
authority on such matters, and Mrs W is, as I said, in South America
for a few weeks to see her brother and sister who are married there.
Wolff is obviously anxious to get the book into reviewers hands
as quickly as possible. I shall send on this afternoon Brooke's
remmards about the title, but since it was the salesmen who chose it
in preference to the Apprentice Sands, I suppose they must know what
the reactions will be here. I'd be happier the other way, but so
be it. Maybe the thing with the next one will be to skip a year,
which won't make us so rushed. Perhaps the thing would be for me to
fly to you, or you to me, so that we could settle things at leisure.

One or two questions. Did you ever speak to Kenneth
about giving the film blocks to Rochester? I know how busy everything
was at Christmas time, so perhaps you did not, or did not tell me if
you did.

Incidentally I wrote to the Harvill Press and said it
would be impossible to bring out OCTOBER as a juvenile. Not the
rightkind of a beginning; if later the younger ones want to read it,
then fine. But I am thinking of typing the series in the wrong way.

I am not writing Hilda for the moment about her
business affairs, but you can tell her if you wish that I have arranged
for a fee of three guineas for each of the two poems to be included in
the new Faber anthology. That is fair, and satisfactory to everyone.
She will be paid directly, I gather.

As to her Collected Poems, I enclose the letter --no
instead I'll copy it to save you returning it--from the New York lawyers.
they say: "This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 24th
together with the copyright search, the letter to you from Dr. Harold
Doolittle and the correspondence and statements with the Liveright
firm. I don't see how at this time we can question the semi-annual
statements. I don't think it important to obtain copies of the
missing statements since I assume they were sent to the author and the
earnings were negligible. At any rate, we have most of the material

5 February 1953

Dearest Bryher:

Somehow I feel that I have treated you most shabbily this year. There have been so many interruptions that my letters have been much too spotty lately, but the burden of other affairs lessens, and perhaps I can recover the stride I prefer. I haven't even written to say how much I hope to hear a telephone call soon and learn that you are in New York. I do now; I hope it comes soon.

But to go back a ways, I had the second of the culture
conferences on the 25th, as you know; and as usual I seemed not to
get the outline done until the very deadline. I have even forgotten
the interruptions now--I only remember by dread how many there were.
The week before the 25th, when the deadline was near, I stayed up
on a Sunday night until two in the morning, getting up at a quarter
to seven to teach; then the next night until four, getting up as
usual; and the third night until 3:30, getting up to lecture as
usual. It was really devastating, since I had to keep on working
afterwards on matters that had been allowed to lie, and in getting
ready for the meeting itself. That went off well enough, actually
better, I think than the first one did. We had a good panel:
the editor of the Christian Science Monitor; the dean of architecture
at MI.T.³ Erik Bentley for the drama; Olin Downes for music; Dan
Rich, the curator from Chicago, for art; Gilbert Seldes whose specialty
is mass communications like radio, TV and the movies; the president
of Brown University; Alastair Cooke, who does a radio program and is
foreign correspondent for the Manchester Guardian; myself, and Auden.
But again it was exhausting. All Tuesday night at a preparatory
conference, and then Wednesday which lasted from 9 in the morning
until 5:30 at night. I came back and spent the rest of the week on
the proofs for SANDS, your wire having come in good time, and I wanting
to go over the proof several times in order to be sure. I changed the
title of the first chapter to "Mouse-Colored Velvet," which to my
mind really does obviate any quibbling as well as actually give the
rich glow without specification; the last chapter title I also
changed, according to your earlier suggestion, to *but* giving over of
a game," as having more finality for the reader, and catching up in
their minds the significance of your epigraph. I feel quite content
with these alterations. You may be furious at me, tho I hope not,
for having made one little pedantic alteration later on. You spoke
of Sands having scraped his feet on the iron by the doorway to the
inn; and when I read it in cold print I cam up with a start. I
checked with several people, especially the authority on craft arts
here who seemed very sure that these iron scrapers did not come in
until at least the end of the century; so I simply had them reset it
so that Sands simply scraped his feet, and people can make up their
own minds about what he did it on. Your photostat of the Phillips
will having come since I sent off the copy to the printers, I checked
it against the original and found that Baldwin had pulled an awful

2

anwler, by reading that Phillips had left the two boys five pounds when actually it was only forty shillings apiece. Easy to see where he went wrong, but Prouty read it 40 shillings without knowing the problem, and then I took the photostat to the famous Elizabethan historian, Wallace Notestein, and he read it forty shillings. This made no difference to the text, but, as you say, "always go to the original." I sent the proof off Saturday, and the front matter on Sunday, and now I have been re-reading the dustwrapper matter. Alas, from my point of view, the salesmen seem to have wanted something livelier than I wrote; and I guess I'll have to accept it. It's not my cup of tea, but could be much worse for the public to drink. You should be having copies shortly. Not having heard from you that the copies of OCTOBER had reached you, I have had it checked at Pantheon.

A letter from Suhrkamp about the German translation of Hilda's book has at last arrived, and he says that the only way he thinks it should be done is in a thousand copy de luxe edition for the German market, perhaps as the first of a series which he might do. He was a little reluctant to take it up immediately, but having discussed the matter with Wolff I am now writing Suhrkamp to see what can be planned. He may well be right.

Last Saturday we had the party for little Susan's friends to announce her engagement, and she seems very contented with life. I probably haven't told you much about the boy, whom we all like, but will later, or when you come. He is an instructor in history at Yale, somewhat older than she, but we approve of this. Actually it is something of a relief, tho I suppose it will continue to be a matter of planning etc until the marriage early in September.

I was very excited to read your memoir of Uncle Norman. It was heerly brilliant, and vibrated with life. A little masterpiece it seemed to me, and I am most enthusiastic about your continuing with the series. I think it makes all kinds of sense to try these for a while, instead of going on immediately to a new novel, especially since the discussions about Sands rather did distract your attention from the Swiss or the Scilly book. Personally I'd say we could wait until an over-year before the next appears. But to go back to the memoirs, I thought on the whole that the Douglas one came off better than the Stein one did, and not simply because I knew her better than of course I did him. What made the first so effective was your use of your wonderful skill in handling detail; the way he would pick up things, or walk down the street; or drift from one subject to another; the sense too that you were rounding out a sometimes misunderstood concentration on crocodiles. These were things only you could know, and result was that Uncle Norman didn't even have to be a famous person to come alive. With Gertrude, perhaps because you didn't know her so intimately, this kind of details were missing. The opening about the Paris group was more generalized, and therefore came out more like what everyone has said about it. There were no details of the room or her body, her manner of speaking, her kindness and ruthlessness; there were no hairs on the chin of Toklas. Do you see what I am trying to say. I don't know whether you can do these things about people who are still alive, but I should love to see you do a twin portrait, or a pair, about Adrienne and Sylvia: their little gestures, the sense of their relationship, etc. Or of Havelock Ellis that time when you met him first in Cornwall, and how he sat in his chair, and his thoughts about novels, and his sensing of what

3

of what you spoke from in these changes on your part from
Wulf to Sands to Bryher. Or Dorothy Richardson; or Edith herself,
since no one could do her as you could. Maybe these are not for
the press at the moment. The thing is to get them down; your gallery
can be as brilliant as Osbert's. I can't tell you how pleased I am
at the idea.

I shall be writing to Sylvia within a day or two. There will
be no problem about her passport of course; it is a fantasy on
her part, and I can certainly pull some wires if that is the question.
I mean to ask her if she would like to come up to speak at the Elizabethan
Club. We can pay her a small fee, and what could be more appropriate
than the link of her bookstore name and that of the Club! A small
and private audience, and I hope she may like the idea. I shall see
her anyway.

The various news of Hilda has been both pleasing and a little
troubling, especially about her weight. As we both know this can be
most precarious in her case. Does she still show a reluctance to
eat? I had thought, if you felt wisest, that I could come over during
the Easter holidays which begin on the 27th of March and end on the
8th of April, if in some way my being there might cause her to eat
again, or if I could tempt her or scold her in a different way. But
with your coming here, it might not be wise. Perhaps she would prefer
a summer visit more, with less rush. I gather for the moment she
thinks not to go back to Lugano, but time will tell on that score.
I suppose I should not go away at all this summer, but work away at
Hawthorne; but the truth is I do think I need a change for a few
days, so perhaps if your schedule is not too filled for the summer
we might make a little trip together. I had wondered -- do not gasp
at the idea--what you would think of a few days with Hilda, then a
quick trip together to Jugoslavia, and then back to Hilda to report,
and then home. I've never been in the Balkans, and this spot is
opened again. Who knows when it will be closed, or another be avail-
able. Do you know it yourself? Rita could make the arrangements.
A week would do it, and get you away..

What is the next step about the blocks? Of course Kenneth can
use them any time he wants to. That would be the whole purpose in
putting them at such a spot, where they could be used by him and by
many. If it is all right, as I gather it is with Kenneth, I should
simply tell Doris to have them packed and sent to:

Mr Beaumont Newhall
Curator
George Eastman House
900 East Avenue
Rochester &, N.Y.

Wouldn't it be better for her to pay the shipping costs, and just
make it a present to them? I shouldn't think it would amount to much.

I was overwhelmed with the excellence of the Hesse issue of DU.
It is a magnificent job of presswork, quite apart from the importance
of the subject. The copy for Stevens did not, or has not, arrived,
so I imagine they did not have an extra one. Actually I thought that

4

after I'd had it a bit, I would give it the Hesse collection at
the Yale Library, about which we spoke. Altho they miss certain
items, that perhaps some time we can find for them, they are already
so good that for the long run it would be sadly incomplete without
the data, pictures, and opinion, which the issue contains.

So long has it been since my letters were anything but notes
that I don't think I thanked you for getting the orchid for Hilda.
She wrote so vivid a description of it to us, that we felt in the
room with us. Neither Susan nor I could have been more pleased. I
am putting the check for six dollars in the fund. Both Susan and
I smiled at your thought that it was expensive. My dear, it would
have cost three times as much here, and it was precisely what we
wanted. Bless you a thousand times!

The Davenant arrived safely, and I have taken it to the
library to be oiled, since it was pretty dry. I think I told you
that the bundle with the Dekker, the Honest Whore; the Faithful
Shepherdess(1629); and The Two Noble Kinsmen(1634) also arrived
safely, and have been evaluated. Meanwhile I have put a blanket
insurance on all of the books, and with these last items now in
hand, I shall make it a permanent one. I don't think you've sent
A Yorkshire Tragedy, but you may bring with you as you suggest.
One hardly knows what to think the effect of Stalin's death will
be. I mentioned to Kokeritz, the Elizabethan language man here,
the Latin English vocabulary, and he was interested to know the
title. If the notes are only pictures it doesn't matter so much,
but if they have anything to do with language, they he is mad to
see it. Naturally I don't know the title, and it may already be
at sale or known to him. If not we really ought to let him see it,
and I could ship back to you.

Now that I am catching my breath again I shall write Farrar
and say that Merrill would be OK and see where we go from here in
regard to the Freud volume. I think something can be done with it,
and it would please and perhaps help to have a book in the works
for her again. Horace has agreed to help with the selection of poems,
and that would be one thing I'd want to talk over with her this
stimmer. I think it should not be all inclusive at the moment, but
give a fresh angle and therefore fresh critical attention. It will
require some planning all around.

The bundle of books by Denton Welch came in, with the one by
Brooke also; and the little volume of poems by Hogdson has arrived.
I had forgotten completely that "Time you gypsy" was his. I had a
nice, but brief note from him thanking you. "You will understand," he
said, "my astonishment at your letter and its contents; I shall not
readily recover from it. My happiness is increased beyond measure
by your telling me of Mrs. Bryher's long liking for my poems; it
was thoughtful and generous of you. If you will be so good as to
tell Mrs. Bryher of my deep gratitude, I shall feel lastingly obliged
to you." It was not long, but all that was appropriate to the moment;
I shall try to pick it up again so that I can keep track.

Your plans for the coronation sound much too good for you

5

sound much too good to be missed. I will simply not hear of your
passing up the opportunity. You have a duty to act as our surro-
gate. I like the idea of what you will see, of course; but I am
even more agog at your reactions to the people's reactions. No,
this is really wonderful of Gerald. I shall expect despatches
concerning every moment of it.

I want very much to see Edith when she comes back to New
York, and will write her a note at the St. Regis and ask her when
I may come to court. I have missed her on the last few occasions,
infinite to my regret. Only the extraordinary pictures of her
in regal gown and cap have solaced me.

Tomorrow I am seeing Hotson for lunch, before going to
Hartford to give a lecture to a club there that evening. I can
delicately sound out about the coronation, but on the whole and for
the moment I think probably still better to keep him at work on
his material and in a position where they can supervise the plaster-
ing on the house. It should be finished just about then. Better
I think to wait until he runs a little dry and then perhaps a trip
to Italy. Horne will be returning in a week or so, and I think perhaps
better that Hotson be here to give advice etcetera on the new documents
he has gotten. You were wonderful to give Horne this extra time.
He is the real thing, as you say, and your help has come just at the
right time. Perhaps we'll find another, but they are rare. The
great thing is to find them and to be sure.

I was much distressed about Eliot's letter, or rather
disappointed about it. I had a second letter from C.urtis Brown in
London, visavis Hardavil, quoting them regarding OCTOBER as a juvenile.
No harm certainly that the young should read it; I wish they would.
But I feel very strongly against introducing it as such and thus
warning away the adults. C.urious, how this was never felt in the
American reviews. No one even suggested that it was a juvenile. I
wonder if Curtis Brown or the others could have seen the American
reviews. I rather think I shall subscribe to an American clipping
agency for this next book, so that I can have a set to use as I want
to. Perhaps too it will take a trip of my own some time to London
to look into the matter first hand. But anyhow let it go now for the
moment. I will be seeing Wolff and discuss. I do not want to try to
do the thing by correspondence. It doesn't work.

As to Aldington, to shift the subject, I shall write him and
see what he thinks about the British and Hilda's book. By the way,
do you think it better that I should buy Freud from her also, on the
same basis as with yours, turning the proceeds over as she thinks
best. I think only of the tax complications, especially if there is
much subsidy necessary.

But I have burdened you with too many details in this letter.
It does seem good, however, to be writing again. I still feel a
little tired from all the recent exertions, as though I were drawn
out and limp. I daresay the letter shows it, but at any rate there is
nothing limp in sending my love or hoping that it will not be too long
before we see you.

6 February 1955

Dear Mr Hodgson:

It was my privilege until a few months ago to be the president of the Bryher Foundation, which, until it was dissolved, made certain awards for distinction of achievement in letters. Mrs. W. Bryher, an Englishwoman who has lived for many years in Switzerland, was responsible for the foundation, and she wishes to continue in a private way what the Foundation more formally did.

Bryher has long been an admirer of your poetry. "I knew Hodgson by heart when I was seventeen," she once wrote me; and she has not forgotten them since, as I know from her quotations. Now she has asked me to send you the enclosed check for $1,500, which she hoped that you might accept as the award which the Bryher Foundation would have made had it been still in existence.

It gives me naturally great pleasure and a sense of honor to send it to you.

Respectfully yours,

Mr Ralph Hodgson
Owl Acres
Box 56
Route 1
Minvera, Ohio.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

20 February 1955

Dearest Bryher:

This is a note only; I have been up most of the nights
during the early part of the week, finishing the second paper on culture,
and otherwise trying to exist. Now I have begun reading the proof on
SANDS, which, alas, despite the efforts they did after all set directly
into pages. So far I have done only the first chapter, but a question or
two arises which ought to have your absolutely immediate attention, so
that my conscience can be satisfied. Will you sit down immediately and
write me in return, unless you think it wiser to send a night cable. These
are the two queries:

a: In the epigraph (the quote from Phillips' will, you spell it Gilborne, bit on page 23 of Bk I, when the conversation of Awsten turns to the legacies you spell it Gilburne. I think we should be consistent, even if it means changing the excerpt from the will. Either way is OK so long as it goes for both.

b: The second query is one I should have caught before, but just didn't. It started this way: in the title of the chapter we spell Sute and in the excerpt from the will it is Suite. Coming so closely together it gives an off appearance, and since I believe we changed the title so it wouldn't be confused with a group of rooms in a hotel, or a musical composition; probably it would be better to spell the chapter title as Suit, in order to say we had modernized it. BUT, what struck me as odd this time, was that Phillips left Gibborne not a suit of mouse-colored velvet byt mouse-colored velvet hose, and in the conversation about it between Phillips and Sands it is hose again. Sands wanted the hose, and says nothing about the suit. Won't people then think it odd that suit appears in the chapter title in a way that nothing in the chapter seems to bear out. I can think of explanations for the title, but they would appear ingenious. What would you say to calling the chapter simply MOUSE-COLORED VELVET, which we could put in quotes as we have some of the later chapter titles. I did say in the blurb that Sands yearned for a suit of mouse-coloured velvet, but that won't matter much even if too late to change, so long as the chapter title is clear. Mouse-colored velvet is the symbol, it seems to me, not so much whether it appears in hose or in a suit or jacket or whatever.

However I do hope you understand that this is only a query on my part,
and you leave it as it is if you prefer it that way. It's only that I had
gotten so used to the phrase a suit of mouse-coloured velvet, from everyone's
repetition, that I never thought to question it before.

So tell me to leave it as it is, or use it without a suit of; or use it
without a suit of, and put into quotes.

c: A very minor query comes as of page 3 of the typed copy, line 111, as to whether it should Jigge, with a capital, or jigge. I sent it in with a cap; they seem to have lower-cased it, and I am not sure which it should be.

All love. I shall be writing soon.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

7 March 1953

Dearest Bryher:

I did find the missing page, and I suspect it must have reached you about the same time as the rest of the letter. I think it was taken along by a man who came in to have me write an ad for his book, for it disappeared after his first visit and reappeared the next day when he returned. But not espionage, I fancy!

The envelope of letters arrived, with Horne's note. He should walk into the office any day now. And Sylvia's, to whom I have written but not had time for an answer. And Marianne's. I share her uneasiness about the title, or perhaps any title, tho I think that the suit of mouse colored velvet would not have done so well for the whole book as for the introduction to the mood and action. Hotson was with me for lunch on Friday, and told me, as he said he had written you, that the book continues to haunt him with its life and beauty. 'his was completely sincere, and a highest of compliments on his part. I gather their house has now had its second coat of plaster and moves towards completion. Also that they were not buying a washing machine, but they of course know what they need most. He seemed quite uninterested in the coronation, though I put it only on general terms; I daresay he would not want to leave the house just at the time they should be moving in and beginning to settle it and enjoy it.

The two envelopes of Hilda's letters arrived, and of course I was delighted to add them to the rest. They were excellent, and her comments on the Helen series add immensely to the remarks she made to me about them. The poems are a very real achievement and addition to her stature. I am eager to begin work on the new edition of poems, where I think they should find a place. I hope to be able to write to Liveright this week, and begin that fight. My New York lawyers assure me that there will be no ultimate difficulty, but I assume a lively skirmish before they give up the ghost.

I spoke in Hartford Friday night on the meaning of American culture, and Susan spoke that afternoon in Branford on horticulture of house plants; so we seemed almost a lyceum circuit in ourselves.

I must begin now to work at my income tax statement, always a dreary and devastating problem.

The Russian situation does not seem to be much changed for the moment. Interesting, how clearly it shows up that the Russian government is really Eastern rather than Western. These men are all Georgians; no wonder their ways are different from our own. It seems quite impossible so far as a solution is concerned. Possibly, however, it will stir up, eventually, more unrest in the western border satellites.

All love from us both,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

9 March 1953

Dearest Bryher:

WHAT A DAY! Your letter of the 4th was somehow delayed and did not reach me until this morning. (Another of the 7th came in the afternoon mail.) But your paragraph about Horne matched your opening sentence about Stalin: "Well, we certainly had a bombshell this morning...." I raced down the graduate school hallway to Prouty's office, which is now on the same floor with mine. He was having appointments with students, but I told him he must see me immediately he was free. Finally he came down the hall, loitered to speak with someone and I rushed out to grab him by the scruff of the neck and haul him behind closed doors. His jaw dropped; I picked it up from where it rolled and put it back in place (so to speak) before he could utter a word. It was so all preposterous: a nervous breakdown, or an infidelity which kept him to some hussy, since he could not, obviously, have come to the States and not seen us, especially after such a catastrophe. "We agreed that when each of us had separately, but recently, seen his wife, she seemed vague. Prouty told me (as I had not known) that he had been married before--too true! too obviously a fine career ruined. "We called a close friend of his; no, one did not know when he would be back. Both Prouty and I jittered, and not like jitterbugs. It was obvious that action must be taken at once, his wife notified or consulted that afternoon; Prouty to meet me at four, after my seminar, with the results, and then we would confer. Prouty went off trembling down the hall, since Horne is his special protégé, at lunch, swearing the master of his college to secrecy showed him the paragraph, and he agreed that it was an untruth; so Prouty, sensibly, got his wife and they went off to see Mrs Horne.

Both Proutys were waiting when I got out of class. They had seen her; "yes," she nodded to them calmly; that's right." It was true. Dear Bryher, the whole things seems preposterous; never again will I believe that academics are grown sensible people. He came back on the Queen Elizabeth on the 17th of February, got through customs, and gave his trunk and two footlockers to a transfer agency named Hendrickson; one trunk arrived by railway express on the 24th, and no sign since of the two footlockers. His extensive films he had but not his transcript of documents; he tried to trace the missing by phone, then borrowed money for a roundtrip thirty-day tourist TWA flight, and returned on the 26th to recopy the written transcripts, and will have returned here by the 28th of March when his roundtrip ticket is no longer valid. No, he had not come to see either Prouty or myself (I gather he must have spent the first two days in bed with his wife) and when the things did not come became ashamed, felt he must rectify, and so hurried away. "Oh it was so good to have him back, and the cat couldn't be separated from him, and the baby just loved her father, and you know what David is like, etc etc etc." Then later it turned out that the close friend had indeed known he had been here and all about it, but it was supposed to be a secret from Prouty and me; though how Horne thought I would not know from you, I cannot imagine! It is too ludicrous! And too childlike! Fortunately he did have separately a list of all the documents that contained valuable material, and the films were safe. The only thing which is a mystery is his asking you "to lend him funds to remain for a year."

2

I can see why he needed more money to take care of this period until the end of the month, but cannot figure out the other. Perhaps in his excitement he put it down wrongly. At any rate fifty pounds (which, under the circumstances, I am glad you gave) should be sufficient. What is incredible, though I suppose understandable from a child's point of view, is that he should never have said a word either to Prouty or myself. Won't you send me his letter, airmail, for there will be time enough to see what is up; though both Proutys had not the slightest doubt but that they had been told the truth. Actually I feel so much better simply with knowing that there is no breakdown, and that he does not seem to have fallen for a researcher, that I am happy enough to forgive the eccentricity. Backaday!

I have not had a chance, for all this, to read the enclosed bundle of pages from the additions to the Paris scene. Will read them and write in a day or so about them.

Sorry about Gregory and the howl. I will write him myself, though you can assure him that since my dustwrapper material is not being used, there is no problem at all. His name was never mentioned at all, for I knew that he had written in asking for the chance to review the book, and that I could not quote him and have him review too. If you look at the copy I sent you, you will see how I used the material. The sentence which reads: The Player's Boy is the story of those who living in one period of history find it impossible to thrive in the next"-- is a rough paraphrase of what he wrote in a letter. Nothing else comes from him in it. I lament, because somehow it would appear that we don't hit it off together as we once did. They seem to be growing more apart from all of our once common friends, and they grieve at it as I do.

Naturally we should miss very much the chance to see you, and it is hard to have Walter become possessive, but I understand how difficult these matters are. If you could persuade Hilda to come over with you in the fall, it would be worth waiting just to have her also. And there is certainly nothing pressing this side; Nicholas thrives, and so the rest of the Valentines here, Pup and all, and Susan and I will be seeing them and able to report from time to time. Fall is of course our American season, and it is about time for another football game, and the trip we have promised you into Vermont and the autumn foliage. But do, dear Bryher, slip away to Anticoli or to England; you need a little "retreat" as the Catholics would say.

It would be fine to have either Planck or Henderson show Sands to publishers, but only one at a time; for we would be in a pickle if both Macmillan and Chatto should decide to take it. Better wait, however, until I can send a copy of the book, or least in wrappers to whichever one you chose, so that the publishers can glimpse it in type. It always makes a better impression. The final arrangements will have to be handled from this side, because of the contract with Pantheon.

Am trying to squeeze this in at the end of the afternoon, because of the Horne surprise. Susan has been off today to New York to see the New York Flower Show. She shows herself at Hartford next Sunday, and we keep our fingers crossed. Next week I will help her to a day off by taking her to Boston for the day to see the show there, which she has never visited.

All love, as always. If Walter is really disturbed, probably you'd better put the States visit off. I must not have you worrying.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

14 March 1953

Dearest Bryher:

You are always the wonderful one. I am so deeply
touched by your invitation to London. There would have been a
thousand things to do and people to see, almost too many of them.
Actually, as I look at my desk and the spring ahead, I don't think
even with a revised plan that I had better try to come. As with
yourself there are too many intervening episodes to tie one down,
and if I can clear away things it will make the few weeks after
(when I have to do schedules for undergraduates, dissertations,
comprehensive examinations etc.) all the easier. Actually the sun
is out today for the first time after a fortnight of sub-zero weather
and gray skies, with torrential downpours of the last two days so
that one could hardly poke one's head outside without being deluged.
And I have had a few nights sleep, and a few days when I tried to
accomplish nothing except to make out my income tax report, so I
begin to feel like a rose revived. Sincerely, if I went now I doubt
if I'd go again this summer; and I'd prefer a few days longer then.
My idea about Easter was the possibility that Hilda might need a
little reviving, but she seems to mend so readily that that need
passes. As for summer, I could come for ten days anywhere so long
as it was not too near the 5th of September when little Susan is to
be married. Talk to Rita about Jugoslatia, when you are in London;
that hardly matters. Perhaps we could arrange while Melitta is
to be at Kenwin.

I wrote Wolff about the jacket material; I think it
actually must have been done early, since it had the "Sir" in it.
I mentioned only my fear that he would not be giving the right tips
to the reviewer, so he answered saying he had reinserted some of my
material in it. Who knows how it now reads! Anyhow, with the next
novel we will be having more time, and these things can be done slowly
and to everyone's satisfaction.

As to Sukrkamp, we can only wait to see how he replies.
If possible, then I can arrange matters between him and me, and there
will probably be enough in the savings account to take care of it; any-
how we can make a bypass from Switzerland through me. He feels he is
dealing with me anyhow. I am having *Writing on the Wall* recopied here,
so as not to give Farrar the only copy. Also if Merrill does an intro,
he will need a copy unless we wait for galleys. The typescript will
go to Farrar next week; I spoke with him here on Tuesday, and I have
the feeling it will work out. But naturally still keep my fingers
crossed.

I would not dare tell Kokeritz about the Latin-English
vocabulary, lest he die from pangs of hunger before it reached here.
It sounds incredibly exciting, (and) (charming). Hotson would of course
equally like to see. You must make up your own mind, and then entrust

2

to some hand.

I wrote Hodgson again but have not heard. Like you, I wonder at the mystery. A dim memory tells me he was in China, and met a schoolmarm missionary girl from the States, whom he married and accompanied back to Ohio where she came from. A little like Flint, I gather. These are odd turnings of the back against one's talent.

The new fragment of your memoirs I liked immensely: it had the nice particularities I liked in Uncle Norman's portrait. My only adverse comment, or suggestion, is that "What the hell" is best when it is only once. Even if a cliche of their conversation, it sounds weak when repeated, as though one were trying to be hearty. And, dear Fido, no euphemisms, please. You are not seasick on the trottoir; you vomit or are at least just sick. In Bands, remember, we insisted that the man slapped her on the behind, not the back of her skirt.

I wrote to Newhall at the Eastman Museum about the blocks, and he replied with great delight, but said please just send them to Eastman House, and the address I gave you; leaving off his name and title, since it complicated customs. I remember now some difficulties I once had bringing in some prints for the Metropolitan from Mexico.

A letter this morning from Aiken, which I quote: "In the confusion of arranging and packing for our departure next week, I simply for the life of me can't remember whether I wrote to tell you how delighted I was, and Eliot too, to hear that you'd got $1500 for Hodgson. Hooray! And if it can be supplemented from time to time, so much the better. As you say, why not an Award??? Very fine. Yes, and how good of Bryher, as you say, a remarkable person, I've always thought so. I've shrunk myself from saying anything to her about my own award, for the very reason that she has seemed to prefer anonymity in such matters. But perhaps I should? We'll be at our NYC flatlet from the 15th March for two or three weeks. If you should be coming down, do let us get together."

Also yesterday, or so, a warm and friendly letter from Sylvia. She is staying in New York at the Beverley, 125 East 50th St., where she says a friend of hers is putting her up. A little vague about coming up to New Haven, but I think she will. I will try to set a date and see if it checks with her.

Perhaps I ought to give you an accounting for the savings account, since I have not done so for a long time. Or at least as of the last of last year, the following has been deposited. "191.09 from the first returns from October; followed by a second check of $614.06 as a second payment in return. $5,000 as from you, including the 1000 Christmas gift, which I shall save to pay for passage this summer. Also $6.50 in payment of the orchid for Hilda. In interest the account earned 16.96 last year. Withdrawn from it was 4,150 to take care of the full payment for Bands and the 500 I paid to McAlmon for his papers. So that at present the balance is 4,0178.88, from which there is only the round checklist cost to abstract. So I think there will be plenty to take care of the Freud if Farrar will publish it.

As I think I told you, I have been agonizing over income tax.

3

It is always devastating. But I did manage to clear up how to handle the receipts from the two books so far as my statement is concerned. I simply look at it as a capitol investment on my part, any receipts in return not being considered income but simply charging off against my speculative investment. I had wondered a little how to handle it. If government queries, then I say they must allow me to charge costs as expenses of business (if receipts are income), in which case I can deduct amount from my own income, and they would have to hand me back a hunk. The burden is thus on them, and the rationale seems a true one. Theoretically at least one does this on my part for possible profit. Some day perhaps one can charge off as bad debts.

The political situation seems still awkward, tho I am glad that the UK and USA seem to be coming to some understanding about British bottoms supplying China. As they have been doing, despite English soliders with the U.N. armies. Quelle folie! As to the air attacks on the "erman frontier, they sound less favorable. One always wonders if "alenkof might not think a war a good way to keep the country together at the beginning of his regime. But one thinks of the loose joints perhaps as only a fantasy; still, one cannot believe that Prague etc can really be happy under Russian rule, and perhaps even Poland begins to reorganize again.

Meanwhile the U.S. Senate behaves abominably. The members seem to have lost all sense of the function of a senate; they do no legislation, simply form committees to investigate, which is easier and gets attention. I think Eisenhower must act soon, but perhaps he waits until the summer recess, when, quietly, they can get to work, after this fling, to pull senators into line. So far there is not very much sense of result from the "managerial" cabinet. But curiously enough I think Dulles' trip to Europe and his word to get cracking may actually have done some good. Really, France will do nothing unless forced to; and either Russia will or we will. The British of course still want not to get involved. I feel eventually they must.

If you go to London, get Kenneth Maggs to show you the Phillips' collection catalogues which Robinson has been putting out. They are phenominal. Nothing in the collecting game has been like them. And if you pick up anything at Maggs, insist on condition and good margins. The last from them have been excellent in this respect. Blame it all on me. Kenneth M will understand the insistence.

All love to you, a tweak of the ears and a pat on Fido's behind.
Bless.

11 April 1953

Dearest Bryher:

I should be doing one of several thousand academic
chores, but there is a blessed moment without a student at my
office door, who wishes to make out his study schedule of courses
for next year; and I will not let another week go by without the
effort, at least, to make some dent into the silence that must have
seemed to engulf me. I always think, of you and Hilda, how choice
your friendship is, when you can not only forgive me for my sins
of omission but also keep writing me those letters which turn each
day, when they come, into something special.

I have been naughty; that is, I could not resist
opening my birthday Milton yesterday, when it arrived. I am delighted
with it, and grateful. Somehow I have a particular affection for
this revolutionary side of Milton which got his books banned and
burned, even though Round and Eliot now hold him as "the old fogey"
whose writing crippled English tongues thereafter. I say, "Nonsense!"
But you will remember that I took the name of Puritan as code during
the war. It always seemed so appropriate when a chiding wire from me
went out to a field station. I seemed then to be somewhere in the
remote distance, gray-clad, wagging my finger at the congregation.
But I do thank you; it goes so beautifully with the "Christmas Card"
and the copy of the "Areopagitica" you gave me.

The Latin-English vocabulary arrived safely, long since.
It has delighted everyone--one of those particular things to which the
word "charming" seems so rightly to belong, and not to belittle what
it describes. I had one early English scholar at the house, with his
wife, one night for bridge. He did nothing but raise partner's bids
so that he could go back to deciphering the text again. Kokeritz was
charmed with it; it was one of the few things he wished he could show
his class. Few things seem so intimately connected with the age. I
understand your reluctance to let it. Yes, I really do; and you must
have it back again with you in Switzerland. Our curiosities have been
satisfied; anything more would be greed. It is wonderful just to have
seen it. So shall I send it, or shall I keep it to bring back by hand
this summer. I think it would probably be safe by airpost, or surface,
and you should not wait until summer to have it again.

So also came the beautiful copy of The Yorkshire Tragedy.
And it really is a beautiful copy: the margins are excellent, and so is
the condition. I congratulate you. Incidentally, everything is com-
pletely in order in regard to the insurance; each book is registered
like a precious or semi-precious gem, and there should at least be no
financial worry about them in the future. There are all sorts of little
clauses, which permits students to use them in the Library, so that the

2

policy still covers them. I can show it to you on your next visit.

Other arrivals to these shores have been Hilda's letters for
1935, the few letters from London (do you know their year?) which
accompanied the one from Aldington and the bill for the Oxford Decree.

As to Aldington's letter, there is probably nothing to do but
wait. I had written him, and had a most cordial note in return. I
may write him again, on the basis of this, simply to keep in touch.
I hope something will come of it. I can see that sometime in the next
couple of years I must spend a few weeks in London, meeting a few of
the publishers, in order to expedite this kind of thing. The "Helen"
sequence of poems has been sent to POETRY, to see if there were some
they might like. I know they are reluctant to take from a series, but
perhaps we will be lucky. I would have sent to the Atlantic, but they
take so infinitely long. I think I wrote you that I felt I could not
send my only copy of the text of her "Writing on the Wall" back to
Farrar for his final decision, without having a copy made of it. He
agreed; and as I checked the copies to see they were correct, I found
one or two little queries I would be happier to have settled before it
got into any printer's hands. So I wrote Hilda about these, and when
the answer comes, I will send it to New York again. Horace very kindly
suggested to the Grove Press (about which he seems so enthusiastic!)
that they might be interested in the manuscript, so they wrote me. We
will, however, have to wait until Farrar makes up his mind one way or
the other. I have written them to that effect.

The list of recipients of Sands arrived, and I will copy and
send to Wolff. I think one had better go to Horne;--of that more later,
or in another letter. He is back; Prouty pouts (he has been having
mumps for the past month), and the situation is a little derange, but will
work out with a little politesse on my part.

I liked the Gide reminiscences; the whole thing begins to shape
up very well. I hope you get a breath and a chance to go on.

I think I wrote you that I had dropped a second note to Hodgson,
quietly trying to open a channel by which I could keep informed about
him; and mentioned in it, now, the fact that we had exchanged a letter
or two many years ago at a time when Phelps wanted to know about him.
This is the reply: "Dear Dr. Pearson / I gave him no clue to so Germanic
an address: I have not acknowledged yours of March 8th. It lies in
my letter rack, a blessed reminder that there are still nice people to
be met with in a world now changing so rapidly. Were I in England, I
should hope to look up that old correspondence; it would be delightful
to find it. My sincere thanks and warm regards." The channel is not
directly open, but somehow I like the letter. How wonderfully he keeps
his dignity under what must be appalling circumstances! I shall cast
a few nets discretely about, to get a fish who has swum near him and
can tell me how the Hodgson lives.

There was still another batch of letters, sent by you, from
Sylvia; I have not been able to see her, and have postponed writing
until I could be free. (Really, Fido, this has been a simply impossibly

3

series of weeks since I last wrote--I spent every day and some nights
during the brief Easter holiday, at my office, trying to breathe.) But
I shall get in touch with her shortly. I had desperately also wanted
to see Edith, but daresay she has now returned. Alas! The only one
I have seen at all is Fletcher's wife, who was trying to finish a book
about John, before she left for Africa and then Italy. She started it
off, well enough, but then got off the path, and I had to try to help
her pull it together again. I haven't seen the re-written version yet,
but gather it has more form and contouring. She is still in New York
but hopes to leave in a fortnight.

The last of the chores has been trying to settle up finally
the matter of McAlmon's papers. They arrived and are now filed, tho
I haven't tried to read them. Actually, altogether, they make quite
a respectable group, though the earlier things were apparently lost in
France during the exodus. But I am especially glad now that we now
have permanently in the office, the manuscripts of the various semi-
autobiographical novels with their involvements. He had not included
those, as I thought he would, but that is now settled. But he also
sent along some books, one of which I felt must absolutely stay in my
possession. I hope you agree with me. It is his copy of THE PORTRAIT
OF A GENERATION, with "Painted Illustrations by Bryher." He had spoken
of selling this, plus his extra-illustrated (with photographs etc)
galley sheets of "Being "eniuases", and a couple of others less interest-
ing. So I offered him fifty dollars for THE PORTRAIT; so he sold that
and the Galley Sheets and another for that sum. I could not bear having
the Portrait in strangers' hands. I will take the fifty out of the
savings account, There is plenty there, so do not replace.

At last it seems to me, with your papers, Hilda's, his, now,
too, we have the things together. I sometimes wish that it were possible
to save Sylvia's things as a group (the papers, rather than the books),
but that is perhaps more tangential. I hope her book of reminiscences
progresses; I did not have a chance really to talk to her about it when
I saw her in New York.

So much for the things which immediately pop into mind. The
great difficulty is to recall even a few of the many things I had wanted
to tell you of could I have written as regularly as usual. But at least,
going back through your letters, which have not been answered, some others
may come to mind.

What precise moments you always choose for your visits to London!
You somehow never miss any important event; and it almost seemed appropri-
ate that the Queen Mother should have known the proper moment to leave.
I always had a good deal of respect for her. She was a superb actress
and knew her role as Queen quite wonderfully well. I remember the first
time I ever saw her. It was in 1928 and she was riding beside the King
in a royal procession in Edinburgh. The carriage was open, and one
could see her, proudly erect, for blocks away. When the carriage drew
closer, then one knew the King was there too; but he looked like her
escort. Then during the many processions of the war, she was usually
alone. One felt she suited royal widowhood; the present Queen Mother
is simply a Scottish widow. You did not speak much of the reactions,
there being so much to tell about the preparations for the coronation.

4

Both Susan and I would feel lost without our royal bulletins from
you. It will be much better than going ourselves; for what happens
at the event itself will have meaning only as though something were
being carried out, not as a climax itself. I feel like an investor
in a London theatrical production, who watches every shift in plans
and directions with the utmost concentration, but for whom the
opening night means less than the getting ready for it. It is a unique
privilege for all of us, to have Gerald as coach and prompter.

Now doing your letter of the 5th, I was glad to see that the
Octobers had arrived. How many Sands shall I send you to Kenwin. A
dozen? As to the Hesse letters, you need have no fear of Ninon's knowing
they are here. Actually I should show none of any of the files to
anyone without consulting you. The matter is more one of safety and
convenience than of making them immediately available. And it is a
good "out" on my part, to be able to refuse to show them. Very few, if
any, know I have them. Certainly none of the Americans do; I doubt even
if the Pup does. I do not discuss. I am delighted that Adrienne thought
it possible for some of the P.R.B book to be translated. Of course it
was right to send it on.

Next letter so far back as 13th of March, chiefly Horne. He
came back, as I told you, and came immediately to see me--Prouty being
"mumped" and exiled to his house. The whole affair seems sur-realiste,
and so far as I am concerned simply a tangle that has been unravelled.
He meant in writing you, as I thought, to refer not to a year ahead (as
his phrasing gave one every reason to think) but to the time it would
take to recpy the documents which represented the past "year's work."
He had all references. He wa s a little sheepish, upset because Prouty
had woofed so loudly. I explained why etcetera. I think it all right
now, but Prouty is miffed still, and I shall have to soothe him down.
Prouty does get easily miffed, and it is rather too bad. .... As for
Sands, let us try Plank first, tho I will check with Wolff to see if
he has any plans.

Next letter 31st. Which is as you left London with Rita, and
then cum Korda. I met him once or twice in London during the war; a
great friend of a friend of mine who was his silent partner (Dir Wm
Stevenson, Canadian, one of the mystery men of England). He was married
then to a Merle Oberon of the films. Another friend was his business
manager in Hollywood. Korda was pleasant enough, but I hardly saw much
to be impressed by as for a plane flight. Your tale of Allegret and
your brother, I found sadly piquant. Of course I know both chiefly from
your letters, various remarks etcetera. Perhaps you should tell me more
some time. It is all part of the picture. I should not, if I were you,
try to re-establish liaison just now. I daresay it will come, if you
wish, in time. ... I was much distressed to hear of Adrienne's ill health.
I worry for her, and then for Sylvia; and wonder if Sylvia will not
eventually return to this side if, or when, something happens. I do
think you are right. She should see the coro if at all possible. A
stunning addition to the party; she will be like a midi lark, and later
sing her song at the salons in Paris. I do like her! Like them both!
N.B. All my Danish parcels comes thru Overseas Associates Inc., 2 West
20th St., N.Y.11; or Fraser, Morris and Co. Inc., 119 West 57th St.N.Y.,
19; or Marshall, Ellis, 138 McGill Street, Montreal 1, Canada. But why
not tell me the sort of thing you want, and to whom it should be sent;
and I can arrange. They have excellent hams, etc., which make good cold
cuts and sandwiches. Also butter might be a good thing. If sent to a

5

central spot in London, cldn't Rita's cook or someone make up box
lunches, which could be delivered and brought by each. Also eggs,
perhaps, which could be hard-boiled. Tinned meats etc. Let me
know. I had not known Valery painted! It is exciting; if you
could get yourself a little landscape it would be charming for you to
have. And I should love to have a Michaux. I did, of course, know he
painted. Sent you, I think, a copy of Sylvia's translation; also
read a good deal of him because a former student, named Richard Ellman
has translated his poems and fables for various American magazines, and
had long since sent me his poems in French. J'adore.

As of March 25th, I have since really looked at the catalogues
of the Phillips books and manuscripts, and was somewhat disappointed.
I suspect my friends were enthusiastic chiefly about minor 18th century
letters, etc., which were unknown to them and obtained by private nego-
tiation. However there are still many cases still to be unpacked, in
Robinson's basement. Maggs will at least keep watch. I had a letter
from Kenneth Maggs, acknowledging receipt of the defective second folio,
in which he will insert a true page for the facsimile, and return here.
Did you have time to do anything about the film blocks of Kenneth's?
This is only a query; it can wait a second trip later.

Yours of the 18th was chiefly about my tourist fantasies.
Rita would certainly know best about Jugoslavia, and I should not want
to spend time in the midst of hundreds who never look at the scenery nor
enjoy themselves, but, poor dears, talk only to each other about how
to spend the ten pounds, whether on chocolates, for a scarf, or picture
postcards of what they haven't been seeing because they were talking
about the postcards of it. One might of course do Corsica, but I daresay
it is very hot. One might do Turkey for a week--I also have some friends
there--if you want; but it would be, I fear, incredibly expensive. One
really doesn't have to do anything extraordinaire; it will be fun enough
to be with you and see Hilda. Something will depend on her. We might
do Venice, or slip to Rome (hot, but where I've never been). And there
is a possibility that I might really have to go back to Florence. I have
heard of a woman who uncovered all the papers of one Hiram Powers (an
American sculptor whom Hawthorne knew there, and a self-styled American
da Vinci); she has done a book on him. I wrote her asking whether there
were any of H's letters, or many references to her; whether I could get
copies. I said also it might be possible for me to go, if this was the
only way. They are important, perhaps for the journals as well as the
letters. The only thing is that you had better let me know when Melitta
comes, so that I can take you away with me. It apparently grows more
difficult each time you leave Walter simply to himself. This troubles me
for your sake; you must retain some freedom. It is part of your nature
and your need. We might simply find a little spot in the Italian hills,
or at a sea resort, and lie in the sun. I notice you say Melitta comes
as of the 7th July, but very difficult to get air passage so early, I
fear. I think better to skip England and come on directly to Switzerland,
and we pilgrimage on from there. Better not for me to do late
August because of difficulty of air passage again, although laterally
or early August would be all right. What if I came, if possible, as of
July 10th or so, go south; you could have a few days in Anticoли with
Kenneth, while I did Rome, and then on; shifting your London trip to

6

August. I have some friends in Rome, and could keep happy, and we
could stop off somewhere to north on the way back to Hilda. ... The
additional dollars came, are acknowledged to the bank, and have long
since been deposited. ... I wrote to Wolff about publication date of
Sands, but have not heard. Suppose we must have a little party for
it, as before.

As of 20th March, I note villa in Sicily, of which Simond brought
photographs. I leave it to you; have never been there; can believe
it incredibly hot, but do not mind heat too much.

Have had not a peep out of Sukhramp about AVON, and fear he is
trying a little to dodge. I am particularly sorry because of Urzidel.

Do you think your London bookseller could get me a copy of The
Art Council's book, "Exhibition of Mexican Art from Pre-Columbian Times
to the Present Day;" it was held at the Tate from March 4 to April 26th.
I read a review of it in the T.L.S., and was anxious to see what they
included. Also a novel by James Yaffee, called "The Good For Nothing,"
published by Constable; also advertised in T.L.S. Most odd; it has not
been published in this country. Yaffee was an undergraduate special
student of mine at Yale. I am curious; it is his second book, but he
seems to have dropped all Yale connexions. Very talented, but rather
plays the market on his writing. His topics are the wealthy Jews in
New York. Have been looking for books for you here, but have not seen
much of interest. I think I sent you one recently on the sea, which
looked interesting. But we have not mentioned reading to each other
lately. I have had so little time for it myself; my latest diversion
for an hour or so, picking it up from the review shelves of the Yale
Review downstairs, was one called The Sex Life of Wild Animals. Actually
I found it very interesting; the man is a well-known scientist, writes
pleasantly, and the book is well informed and full of curious data. It
is certainly not sexy, though often amusing in terms of mating habits .
etc. Will send you a copy if you want to know about whales, moose, and
porcupines.

We exist pleasantly. Little Susan seems to enjoy the status of
being affianced, and we supply them both with meals on numerous occasions.
He stands up well, on knowing. I think I told you, they plan to be
married on the 5th of September. Lizzie, quite on her own, has returned
the ring to the boy, having reached the sensible conclusion that she
really enjoyed altogether too much being out with college boys while she
was at her college. We have neither complimented her, nor told her "I
told you say." She seems quite poised. Susan showed an arrangement in
the State flower show, and won a blue ribbon in the invitation class;
her orchids have thrived, and when she went to the New York show (where
she did not exhibit) she saw her favorite orchid man who said we could
have the blue orchid and he would send it up at the right time. She has
saved some of your orchid money for it, and so has enough put by. Our
daffodil bed, made up of Doris' bounty, is in full blossom. Doris had
feared they might have come too late to blossom this year. She would
be proud of the corner of Cornwall in Connecticut. Susan has been taking
some photographs for Doris, and will write her a report when the pictures
come back.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

19 April 1953

Dearest Bryher:

This is the maddest scramble of a letter, saved for
the end of a Sunday afternoon at the office, when I hoped to have
enough time for all angles of corners of your fine long letter which
came yesterday, and the birthday letter which arrived on the very
morning of the 13th (thanks perhaps to the Post Office which had sent
it first to New Britain, Conn., thus delaying it sufficiently so that
it was a complete success.

Have spent most of the afternoon typing out copies of
the list of those you wanted to receive SANDS. I did send to Horne;
found Vernon Watkins address by going through your back letters. None
for Frere? I sent to Sylvia as of New York rather than Paris, since
she expressed a desire to see it at once. But that leaves Adrienne
sans exemplar. I have only Sylvia's Paris address. Will you send
Adrienne's; I remember it is a few numbers down the street. Did not
try to work out a few English Lizzie scholars to receive it; but will
think them out. Publication date is May 15th, but copies should be on
hand any day now, having been promised for April 16th. One goes to you
airmail, nine by surface. I sent to Elsie but thought you could give
Walter one of your nine.

A letter to me from Harold Doolittle as of April 3, contains
a form letter from Macmillan offering to sell the printing plates for
BY AVON RIVER to Hilda, before melting them up. This if pro forma. I
do not really see any reason for buying and storing them. It is not such
a huge book that it could not be reset, and the price they ask is one half
their original cost. So unless your experience says differently, I shall
answer we are not interested.

It was exciting to know that Hilda had finished another
section in the Helenbuch.

Perdita much excited and pleased at prospect of witnessing
the coronation. Her first reaction was naturally no, impossible; her
second, to take advantage of the chance and go. I think actually it will be
a good thing for her, though she blossoms, as do the children.

I thought I had (that is, I did) order a subscription for
all Yale French things, but will do so again tomorrow; will charge it against
savings account, or my gift, or so.

As to the trip. Japan has a certain dash about the idea, but
really would be quite impracticable. It would be too tantalizing for such
a short trip, and too expensive! One really must be sensible about such
things, and how much better some time later if one had several months, we
could all join there; Susan could take flower arranging lessons, you could

27 April 1953

Dearest Bryher:

A gala day! The first copy of SANDS arrived by post to welcome me when I got home; and Bryher opened. We have been waiting a long time for both book and daffodil. Your copy of the book was to have been sent by air mail so that you could have it swiftly to give to Hilda yourself. The others will come surface. I must say I think they did a very handsome job. I won't say I sat down to read it again, but I turned the pages with joy, admired the wrapper and the binding, and was happy to see that to all intents and purposes they had returned to my copy for the front and rear inside wrap. And used the quotations I had recommended for the rear of the jacket. Altogether it is just as handsome as the book itself demanded to be.

And so is Bryher, the daffodil. I think you knew that Doris had sent us a bulb; it was later than the others, though there are many still in bloom. Susan will take a colored photograph of it tonight to send to you. All white, a very precious thing. Just as it should have been.

I enclose a comic strip from tonight's paper, that I have been meaning to tell you about. Everything hangs on whether the noted Swiss scientist will come to save the little girl of a gambler. The scientist, whose chalet we have seen, but not the man, has made millions from a radio-active paint, but hates Americans because they would not praise him for his other deeds. He never stirs, nor usually will not even answer the phone. (Perhaps the phone service to Vaud, since he lives there, is bad.) The little girl who was dipped in the paint by her father (the figure in the first two pictures), who stole the paint, is now in a lead-lined room to save others in the hospital. Geiger counters are everywhere. Her father is being punished for his crime, though he does not yet know it, by being punished unto the second generation. No one really worries that his own hand has been in the paint, and the bone is now diseased. I do not think the police chief in the third frame will persuade the famous Swiss scientist; but Dick Tracy, the famous detective, who is to be seen in the rear, is almost certain to take the phone in tomorrow's slip and appeal further in terms of grandchildren. I think it will work out all right, because the Swiss are actually kind at heart; the scientist will come, and relations between the Swiss and Americans will be cemented even closer. Aren't you glad?

N O R M A N

H O L M E S

P E A R S O N

2 3 3 H G S

Y A L E U N I V E R S I T Y

N E W H A V E N · C O N N

27 April 1953

Dearest Bryher:

A hurried note, for it is Sunday afternoon and I must run
home in a few minutes to dress and return for a tea given for the graduate
students in American Studies. It is all a little loathsome, since the sun
has just returned after another two days of rain (we have had nothing but
rain for weeks, and Susan is disconsolate for her garden), and I should
much prefer to stretch my muscles in the garden than to stretch my voice
at a party.

I enclose clippings of Prouty's theatre, the discovery of
which he was so proud, and I should think with justice. Hotson gave his
own discovery of the theatre in the round; the two do not perhaps alto-
gether jibe, but I leave it to the experts. The final decision will have
to embrace both. Prouty tells me by phone that the conference was a great
success, and I only wish that I might have gone to it. But I had to be
in Northampton, at Smith College, from Thursday to Saturday for a forum on
Arts and Morals. Fortunately I did not have to speak, but was simply there
as a deluxe guest. They had an impressive group of speakers: Auden, Tate,
Trilling, Boas, Wind, Ben Shaw (the artist), Philp Johnson (the architect)
, MacLeish, etc etc. Since I knew most of them already, the conversations
outside the forum were almost more stimulating than the talks themselves,
since I listen always with more difficulty as I grow older.

No copies of *Sands* have yet arrived, but I think reviewers
got paper-bound copies. I did not see one and it doesn't matter. I will
see that Wolff sends Maugham a copy. I think you are right. The only
advantage of letting me know who gets them is the sake of possible future
lists. I shall be anxious to see the reviews. We decided not to have a
party, since you could not be here, and we had already introduced you by
"name" at the one for OCTOBER.

The copy of Usbert's book arrived safely, for which thanks.
I will take care of the Moore permission when he writes. I agree that it
is important for Hilda to be in the Penguin; they have such a wide distri-
bution. Am glad also that Aldington extends greetings and invitations. Hope
you can go; and if you don't want to, Hilda and I might while you are talking
to Melitta.

Susan's mother is also popping over for the coro; her daughter
is getting her seats. Everyone will be there, but I shall enjoy it with
Hotson at a distance. 'Perhaps we should have a television party to witness
it thusly.

All love, as always,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

30 April 1953

Dearest Bryher:

My letters come in fits and starts, but so do all my actions. Forgive me, but it is the only way that I can manage at this time of the year. But if I can't write a civil letter, I can at least clear up the last few of the matters in your recent letters.

I shall leave it to you to send the copy of the novel to Maugham, but have instructed Pantheon to send one to the Mercure. Will not send to Adrienne, but if you write, you might tell her one has gone to them and hint that they might be alerted. Meanwhile I am writing letters to reviewers etc here, simply calling the book to their attention. Fortunately Pantheon reinserted most of my blurb so they will have the hints.

Have written a surgeon friend of mine in Boston, on the staff of a medical school there, to inquire about the cataract operation and the proper names for Dr Glover to write to. You did not mention his name, but I presume it to be him. Will let you know when I hear.

I shall not write Aldington until the matter is settled. It might otherwise confuse him.

Delighted to hear of your article in the *Gazette*. But are you not sending it to me?

About the dog, I agree most heartily. Perhaps someday, but now you must be as free as possible. England, Switzerland and the U.S., as well as Paris, all being within the orbit of your responsibility it seems better to make it so you can dash. Elsie would say she could cope during your absence, but could she? She would be worried and feel guilty if anything happened, and you might care too. Or ought to; otherwise the dog would not really be yours. We felt the same vis a vis a replacement for Mark.

Pleased that Adrienne is doing an article on the coro, for it means she will be that much more likely to go. You will do your article for us.

Am writing Macmillan we do not want to buy plates of Avon. "We would really never use them. Meanwhile my bookseller friend, Airgo, is practically buying up remainders and selling them all the time. So they are both available and circulating.

As to ms., one friend read Ashby's but could not see it for him; meanwhile I wish to try it out again, particularly on a Quaker group in Philadelphia. By the end of summer I should know one way or the other. Dutton's have your cousin's children's book, but have not had a report

2

yet on it. Will tick them off soon, but do not wish to seem to
pressure, since it is hardly a sure thing that they will want it.

I've put an immense burden on you with requests for English
books, but could you send me three more: From Faber, Walter de la
Mare's PRIVATE VIEW, his collected essays; and Wallace Stevens'
SELECTED POEMS. The latter are selected by Stevens himself, and there
is no such thing in the States, tho I have urged both Stevens and his
publishers to do it for a long time. Impossible to teach him when I
must make the students buy all the individual volumes. There is no
sign yet of one coming out here. I may order English edition for use
in the class next year. Also a third: a new Oreste Pinto, FRIEND OR FOE?,
published by some firm named Werner Laurie. I think that does it for
the spring list.

Now as to the trip. I don't want to take too long, and 21st
August would be a little late to return to States and the prelims to
the wedding. What would you say to my taking plane directly to Switzer-
land to visit Hilda in Lugano or Zurich, as the case may be, perhaps
leaving here about the 15th (a Wednesday). Would stay with her until
you had seen Walter, and then you could join at Lugano, or we could meet
in Rome. You could then see Kenneth while I stayed in Rome, or even went
to Ischia for overnight to see Auden, and we could have a week of exploring
in one place or another, by car to accord with Kenneth's advice or as you
think best and amusing for you. Then a couple of days at Aenwin, if you
like, and I return, about the 14th or so depending on accomdations.
England sounds complicated, and if I can skip altogether I will not run
into problem of choosing amongst many. This would give me a rest to
begin with, and then our spree together. I will charge account for ticket,
but have the thousand you gave me at Christmas in account for that. Am
afraid I'll have to, since preparations for wedding etc have drained my
resources. It's all worth it, but devastating to budgets. If you agree
with this plan, tell me which would be the better spot in Switzerland to
land at. I remember we went (Pup and I) from Zurich, but when I sent
Susan there it was less convenient than Geneva would have been. I should
know best place to go to and leave from, since it is cheaper and better to
take advantage of round trip ticket.

All love, as always. Forgive the hurriedness of the letter.

Nornan

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

3 May 1953

Dearest Bryher:

I am so pleased the Sands has arrived,
and that you like its looks. I agree; they did a
superb job with it, even to making the lettering on
the spine of the volume much more readable than I
found the other. Do write Kurt Wolff a note and tell
him that it pleases.

Naturally I have hurried to check on
the omission you mentioned on page 66, filled with
horror that such a thing could happen. What a memory
you have! It shows how firmly the phrases came, that
they should so stick in the mind. But, dear Fido,
my copy, has a comma added after "when" and a line
drawn in lovely blue ink through the succeeding "I had
fallen once into a pond." This may have been something
you did in my two copies but not in your own. At any
rate whatever dropped, was dropped long before it reached
the Wolffs. I breath more easily.

Still no sun. There were only four clear
days in April; none so far in May. It is devastating
on the nerves. We have been going through a little
period with young Susan; she and her fiance sit nights
and afternoons and discuss whether they are emotionally
suited for each other. It is actually a little complicated
because young Susan has a natural obsession that this
must not be like her mother's first marriage. Then they
say they hurt each other in what they say. Oh Lord! I
told the young man not to talk about it so much. But he
is off to his analyst again, and she is to see another
one. Perhaps it's the weather. I only hope it smooths
over, or I may not be able to come. But I think it may,
and I shall. I think I shall vote for a Utopia where all
children are taken over by the state at the age of two
months, and allowed to return only on their parents'
deathbeds.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

4 May 1953

Dearest Bryher:

A heavy mail this morning brought the first of your letters about Walter; the second two came at eleven, including extraordinarily yours of the 2nd. The day has been too busy to write you earlier in it. I had a lecture from 9-10 this morning, a series of appointments afterwards; a luncheon engagement; then my graduate seminar from 1:45 to 4:00; then the John Hay Fellows, to whom I had to talk from 4:00-6:00; then I had had the English Department secretary bring in a ham sandwich and make some coffee, which I et and drank until 7:00 when I went out to give a talk to one of the 'ale Colleges on "Spy Business" (thanks to your books for data, rather than to reminiscences). Which is rather a day of it. But I cannot go home without a note to you, dear Fido, to say how upset all this makes me. Sorry for Walter and sorry for you, to have this added. We are a pair, you and I. No wonder we are muy sympatico.

Now I do not know quite what to say, except that obviously you have been right in your fears, and that somehow it will have to be worked out toward some solution. I only suggest--it cannot be more than that--whether it might not just be possible to take Walter with you to the Carrie Nation, where if he did not actually see the procession (tho there are seats still available, I know (my sister-in-law has bought two, sold them, bought still others) he would still at any rate be where he could see Glover or Glover could see him. This might be in some ways pretty complicated, but it is obvious that he needs some sort of attention, especially before Melitta comes over. Some sort of arrangement might be made, altho I do not want your own coro to be spoiled. You would not mind for yourself, but it would somewhat take the glamor off the occasion for the others. Perhaps a second trip is in order afterwards; I think only of the coro, and its imperial splendor as a temptation. I suspect that there are simply too long and many hours for Walter in which he has nothing to do; in the old days in London, qua Bear, there were the intermittent cases to handle, the lives in which he was, or seemed to be, actually involved. One thinks of possibilities for him if he were only the type; that is, a book of his life--something to be sealed for the future, a real self analysis of his situation, of a sort we do not have normally. Or if it were ethical, his own reminiscences and views of Hilda, to be kept for me as a help to the biography, but not to be seen by me until after Hilda's death. I think one must give him an occupation. But even for this he would have to see Glover.

you go you must at any rate see Glover and get his advice.
You know, he might actually pop over for a couple of days
if you asked him. I don't know.

I wrote rather discouragedly last night, but now
I am quite sure that you and I must go off towards some
dog show this summer. I am sure the local situation will
have clarified itself one way or the other long before my
time would come to run across. I still think however it
would be better for me to come straight to Switzerland and
to Hilda, whence you and I could make our ausflug. A letter
from Florence makes me think it would be wise to spend a
couple of days there going over the Powers material; I
have been offered the only letter from Hawthorne to Powers
to buy, and think I will, tho it is hardly an important
letter. But other papers etc would be important to see.
You could be with me there, or could go ahead to Anticoli
and we could join in Rome. You must not, however, give
up entirely, or you will not yourself have the nervous strength
to meet the requirements of the winter.

The Dorothy Richardson papers would be most
important. Yale would of course be interested in having them;
and I think of them as part of your circle. By all means let
us be sure that nephews etc do not destroy. Perhaps you can
carry on further with him, or see when in England. It is
very sad, this collapse of hers.

I will see that the order to Mrs Long goes out
tomorrow. I am sure there will still be time. If you need
Whiskey I can get it delivered to you in London in time;
rather expensive, tho not so much for here, and stronger
than what is sold there domestically: Scotch Whiskey at
$7.25 a bottle, or 3 for $21.05. Let me know and it will
be there. I daresay a bottle will be in order when you return
to Lowndes.

Again, my sorrow, dear Fido, at the mishap, the
unglück. Do write me daily how it goes; and do respect your-
self and take care of yourself, or I shall have to greet
you with a switch instead of running my fingers along your
ears.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

7 May 1953

Dearest Bryher:

No, SANDS is not out officially yet, not until the
15th of May. Your father's Birthday and the first day when it is
proper for men to wear straw hats in the States. Altogether a
very special event. I spoke to the Woolfs on the phone today,
and the first thing they wanted to know was how you liked it. They
were happy when I reported your enthusiastic letter. And a fine
letter from Hilda came yesterday; one could feel her new health
in it. She too was delighted with Sands, so I gathered you had
handed your first copy, properly, over to her. Also in this
morning's mail came a letter from Merrill Moore, to whom I sent
a copy with my compliments. "I am just delighted over The Player's
Boy" which amazed me. It kept me up until four in the morning. I
couldn't put it down, and what a jolt at the end. It is a real
thriller-diller."

You simply must go over to the coro; I think it
most important, and a duty to the others. Simply be firm with
Walter, in terms not of leaving him but having this earlier
comittment. You need the change and it is too long to wait until
I get over. I only wish I could be there now, to scratch your
eyes and pat your behind. At least let Hilda do it in Lausanne.
You will go mad; claustrophobia if not hyrdophobia.

Did I tell you that a Chicago bookseller wrote me
that he was buying half of Uncle Norman's library--Robin's half.
I do not know what it will contain, or how it is being divided,
but I have asked for a prior look at the list in order to take
out anything which connects and which should be kept together. I
don't know whether you have any ideas of what you would like
salvaged or not. I am thinking only of a possible very few items.

One half a week more of classes, then business
enough with examinations and all the details of the end of the
college year, but relief in sight. I hope to get a little done on
Hawthorne before going to Vermont for a fortnight in June to teach.
Must go tomorrow to Durham, N.H., to a New England College English
Association, where I give an explication of Ezra's "Hugh Selwyn
Mauberley" for the assembled teachers. Will drive up tomorrow to
be there in time for the Saturday meeting, which begins too early
to leave on that day, but drive back Saturday night--a long pull
but better than waiting to start on Sunday.

Courage ma brave, and all love.

29 May 1953

Dearest Bryher:

Again just a note, but want to reply quickly to yours
of the 25th, with its enclosure from Aldington. I am enthusiastic.
By no means should we miss the chance, and the terms seem more than
generous to me. Of course, in this respect I am thinking only on
American analogies, but I could not hope to have it matched here.
If Farrar does the Freud volume, I am sure we will have to ante more.
However this does matter one way or the other so long as we can get
Hilda back into the swim. If Aldington can get the thing going, it
is possible that I might be able to persuade some American house to
take some sheets. Perhaps the Grove Press, which Horace spoke of.
I will certainly try. I suspect also that Aldington's suggestion of
Rubenstein is a good one; under the circumstances one need not have
any fears.

Prouty came in this morning to say that his copy of the
BOY had arrived, and that he had stayed up to begin to read it, keeping
on much longer than he should have done. He was very enthusiastic.
I expect another report tomorrow.

Last night's comic strip showed von Nucleus still adamant,
even though a special plane was offered him to make the errand of mercy
in. The police chief (or, I now suspect, a friend of Nick Tracy's) has
had the idea of taking photographs of the irradiated child lying in her
hospital bed. These will undoubtedly be flashed by wireless to Switzerland.
It will work, I am sure, _because_ I saw on von Nucleus' shelf a photograph
of his granddaughter. By coincidence she seemed to be the same age as
the sick girl. Judging from von Nucleus' appearance he is an old man,
so that this photograph must be of a great-granddaughter. Or perhaps the
grandchild died when very very young, years ago, when there were no planes
to bring people to save her.

Les Rosiers

Ancien chemin de Castelnau

Montpellier

Herault

23/4/53

Dear Mrs Bryher,

Here is what my friend says:

"I have gone carefully into the matter of the
typescript in the light of what you say, and appreciate the motives
which prompt the wish to see it in print. I estimate that in round
figures it would cost £350 or £400 to manufacture an edition of
1500 copies, and the sales might easily fail to reach 500, showing
a deficit of £200 or more. Such a short book could not be priced
at more than 10/6. I fear there is nothing to be done in view of
these facts, but I retain the typescript pending your instructions."

As a matter of fact, this is not so high as I
expected, but production costs have been steadily falling and the
threat of peace may have caused another drop.

I infer from the language of this paragraph that the
writer would publish it under his own imprint - one which would
certainly please Hilda - but I must find out.

Meanwhile, will you let me have your views and any
instructions. The "or more" after the £200 will have to be made quite
definite. In other words, you must not be liable for more than a
certain definite sum, but may pay less in proportion as the book meets
its expenses.

To maintain the illusion there would have to be two
agreements. One, with Hilda, on (I suggest) a profit-sharing basis,
no advance, no royalties, but 50%-50% of any net profits. There would
of course be no profits, if the forecast is correct, but it would be a
wonderful agreement if the book turned out a best-seller. The second,
privately with yourself or your representative. For your protection,
I suggest that Harold Rubinstein should take charge and draw the agree-
ments. If your own lawyers come in, suspicion may be excited, and then
in my experience non-specialists lawyers never understand literary
agreements and make blunders. Rubinstein is an expert, and you know
his firm is of the highest standing.

I wish I could have done something better, but there
is a further chance that the "L200 or more" might be reduced if an
American publisher would buy 500 sheets or bound copies. But this is
something which could be arranged between the English publisher and
Mr Pearson with the approval of Rubinstein as your representative.

## Corrections. Chapter or Act I.

First my apologies, the dedication has been omitted, I cant think
why, and it is the most important part of the volume.

For H.D.

Page 2 Line 3 Apologies Yes, please substitute

thou shouldst not see thy master like this.

" " " 16 Please change catchpole to constable, see my letter.

" 3 " 2
Query. It is correct but on re-reading I was jarred
a bit by the " elders ones " plural teaching the
younger which is collective. There is no error but
I wonder if one should not delete " ones " leaving
sentence to read " the elder teaching th e younger, "
Leave to you.

" 4 " 25
Gentle you may not be, should be Gentle thou mayest
not be, this may be corrected in your version, mine
is a bit blurred and it must continue
but thy training is the envy
Gentle thou mayest not be, but thy training

" 5 " 16
I have no objection to the correction " banquet of the
Shoemakers' Company. " However I deliberately did not
use this expression because not only is Guild used so
much in Elizabethan but Philip to0day so often speaks
of " the old Guilds " the " Guid to which I belonged
that year " etc, and guild seemed to fulfil both the
requirements of Elizabethan and of modern English. If
you prefer, change for American edition.

On your second query, no, I deliberately wrote in front
of instead of my original beside. But I have no
objection to substituting " before his meat " in place
of " in front of " which is the construction to which
L objects as modern although the before is not as good
to the ear on account of the more in the line above.
It could be better perhaps " to set together with
his meat." But I do not see the man with wine
beside him, I see him with the man wine in front of
him. Or " a flagon of wine to add to his trencher of
meat. " Anything but beside. I rather incline to
my last suggestion.

" 6 "
The Elizabethan Jig by Baskervill page 354 see quote
" and shake his legges aloft ( which the daunsers
call crosse capring )
I prefer to keep crosscut caper for sound, other
seems weak to me. If you prefer I can cut this
out and use the term which nobody will know,
snapping his heels in a tordion see Baskervill or
I dont mind snapping his heels in a caper, but I dont
like cross caper cut, to me this sounds like a term
from the paper races of my childhood.

" 7 " 9
No, I don't think Mrs Ash would have said " thy "
to a prentice though she would have done so to a mere
delivery boy. The prentices had a status.

Page 7 Line 15
No, I dislike the term Master Doctor, it reminds us now of comic papers.
Why does Hotson object to the word leech? It was common enough. I suggest if you want substitute physician for leech in this line, but leave it on line 24. I'll check some plays but I see no reason why we cant use the term. It is general in second use.

Page 8 Line 2
Apologies, please substitute here thou wilt find

Page 9 " 7
Delete away, if you want. But I think away from was good Elizabethan. It jerks the sentence to my ear.

Page 10 " 9
I myself query here whether one should not say although we wore no livery instead of had no 1

" " " 22
There should have been a full stop at end of song, I had a correction made and possibly it slipped out in typescript. But I should prefer simply And wonder if M. were true to me, and it should all be said in one breathless sentence. I'd rather cut the song than have a really new sentence. If you want, delete last two lines of song though I do not feel it necessary.

" 12 " 12
No, most definitely not care. It breaks the illusi to me. It has to have to me the sense of wish or deisire. If Hotson thinks want too modern, then whatever name you please to give a youth but I do definitely do not like care. It has a very bad modern English slang connotation, " I couldn't care less " etc.

Pages 13/14
Song see note below.

" 15 " 1
I deliberately did not write winding sheets becaus it seemed to me a bit arty crafty and sweated till I found grave clothes. I am not adamant on this point, but winding sheets are much more ordinary.

" " " 2
Under no circumstances quit. It has a different meaning today, it is often used in slang expressions and doesn't fit atmosphere of paragrap What is wrong with " Leave "? One cant walk up a London street without some urchin shouting " quit it " or " don't be a quitter. " It is a word that has become debased, in such a context.

" " " "
Chest paragraph, see note below.

" 17 " 5
for he wore a doublet I do not like he was in a doublet

Thou hast more understanding, boy, than many of the others but until it be paired with action, knowledge alone will never breed success. Though xhmm Fate is more to blame than thou art, first thy mother died, and then thy father and now, " he looked at me most sadly, " thine = fadenturesoaretnotahaff okyr, "and I have to

Act II.

Page 10 Line 8 Apologies, it should be Look thee, Sands,
A suggestion at bottom of page, might it not be
stronger to delete the why ? likest the islands,
must we ever come home? " Leave to you.

Page 9 " 9 she might beg me a holiday to take etc
would this be better than beg leave for me
as leave has occurred though in a different
sense twice at top of page?

" 16 " 16 I had thought here of a general. " your beard " like
your prentices or your horses, but it might be as
you suggest ambiguous, so please change to
before thy beard

" 18 " Yes, here the alteration is better. " The Moon !
Who talks of the Moon? "

" 19 " 18 For the rhythm of the sentence I wonder if one
should not write I cannot rise to greet you,
as I would wish, instead of just as I wish?

" 21 " 19 Yes, you are write, two questions marks. With the
Spaniards ? With his life-long enemies?

" 23 " 25 Yes, here I think Leslie's suggestion better,
" I've no mind to his gold,

" 24 " 2 Apologies, there should be double quotes after
gold.

" 25 " 6 Hotson had tried to cut the word want out everywhere
but I dont think one can write this type of book in
pure Elizabethan. I think to use would in to-day's
English is equally bad, suggests the cloak and rapier
school. How about " Besides, they are usually
men ambitious to step above their degree." The
Elizabethans liked the word ambitious.

" 26 " 9 Apologies for not having noticed off it, of course
it is of it, typing error. Change theatre to
playhouse if you like, but the Elizabethans used
the word theatre a lot.
I incline to wonder whether in that sentence, one
should not delete the my of my good friend, besides,
I shall miss you, good friend, but leave to you.

" " " 16 Somehow in the many copies a bit of sentence has
got shifted, it should read Martin had left me
sitting in the shipyard on a barrel, that etc,
otherwise the shipyard rather than barrel gets hidden :
Sorry.

" 29 " 29 No. no. no. no. You cant use heart's desire

10 June 1953

Dearest Bryher:

Thanks to you we were all able to "dream through" to the coronation. Your letters about it have been wonderful. They gave us the sense and the fun of sharing in the excitement, so that when we did see the televised films of the ceremony that night, we had been wonderfully prepared. Your first letter about the dress rehearsal came on the coro morning itself, which made for great excitement. The general feeling here was that radio did much better at the moment itself than TV was able to do on this side--yours of course was much different. The music from the Abbey was superb; it moved many otherwise impassives. I did not try to follow what went on over the air during the day, but from 10:30 to 12:00 that night we all listened (or rather watched) the English edited film (with sound) of the procession and the ceremony in the Abbey. There has been some comment here about the commercials that went with it; but on the one we watched, they had five minutes very early on (during the procession) and then nothing whatsoever. No one listened during the commercial, and unlike a play we knew what the ending of the film was to be so the delay did not matter. But to return to the film, it was really wonderfully edited, and must have required months of planning not only of the location of the cameras but also pre-planned cutting. Because it ran smoothly; the script was nicely written to explain each symbolic act unoffensively, and the background music was of course provided by the Abbey anyhow. It is rather wonderful to think that this was the first coro which the English "people" themselves have seen. I do not remember that they truly filmed that of George VI, and I recall only one or two rather casual stills.

Really 'erald was quite magnificent to get you into the rehearsal. Since you can see the coro itself on film, I suspect that for every possible reason except that of "swank" it was more interesting to have gone when you did than to the ceremony itself. However, I should not have refused the other either.

I shall be expecting tidbits from you in other letters: what the others thought; how your rabbit warren at Lowndes worked out, etc.

But to shift --- I am immensely troubled about Walter, and particularly about yourself. This has been an unfairly hard winter for you. It was no small task to get SANDS out—all the revisions you had to do, and my plaguing you as I did about the small matters. And then of course Hilda's operation; always the business matters, and the troubled time in the world when we all

2

of us always live a little on the alert and under tension. And now
this on top of it. Well, I can't comment on what I think --except
this, which I say with great emphasis-- you must not surrender.
Oddly enough you would not be of very much use to Walter if you
did, for you would lose the very strength on which he seems to de-
pend. About my only suggestion is that you consider whether he
ought not to have a new period of analysis. He is professional
enough to know that no one can analyze himself, and there is a
whole new period of his life (with all its implications) since
what must have been his earlier analysis. This might help, and
at least would occupy him and his time--in the usual way by which
one reconsiders what has been said and plans for what is to be
said. Or if what he wants is drinking (which is all right as a
solution for life if it is an agreeable one), then the solution
would be a rigidly controlled allowance at some spa anywhere
except near you, which he could drink up by himself or with friends
until the end came. The only thing he does not have a right to
do is to control your life through the equivalent of "be here to
fetch my slippers." It is too Germanic, at any rate for you.

It was kind of Hodgson to write you about SANDS.
I had forgotten whether I told you I had sent him a copy. So far
it does not seem to have been quite so widely reviewed as the first,
although Urville Prescott helped it by including it also in the
sheets I send separately. I also enclose a review from the Chicago
Tribune, which is probably one of those which Wolff sent. I haven't
seen the Wolffs since it was published, so have no idea how the
sales went. Another one of those begging letters for copies, or a
copy, of the book has come--this time from a Jewish Tuberculosis
sanitarium in Denver. I suppose I will tell Wolff to send a copy,
but somehow these letters strain one's patience a little. Yet I am
unhappy at myself because they make me feel that way: the people
are deserving etc.

Trying to run back thru some of the letters which
have not been answered, I do think somehow it would be most appropri-
ate if George Plank's letters could be kept together as a unit, and,
as it were, alongside yours and Hilda's especially. It makes for the
ambiente, both reinforces and protects itself and others. If one
were to persuade him, I think you would probably have to explain in
some detail what you and Hilda have done; and, if you want, even that
I have McAlmon's. Also that Edith's and Pavlov's love letters are
at Yale, quite apart from the Stein, Stieglitz, Mabel Dodge, Wharton,
Lewis, O'Neill, Mann, Joyce, etc. I would be glad to write him my-
self, but think better had not until he, so to speak, invites it.
But you know him; I abide by hyr judgment.

The package of Dorthy Richardson's letters arrived
safely; I have not read them yet, but look forward to doing. Also
the several smaller envelopes of letters from Geegories, Moore, etc.

You asked about Elizabeth Coatsworth, as in ad which
Pantheon wrote for you and her. She is the same one who did juveniles
I met her once at the Wolffs, a nice modest and slightly gay older

3

and rather comfortable looking woman.

By the way, I did like having the core round-robin letter from the "spot."

As I clean up the papers that have piled in "your" pile, I note a note wondering if you would order me a book by David Jones, called *Anathemata*, published by Faber, --poems about which Auden was most keen when I saw him at Smith. If a copy of Jones' earlier *In Parenthesis* is still available, it would be nice.

I think I wrote you that I had an earlier and not very satisfactory letter from Dr. Ingelfinger, my surgeon friend in Boston. He wrote again, about a fortnight ago now, saying:

"I now have more information on your question. Apparently two doctors from New York, Shropshire and Ginsberg, inject protein derived from the lens of fish hypodermically into patients with cataracts. The resultant immunological reaction to this fish lens protein is supposed to clear up the abnormal protein deposit in human cataracts.

"I am told that this procedure was investigated for use in the Armed Services and was rejected by a Commission as both unproven and unsafe. No group in Boston has apparently used it to any extent."

He then goes on to ask why she doesn't have the cataracts removed, but I gather they are more conservative on this point in England than the Americans are. I saw Ingelfinger this last weekend at my old school reunion, and tried to get some idea of Eden's trouble. You perhaps know he has come to Boston and the Leahey Clinic for gall bladder work: his third operation since April, but his first here. I gather his own surgeons have come over also in order to watch. I don't know how much publicity was given it in England; actually not much has been done here. Oddly enough, Americans are not great ones for issuing medical bulletins on patients. Oh well, that probably isn't true. They do do it for great political figures.

.... At this point a long intermission while I drive to New York to pick up Lizzie at her school, pack the station wagon with her chattels, and drive back. Now, having done so, I am a little sleepy, and daresay I will let most of the news of the past few weeks of my silence continue to be silent until tomorrow or the next day. I went yesterday and made my application for a new passport. I have not yet actually gotten my plane ticket, and think perhaps I ought to wait now until I hear some clarification of Walter's situation. If Melitta comes across, I think you must absolutely get away while she is there. Whether this means Lugano or Italy, or back to the Scillies, I don't know. The chief thing is to get away. But perhaps it would be better for you if I did not come over. I should not want to come without having some time with you some where. Perhaps some depends on Hilda and how her operation has worked out. Anyhow review the schedule for me; I now know chiefly that I at the moment have rooms in Rome as of the 31st, for an indefinite period? So much has been happening that I forget when we said I would get my return ticket. If we do have our holiday together, perhaps I could get the return ticket as of Rome.

16 June 1953

Dearest Bryher:

Your letter of the 13th has arrived. Naturally I
am glad to know that Walter is for the moment in hand again, but
the problem of course remains. I am afraid you must try to work
it out, at least in terms of a future emergency. No doubt this
must be done with Melitta before and after her visit. I forget
just when these come, but suspect it would be just as well if I
kept clear of Kenwin this summer. It might upset the Bear, and
there is no point to that. Yet it will be good for you if we can
get away for a little. I am still holding plans for reservation
until I hear from you. If Hilda is to stay in Lausanne or be in
Lugano I could have some time with her at either place alone, if
you could arrange reservations. It might be good also for Hilda
that way, but you will be able to judge better than I can. I
leave it to you and you know, of course, that if it seems best
we can simply call the little visit off. There is more than
enough that I can do on little trips connected with the Hawthorne
letters on this side. I spent today at the Library, for the first
time in many months, beginning to read the letters again and fill
in spots of annotation.

About Hilda I am really worried. I cannot help but
wonder if we are being told the whole story; perhaps it is as well
that we should not be, but one wonders. I do not at all like this
continuing lesion and discharge. However one cannot comment on what
truly trained people do, and my not liking this 'manipulation'
treatment is more of an intuitive dislike than a scientific mistrust.
I am most anxious to hear more.

Tomorrow I am to go to New York to talk with Farrar
about the Freud volume. They had tried to get someone, or some group,
interested in sponsoring it, but apparently to no avail. I will not
let them slip between my fingers, however, and will try to pin it down
to a job, as I wrote them, of "putting heads and pocketbooks together."
I am disappointed at Aldington's bad luck with his venture. He meets
with the same response to experimental writing on that side as I do
on this. It has something to do with the climate of the world. The
'10s, the '20s, were experimental in politics, thought, syntax. Now
the temper has shifted; the Bulldog is back; Eisenhower is elected; the
formalists have returned to prose and poetry. It is hard to get things
published, but it is equally hard to get any favorable critical attent-
ion to the few experimental things published. I sent Hilda's Helen
sequence to POETRY. The editor, Karl Shapiro, wrote back to me--
rejecting the whole--"We tried very hard to get something out of this
manuscript but I really can't see this kind of poetry. You were very
good to send it anyway." What nonsense! But how discouraging! I
dare not, of course, mention this to Hilda. Nor must we you. We will