NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONN

mentioned a package coming, I took it to be the two little ivory bears. But this little figure, too, is an absolute delight and we all adore him. I kept him during the day on top of my filing cabinets at my office, putting him alongside the little seal (identical with yours) which Susan gave me for Christmas too. The seal is disproportionate in size but they make a wonderful composition. Last night I took them both home, and will keep them there tonight so that little Susan and her husband can see them, but then tomorrow I bring it back to the office to bear me company. I do thank you, I do indeed!

Two books arrived Friday, for my reading, and just right for me as I try to collect my thoughts before talking at the end of the month to the Connecticut Archaeological Society. I study my volumes of the Thule expedition too, since they must be returned to the Library. Fortunately, at last I have been able to run down the identification of the little bird figures which we saw at Churchill, and which Brother Volant sent me examples of. They are (says Boas in his 1888 book) jacks or dice which are tossed in the air as a game. "A set of about fifteen figures belong to this game, some representing birds, others men or women. The players sit around a board or a piece of leather and the figures are shaken in the hand and thrown upward. On falling, some stand upright, others lie flat on the back or on the side. Those standing upright belong to that player whom they face; sometimes they are so thrown that they all belong to the one who tossed them up. The players throw by turns until the last figure is taken up, the one getting the greatest number of the figures being the winner." The game is called tingmiujang (images of birds).

Just for your information, I have resubscribed to the New York Times Book Review section for you for another year, and also to the Archaeological Society. I hope you will have wanted to have them.

I think I did tell you that the two little folders of L&L letters had arrived from Maggs; one was of five or so letters from Gertrude Stein, the other contained some fifteen miscellaneous letters, interesting although not spectacular. But they are good to have with the other things, and if more should turn up later they can be added too. I wonder what happened to the correspondence with Dylan Thomas, for whom L&L did so much? What is the news of Robert? It is a long time since you have spoken of him, or any of the other letters have.

An enthusiastic letter came from Hilda, written before you had left. Never have I seen such enthusiasm as for her radio. It was a stroke of genius on your part to have thought of it and have gotten it. Brava! And a scratch behind the ears.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN • CONN

We still wait for a place to be opened for Lizzie at the Institute, and although it is a little like waiting on the edge of a precipice wondering whether a car will be driven off and plunge down, at least the knowledge that she will go in (and still wants to) is an immense comfort. Actually I know she is trying to keep on keel, and only the knowledge of how much she continues to drink privately (about a third of a quart a day) makes one realize how little more than a respite this is, and confirms me in the feeling of the absolute necessity for a basic period of reconstruction. I have no idea how long we and she will have to wait, although I have again alerted the psychiatrist (who will not continue with her, I think fortunately, after she enters) as to how important it is she gets her place before she changes her mind, or we collapse.

I was deeply impressed by your letter to me about the usefulness to myself of a complete Freudian analysis, but I wonder if you do not (quite naturally because we have never discussed it in great detail) underestimate my knowledge of the formalities and rigor of the true discipline. My long friendship with you and Hilda, my familiarity with the correspondences, my friendship with Wilhelm Mayer (the psychiatrist whom I helped to bring here from Munich in the early thirties) come on top of a study of Freud and his work which goes back to the time when I lived in Germany and Austria, and knew Freud's son. But more important than this is the unique (though perhaps painful) opportunity which my own life has given me for periods of self-examination and self-knowledge which is the end result of guided hours on the couch. My couch was the hospital bed, for periods of four months, nine months, any of a variety of psans of time, when lying flat on my back in so much plaster that it would take three people to move me (like an egg in a frying-pan, upside-down or downside-up. One becomes disembodied at such moments, the spirit or the mind floats upward toward the ceiling from when once looks down at one's self, helpless on the bed. This might break some people; it strengthened me by what I still call a "useful schizophrenia." So that when I may sometimes seem to you not to act, there is still a concealed action, a reason (which is action) for not doing things, a statesman's concern for working with the possible. And there can be learned also a kind of decorum of action, which is a true formalization and need not result in tension. One thing, too, which is not altogether bad but is certainly an acceptance of the necessary condition of things, is that I have had always to earn my living, and always will have to do so. How few of your friends have had to do so (I except the Philip's, the cousin John's). Even if I wanted analysis (which I don't) it would almost be a practical impossibility for me to give up two years to the kind of classical treatment it requires; for I would have lost my job at Yale and the future. Understand me, this is minor -- not left to the end because it pops up after being held down. So I bless you and rub noses for the love which your concern for me always shows, and makes deeper and firmer by its recurring evidence; and let us go on with our lives which are directed to helping others and your own life of creativity in your writing for which there are at least a few blessed hours.

Thank you for your fine letter to me from Marvell's, and feel my nose against yours. Send the enclosed along to Lethbridge if you like. I have another.

later in the day of

11 January 1957

Dearest Fido,

I have spent the day doing the final checking of the
recopy of the text of GATE, which my secretary has done. As I told
you there were so many typographical errors in the copies that came,
that Helen and I thought it better to have a fresh one, especially
on heavier stock.

But one or two queries still remain, and perhaps the best
would be for you simply to mark up this sheet and send back to me so
that I can get the typescript off to the Wolves.

1. page 223: Archias is telling about the Sack. "The javelins were whistling over my head and it was not for myself that I hid the treasure but to save it from the Lucanians. I never expected to see another sunrise."

"It's impossible," Harmonia stammered, "how did you even get here?"

(Should this read: "how did you ever get here"?)

2. page 41: "Harmonia walked back towards the small recess where they kept the bowls for the offerings. She had noticed the two attendants standing behind the pillars and she smiled at them reassuringly; they must have heard Panion's threats. She, herself, was almost grateful to the priest, his anger had shattered the half-conscious state that she had been in ever since she had seen Archias, a feeling of 'it cannot be true' that had followed her along the road almost with the sense of having died."

(I am confused by the section I have italicized. Is it the feeling of 'it cannot be true' which had the sense of almost having died? Or was it Harmonia who, as she walked, had the sense of almost having died. As you write it, I think grammatically you must mean the former.)

3. page 73: There is no time," Archias said almost angrily as they came nearer to him. "Come with me, Harmonia, it will be easier to walk once we reach the edge of the sea." The walls were golden in the setting sun but barely half a mile away although the shore was still empty. There was nothing on the salt-encrusted dunes but their own shadows.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

14 January 1957

Dearest Fido:

It is raining and freezing outside, and I wait until
the worst of the traffic has skidded its way home before trying my
own luck with the black-bryher. The trees all have their gloves of
ice, and the window-scape has a kind of chill beauty about it, ex-
cept to those whose heels fly in the air before their rumps bump.

Letters from you came today and yesterday. Perhaps it
was as well that my letter about the analysis was written to you be-
fore your second plea in yesterday's letter. But one thing your
letter did do for me, and it is important. You said that my plans
for the summer were the worst possible for me to do. This is half
true. Not that it is wrong for "me" to earn some money, as against
the expenses; but that (and I do see it) it would be wrong for Lizzie
is at that time she were allowed out during some of the daytimes,
and knew that when I had planned on Greenland I was away and at un-
congenial work because of her upset. It is much as when I stopped
drinking completely because of being upset at what she was doing,
and because I said (as I believe, that alcohol is not necessary to
happiness or sociability). But the analyst told me this was the
worst possible course of action, and only drove her into worse agonies
of reaction. So, talking it over with Susan last night, it did seem
better -- if you still wanted me to accompany you, and if the time
of the voyage was possible with my winter teaching schedule -- that
^ should continue as planned.

As to the analysis, my feelings are as they were, and
are confirmed by the fact that if I were to go with you it would be
impossible, just as impossible as to go to New York for a Freudian
even if it seemed wise or necessary. "Believe me when I say that I
have taken all that you have said with the utmost seriousness; it is
not quite faute de mieux.

Your this morning's letter, a copy of the one to Kenneth,
was a gem, and I shall ponder and relish it again this evening, since
the ice obviously will bar our going out to the Symphony Concert, even
if Susan manages to get back from Hartford where she had to go for a
flower club meeting. Poor Elsie; I am sorry for her. But I am sorry
for you too, and for George, though particularly grateful that he can
be with you and give you some other outlet than the hooded victim.

Susan had a fine letter from Doris, which although obviously
not as outgoing as to you, did seem to indicate a good hold on herself
all things considered.

My greetings to Elsie, my love to George, and my special love
to you.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

19 January 1957

Dearest Fido,

Lizzie entered the Yale Psychiatric Institute Friday morning, and we at least have the relief of knowing that she kept up her decision to the end, and that there is at least the possibility of some help coming to her or through herself. She will be on a locked floor for at least a month, and the psychiatrists will decide later whether we are to see her or not. I am only grieved at your disapproval of what has been done, as I am at Melitta's. She called me Friday afternoon, having returned the day before, and I have said that I would go down to speak to her on my next trip to New York. She feels that we should be tough with her (although we have tried that for so many years, and only to deepen the antagonisms and the insecurity to such a degree that the intensity of her condition only deepened). But I presume you do understand a little of the paradox, to judge from your own comments when she has insisted that you yourself be tough with Hilda. As for Lizzie's capacity to stay in New York for a year of intensive analysis, living on her own meanwhile, one has to remember what alcohol does for her situation, and the fact that even while waiting for nothing, she used up seven bottles which we found empty in her closet. She has existed on tranquilizers, induced sleep during the daytime, and on fantasies. The real and positive step was her decision to undergo treatment, and at a place (which (although preferred by me in conference with her psychiatrist) was one she seemed to choose for herself. How Jungian it is I do not know, although it has a reputation of being one of the very best in the country, and a place which specializes in her age group. It means too that she will be in hands which can continue her guidance and strengthening after her release, a possibility which would not have been true had she gone to the middle west or any of the available places other than Lenox where they would not accept her. What you call classical Freudian treatment hardly exists in America, and probably not anywhere. One can cry alas, and say that the analytic world is on the wrong track, but one can only work with available possibilities. Don't judge us too harshly.

At any rate we are not trying to make a secret of her going, simply explaining that she has had a nervous breakdown (which is true) and is receiving psychiatric treatment at the Institute. My secretary knows, has had treatment herself and had it for son (now married), so you can say anything you want in your letters.

She thanks you for the answers to the family names, and I blush at what I knew but in the disturbance of things could not seem to remember. The "Manon" we asked about, lives at 17 Edgcumbe Road, St Austell, Cornwall; not Ninon, of course.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S

I had a fine letter from Rose Odle, and all seems to be in order about D.R.'s papers which she will send over when she returns from Portugal. Edel can then see them here, more or less at his leisure, and therefore be in a position to know in advance what questions he wants to ask of her when he himself goes to England. A far better and more economical plan than to have to divide the time with her between note-taking and question-making. I have said nothing about the letters from D.R. to you going to the Library with the rest, or of the one manuscript. I thought perhaps you might prefer to ask her if she would like them to go. I know she would, but it would please her to be asked.

I forgot to tell you in my last letter that the copy of C.F.Hall's *Life with the Esquimaux* had come and that I am eager to read it. I hope to spend a part of today in going through the reports of the Thule Expedition in order to take final notes that might be helpful for my talk on our trip before the Connecticut Archaeological Club. And I shall have the things from Borther Valant, plus our pictures of house rings, you examining the salmon spear, the fox trap, etc to give it a little of the particular flavor they want. I shall even show the slide of you and Mrs Smith on the gravel bank looking for flint chips. Meanwhile your little Greenland carved figure stands benignly on my filing cabinets looking down at me to wish me well.

George's letter from Lugano was as charming as his letters always are. To give him my love and remember Susan and me to Elsie, and thank her for her Christmas card.

This will be a busy week of committee meetings, and I shall have to plan my time carefully. But at least my desk is reasonably clear and that is a mild consolation.

All love,
Norman

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

21st January 1957

Dearest Fido,

Your letter of the 17th was in this morning's post --
rather better than usual in speed. Your generous check arrived
yesterday, and I had assumed it was for the general savings account,
although I will not know what it is needed there until the final
bills come in for Gandhara. How kind you are, I can hardly express;
but may I, instead of using this for a holiday put it towards the
hospital bills? The help it would give towards them would be a
holiday in itself. One cannot quite be sure what the bills will be,
since this partly depends upon when they start a strict analysis,
but until then at least they will run somewhat over $300 a month.
Compared to Swiss standards this is high, but at least (and quite
unusually) the Institute (being non-profit-making) has only recently
reduced the monthly basic rate from $1000.00, which was what I had
been told we might expect. We are now trying to see what the best
method will be: whether to sell some of the little stock we have
(I can't do this with the Gardner store stock, which pays me nothing)
or to take a small mortgage, or Yale has loans. Susan is talking in
New York with the investment man today, to see what the least expen-
sive way will be. Don't worry about us in this matter; we can work
out something, and it is proper that we should.

Philip and Benay seem to have worked out a sensible scheme
for you, and I should advise your freeing the money. The outlook for
the pound does not seem particularly hopeful for the immediate future
at any rate, and the dollar is also likely to have its tumble or be
weakened. Both circumstances indicate the advantage of the kind of
portfolio which the Swiss center for investment offers rather better
than either New York or London.

As for Kenwin, I agree too that if a chance came to unload it
one might as well do so. My earlier feelings were too closely involved
with the continuance of Elsie as a major domo. What you need now is
simply a pied-a-terre.

I spoke with Helen on the phone this morning, and all seems
clear about Gate. She prefers to wait for the revised sentences before
having me send the ms on to her, and there will be ample time for the
book -- one of the best leeways we have had -- so that the salesman can
read it before going out on the road.

Yesterday was hectic. A committee meeting in the morning,
another from 12:30 until 3 (a Provest's committee to look into the
administration of American Studies, in order to relieve me of pressure
because of being the only one of senior rank in it, despite its huge size),
and then into my car to drive to Hartford for a meeting of the Trustees
of the Mark Twain House, which was not finished until 6:15, whereupon I

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

YALE UNIVERSITY

NEW HAVEN · CONN

hopped back into my car, drove to New Haven, grabbed a bite to eat before Susan and I went to the Historical Society to hear a talk on Indians in the New Haven area. The latter was a disappointment (the singular refers to the talk rather than the Indians), etc. I should have preferred to spend the time either with eskimo books or in preparing my seminar on Wallace Stevens.

I have just taught one on Marianne's poems (for the first time). It went pretty well, and she is certainly a most artful contriver of metrical effects, and a sparkling imagist. The difficulty lies in the fact that there is nothing very much in the way of thematic undercurrent, and her assertions of courage etc don't really clarify, they simply assert. I noticed again her poem "The Rigorists" and judged you must have been the friend who wrote her from Lapland. I was surprised also to see a note somewhere that her poem "Marriage" brought in references (concealed of course) to Hilda and Ezra, and the thought struck me that Marianne might have had Hilda's "At Bais" in mind, the dialogue form being somewhat similar. Actually Hilda's is a poem, Marianne's is not her most successful. However one has to admit that Marianne has achieved something quite unique in her poetry, and the best of her poems are little classics of their sort. You can be happy (as we are grateful) for having helped her both at the beginning and later.

I forgot in my last to explain the discrepancy in addresses. I actually moved into room 231 two years ago, but am still with Yankee thrift using up the last of the old stationery and envelopes for my more personal mail, although I have stacks of reprinted ones with the new address. It doesn't matter (altho 231 is actually correct) since all mail to the Hall of Graduate Studies is delivered to the office downstairs and then sorted into our mail boxes. I have some 100 sheets of paper and a number of envelopes still to use from the old batch, but you will shortly find me consistent at every moment.

Bless you for everything, and give my greetings to Elsie, my love to George, and my love" (which is algebraic for love to the "n"th power) to yourself.

Norrum

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONN

29 January 1957

Dearest Fido,

A stack of letters have come in from you, and if I haven't answered them as promptly as I should wish to have done, it has been because of the flurry of business mail that has come into the office and had to go promptly out since the deadline for applications for fellowships is on February 1st. And there also been the business of the committee looking into the administration of American Studies, because of my insistence that it is both unfair and unwise to put the sole burden on my shoulders. Fortunately the committee agrees; the problem is to find a solution for drafting help.

Your visit to the Hesses was a delight; when it comes time for your gallery of portraits, I hope there will be one of the meister and of Ninon in it. I suspect you have seen them in a way few others have. But then, you always do!

I'll write to Kurt and ask him if he can hurry up the bill for Landhara. Surely this will be a new chapter in their relationship with sponsors, but under the circumstances it makes sense. Incidentally, he wrote me of the continued failure to place Guilloux's translation. It has been refused by La Table Ronde, Hachette, Calmann-Levy, Fasquelle, Presses de la Cité, Juillard, Gallimard, Albin Michel, Fasquelle, and Laffont. Alas, and to my bewilderment! Go under the circumstances, and because there is only one copy of Guilloux's translation, he suggests (and I agree) that it should be returned to me until we have a nibble. I have also written the English publisher who wanted to see Iskender last September, to find out what the devil has happened in that quarter. This weekend I shall try to write the front matter for the jacket of Gats. I look forward to that. I sometimes think that my best creative effort goes into what I can do to help you and Hilda. Perhaps I simply want to think that!

Thank you too for letting me use half of the cheque for Lizzie's expenses. I hope that we can manage without having to use more; we have taken a good share of what few stocks we own to be sold to help the cost, and I have been telling the various charity drives that I simply cannot contribute for the moment. One of our difficulties is that Susan's family (to those who do not realize that her father's company went into what amounted to voluntary bankruptcy) has the reputation of being comfortably off. But alas, what was left and then divided among the six children was, after taxes, very little. I really should be in something else as a profession than teaching, but at least it seems to be the best compromise I can make.

I did understand that it was Hilda who helped the first publication of Marianne's book (and have always wondered a little that Marianne was so loathe to give Hilda's own books a hand today--although I can guess: there is a kind of concealed rivalry between her, Edith, and Hilda, working in each direction by each, which is professionally understandable). But your continued help and friendship is an equally important factor in her success.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

As to sailings to Greenland, I have written a former student of mine in Copenhagen, and asked him to find out the various answers for me, or at least to give me the addresses of the appropriate steamship and airplane lines. We will simply hope that the affaire Kenwin moves in such a way as to leave you free either for a celebration or an interlude; the Arctic is something you and I do together, not apart!

Your visit to England in George's company sounds like an excellent move, and I think you ought to visit Boris while you are there. She seems to be in good control of herself, and in a state where your advice would be helpful. Msie, I think, can manage on her own for a bit; I have continued to bless George for being with you at Lugano.

You asked if there was anything you could do for me in London. If you could have another copy of Mary Gough's book sent to me, I should be grateful as I want to present it to the wife of the director of International House, formerly of Turkey, who thought it one of the very best books on the subject she had read and wanted one to keep. At her recommendation, my copy has become a regular lending-library volume, and has been in constant circulation. Also, the copy of theenty bibliography has never come; and it would be a great convenience for me to have one to check holdings in. Occasionally I might pick up a filler on this side; they are sometimes advertised.

A letter from Maggs announced the dispatch of two more packages of children's books which I shall add to the collection.

The last envelopes of your correspondence have been particularly interesting, and Susan and I revelled especially in Tom's announcement of his backyard "dig." He is an increible person. A few in life have the touch, within their own fields; he is one of them. Herring's letters was sober but apparently he is no worse off than he was. If there were a chance for you to run up to his country place, it might be wise to see for certainty that all of your own things were to be removed. There is no point in their going to the County Council.

I have been teaching, and working on, Stevens' poetry, both for the seminar and the revision of the American anthology which I have promised to do. Many of the poems still puzzle me, and a number are repetitious, but he is without question what theermans call a kleinmeister, and perhaps even more than that. I still have to revise the selections of Hilda's poetry, and if you have any suggestions from the Selected Poems you might let me know. I want most of all to represent her variety, and I think a new selection would help the book.

If you can, watch for the copy of the N.Y.Times Book review which contains Horace's review of Diana Trilling's new edition of Lawrence's letters, since there is a reference to Hilda in it which there is no reason for her to see. He was appalled, as I was, to see a long passage in her introduction which was an irrellevent and gratuitous attack on Hilda's *Freud* and on her as a person. Why, neither of us can guess. He asked me what to do, and I suggested a quote from Ernest Jones' review of the *Freud*, which he used very cleverly and effectively. It might even help the book. But better not to disturb Hilda. (By the way was the account

Freud by his son of any interest? I believe Hilda has read it.

Oh yes, there is a new book from the Cambridge University Press, which I thought that Kenneth and Islay might like: C.P.Brand's ITALY AND THE ENGLISH ROMANTICS. The library has a copy which I can read, but the travel ac counts might intrigue them.

I finally read the little monograph on Bobbie McA, and it is of the triest, not at all worthy your reading, or Hilda either, so I am not bothering to get a copy to send you.

Do give my love to Hilda and George, my greetings to Heydt and to Mme Herf, and my particular love as always to yourself.

Norman

5 February 1957

Dearest Bryher:

I know this will have to wait for your return
to Lowndes, but I must get off my chest my horror and dismay
at all that is being loaded on you. What are they doing to
you, have done done to you! It is unthinkable. My only sigh
of relief is that you will have your spell in Waterford, and
perhaps London will be a breath of relief despite Herring and
his affair. Keep strong and calm; you must! I understand,
as you do, what happens to people in crises; and your heart
is so warm and so good that people immediately turn to you.
Sometimes I fear they even partake of a crise so that they can
turn to you:-- as Walter did, as Elsie is doing, as Hilda some-
times does. But there must be an end to it sometime. How?

At least, so far as Elsie is concerned, she is
as you say reacting classically. One knows now what one sus-
pected before, how much there has been pent up-- a kind of thwarted
force of affection for you (not clinically perhaps) but strongly
motivated by an otherwise sense of lostness. I think, or hope,
that she will settle into her analysis, but I have a suspicion
it will be a prolonged affair. She is young enough, but not
really young all the same. If Heydt could find a Bern analyst
it would be best, as you have said; only I should not suggest
breaking up the treatments for a good many months anyhow, until
she is well in the groove.

As for Heydt, what a terrifying experience he has
been through, and he has sensitivity enough to recognize a kind
of half-mirroring or extrapolation of his own situation in that
of the woman doctor. All this emphasized by what is obviously
a profound change of atmosphere in the situation at Kusnacht. (I
had forgotten the Rickard hook, but, no, you did not mention the
Glockenhäf. Only I did not notice that you said you had not been
very near chez Brunner this time -- without explaining--so that
I surmised you meant the dining hall, Mme Herf, usw.) I think,
however, that one must hold on so long as possible to the Kusnacht
suggestion, cum Heydt, of course, until at least we know more about
the situation with Hilda.

And for Hilda too it must be terrifying equally, for
one knows the agony she must be feeling, and of course compounding
the feeling of guilt vis-a-vis her leg. I think we must be most
careful not to press the shift of citizenship at this moment, though
I cannot tell you how much I wish she had done it nor equally how
much I wish she were on this side for American care at this time.
What a botch they must have made of it at the Cecil! I shall inquire
as to the possibility of an approximation of the Brunner establishment

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

on this side, but I am pretty sure I should have heard of anything
immediately in the neighborhood of New Haven. Or really close by.
There are several good establishments, though fearfully expensive,
but they work only on intensive treatments, and this is not really
what she wants or needs. Switzerland does seem to have a corner
on that sort of thing.

Hilda wrote that she would sign the sheets, and I have
told Grove. I agree that the recording may be too much, and it
certainly doesn't matter. I had thought only that, had she been
improving in the normal course of affairs, it might have proved a
diversion.

What a pity that you missed Vergner in the O'Neill play.
I have heard good things of her performance in Berlin, and would
have loved to have had your report of the Zurich performance. And
of course of her too, had you seen her. Do try to see something
on the stage in London. It might relieve the tension.

Rose Odle of course will be in Spain, so you cannot talk
to her about *March Moonlight*. I will do nothing at this end until
you give the signal.

I do look forward to *This August Day*. There is the right
time for writing everything or anything. This seems to be the
moment for it.

The Hesses? I was flattered that you showed them my
picture. He is a kind of rock.

Herring? This will not be easy, but all you say makes good
sense. Alas, Eckington does have its drawbacks, but less so than
Chelsea. But neither will fit. The thing to do is naturally to
shock out the old, violently or otherwise. One thing about the
future is that it comes only a day at a time.

A good bulletin from Maggs, saying they were shipping out
fifteen more Hentys. They have been valiant.

Have just come back from a funeral of a cousin of Susan's,
and now have to rush to draw for the Boston Symphony tonight, a
dinner beforehand. But of my affairs, I shall wait to tell in my
next. My affectionate greetings variously to London, and my arm
around you shoulder.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

9 February 1957

Dearest Fido:

The foggy end of a long day while I have sat in my library room working away at Hawthorne, but also supervising a Universalist minister from Boston who is writing a biography of William Rose Benet. The ordinary rooms are closed on Saturdays, and he can only be here then. So I have been trapped -- though this is the last time -- when ordinarily I should have spent Saturday at my letters.

What a superb review of Sands, Edith has done! Quite the best thing on it; it catches both the spirit of the book and its beauty. I shall hug it to my heart. Actually I have not yet seen a copy of the English edition; the Wolves do doubt are frantically busy getting ready for their flight to Chile, if they have not already left; and -- somehow -- I can't help feeling but that the business side of the Pantheon Books goes a little astray. Perhaps as a result of the inner conflict. But I am still loyal. Ingholt, by the way, has now turned in his entire catalogue and all captions, and is now at work on the introduction itself, which should be finished and in even before the Wolves return.

If you think of it, why not have a copy of the English *Sands* sent to me, and I know Pup would like one. Also, though this may make you shudder, could you have Bumpus send me a copy of Ezra's WOMEN OF TRACHIS, published by Neville Spearman, at 10/6. I think Hilda might be interested, though I think I sent her the text which appeared in the *Hudson Review*.

The news you give is sad. What a pity that John Long is so abstemous and will not co-operate. I suppose he sees what little status he has left, now slipping away. But so will his food. You and Phillip are following the *only* course.

As for Robert, the whole situation is preposterous. One cannot explain it away simply by his psychical loneliness or neurosis. I fear the drink has deteriorated his brain in a truly physiological way. I wonder if there can be an end to it except death, though I hate myself for writing so.

I am much interested in what you and Philip have to say about Macmillan. The situation having been what it was -- no matter now in real-politik the justifications for the past actions -- Macmillan can really do nothing but wait, and this for the best interests of all concerned. Wait, that is, until after Saud's visit here and the others, and their return to the Middle East to negotiate on that side, before he makes his visit to the States. A prior visit on his part could only add to the difficulty of settling the matters there with Nasser (or more importantly with the other Arab States). Macmillan ought not to be blamed for keeping still at this moment; he is showing statesmanship. I was interested Friday to have a long conversation with a man (who is in a position to know the Middle

NORMAN
HOLMES
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233 HGS

European situation, as well as that in France, and not an American by birth or yet by citizenship) about the Hungarian, Polish, and Czech situations, and also about France-- which is says is absolutely permeated in key positions by Communist infiltration. It was interesting to hear his high praise of the Swiss, especially the editorials of the *Zürcher Zeitung*.

Not a peep out of Hilda since you left, though I will probably have something in the mail on the first of the week.

Will you tell Rita that her card to Susan and me was delivered by the Charlie Smith she met in Seville. They were at the house a few nights ago, and he brought it. He was in Spain on a railroad mission, part of the effort of the Spanish government (who hired him) to make their operations more efficient.

We suffer in the long 'ebruary days of cold rain and fog, with temperatures suddenly shifting from below freezing to those in the mid '40's. Everyone's nerves are at a frazzle. Oh, to lie in the sun!

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

10 February 1957

Dearest Fido:

You will have thought I don't read your letters,
when you get mine of yesterday and see no answer to Beowulf.
Yes, why not! Indeed, why not! You are kind to Selina and her
friend, you do nothing if not show their kindness to the patrons;
I cannot see how she should be offended. There are other consider-
ations in favor of doing it, too. Despite Collins, I feel pretty
sure it will come out in England eventually; and if she knew that
it had been previously, long since, published in the States, she
might be tempted to misinterpret the tone of the book because you
had "feared"(she might think) to have her see it. I suspect a
nice note to go alongside it is in order, or even better (if you
have a copy handy -- shall I send you one?) an inscription written
in the book. All these arguments in favor of giving to Selina
thus having been presented, may I say in a hushed mumble: howcanone-
notsuccumbtothetemptationtoknowwhatshethinksaboutit?

The week ahead looks busy. Robert Graves appears on
"Wednesday, a sudden dash to the States from Majorka to pick up some
dollars by lecturing, for ten days, and I was called from New York
to wangle an engagement out of Yale. I did, and my punishment is
that I must meet him at the station and take him to dinner afterwards.
I did refuse to introduce him, on the perfectly true basis that I
have refused all university appearances this year. However I have to
be the guest on a television program Friday night? a quarter-hour of
being questioned about Mark Twain. I do it as for the Mark Twain
House, in Hartford, of which I am a trustee.

To go back to one last item of your letter: I am not
at all surprised at the emphasis on atomic research in England. What
is more, my own hunch is that England will be the leader in the use
of atomic energy for, shall we say, domestic purposes. And obviously
this is not only the next big step in the world, but one which will
liberate English industry and her economic situation. Quite apart
from a consequent lack of dependence on oil, anything which will help
to devalue oil will deserve the Nobel Peace Prize as well as the Nobel
Science Award. At least one could say centuries ago that gold (even
though evil) was at least pretty!

All love as always, and a scratch behind the ears.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

11 February 1957

Dearest Bryher:

I should have been off to my footnotes a half-hour ago, but I stopped on the way to the office -- now 9:30 a.m. -- to have my hair trimmed, and your two, of the 7th here to greet me. I did have a prideful accomplishment yesterday -- thanks to its being Sunday and to the sandwich which nourished me. 36 letters written, a manuscript chapter of a dissertation read (so that I could confer today with the student), a prospectus for a dissertation read and approved, Hilda's little blog sketch polished and made ready for typist, etc. My desk almost looks indecently naked. Kenneth Clark in his new book on the nude in art -- a handsome Pantheon job -- (do you think Kat might be interested?) says, according to the papers that "naked" is an embarrassing word, but "nude" is not. But a nude desk sounds funny!

I am much intrigued about Edith's reaction to "our Tom"'s marriage. Her remark should be immortalized. I presume he is thought to have married beneath him; somewhere I gathered that the girl was the daughter of a landlady of his, whom he got to go in as his secgie. But will not swear to this, so better silence for the moment. It will all come out. The truth is, I rather like him for doing it.

I'd love to see Edith and Osbert when they are in the States, but she would have to drop me a note inviting me in; I should not want to, really could not, intrude otherwise. Sometime I can explain. I read the two books of Purdy; they do have strength. I think I shall buy them (they were obscurely printed) and will send to you, and you can return at leisure. I had heard the Marianne story; the sequel was that Lincoln Kirstein got her to write Purdy and ask for them to be sent again, so all was well. (By the way, did I tell you that we planned a 70th-birthday show for her in the autumn?)

No, I don't think Macmillan has sold Britain out, though I am not surprised that people feel that. In this morning's *Times*, tucked away among the schedule of appointments for the State Department in the next weeks, was the obscure announcement that Eisenhower and Dulles are to go to Bermuda to meet with him on the situation. Do you understand the gesture and significance of this? It means that they meet as equals, and on British soil with the States going to Macmillan. This will not be lost on the Arabs. The French Prime Minister, on the contrary, is coming to Washington; which is a very different thing, diplomatically speaking.

To return to Edith, if the Stevens or Stephenson in whom she is interested has a book out, could you to send to me after you and

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

Hilda have taken a look at it.

Oh my dearest Fido, what is to be done with Herring? The
suit is the final straw, but it is lucky that Philip is taking over.
As to the L&L files, probably better that Robert should not be stripped
of these as of the moment, unless you want to use them as an excuse
for funds (not given simply as a gift) and say how anxious I am to
have them permanently together. Would the Scillies be a possibility
for him as a place to settle on a remittance basis. I gather that
curly-headed guardsmen do not frequent it, and he did always like the
islands; living would be cheap, etc.

As for the Trenoweth affair, it is positively a stroke of
good business sense for you to have stepped in at the moment you did.
Bad as it is, it would have been catastrophic had it been allowed to
go on. But you and I saw eye to eye on this even a few years ago. The
only thing now is to salvage what can be. And the sooner the better.
If John doesn't like it, then he must lump it. Doris, although no
business woman, has better sense in accepting the inevitable. Your
father would call you "his Dolly," for what you have done!

You had spoken of the possibility of an analyst at Pern for
Elsie, and I thought it a wonderful. Delighted that it has worked
out.

A all possible love. Your trip has been a huge success, though
it must have been tiring. Is a stop-over in Paris, for Sylvia, indicated
on your way back. Overnight, or even between planes might be useful.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

managed to fill the rest of the period with enough to elicit several
telephone calls when the show closed. After the show, Susan and I had
to attend a dance at International House, and then go on to the Assembly,
which is New Haven's elite gathering, and very pleasant just because
only few are invited and so there is room enough to dance.

Yesterday we gave a little cocktail party for Lizzie--today
being her birthday--but, alas, it was such a success that six guests
obviously had no intention of leaving at all, so that finally in
desperation -- fortunately we had not put the steak on to cook yet--
I suggested that I take them all out to an Italian restaurant for a
meal. They all jumped at this, and everyone (including Lizzie, but
not so emphatically ourselves) had a splendid time of it. At eleven,
we left them to carry on on their own elsewhere, I having paid the
bill.

Today I have been as usual, on Sunday, at the office, working
on my desk. The pile of letters is impressive, but I discover I do
not have enough stamps to go around.

Much on Hilda's affairs, but she will show you the letter to
her.

I hope you know how much love I send.

Norman

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

11 March 1957

Dearest Fido:

Feeling much better today, after my respite; and so sneak a quarter hour at the end of the day to answer your two letters in today. Tomorrow after lunch, I go to New York for the National Book Award -- my one greasing expedition for the books of two friends of mine. I understand, sub rosa, that Richard Wilbur gets the poetry award, and George Hennan (the Russian expert, and anti-administrationist) the non-fiction. The fiction award went to a name I don't know. Hope to run into Macdowell and Obelensky, and sound out on D.R.'s book.

Since I have an 11 o'clock and luncheon appointment tomorrow (to get out of doing another big paper for the "national Advertising Council -- don't want to take time even for their fat fees), I'll spend the night at the Yale Club. Susan also goes in Wednesday morning for a couple of days to take a judging course on landscape gardening; but we will not try to meet.

Sorry Rita is aghast at the Hudson's Bay plan. But as I wrote you last night, why don't the two of us go together and heel a seal! after all, we did a blizzard with our hips on the same seat. Not dull for me either, but I suspect Rita likes hotel life better.

Agreed, both about Osbert's poems (they were echoes), and Marianne's profile. The author of the latter was too awed. We could have put her sleeping on the floor and still loved her. But I was much interested in the account of papa, which was revealing. I think the author must have known it was new, to give it so much space.

What you say about RUAN makes very good sense, and is very much along the lines of what I've said to you. There will be a moment, when it has to come. That isn't yet. I'll speak to the Wolves about The Gate, but I don't think they'll feel there's any time enough to bring it out in the fall. I'll hardly get Sandhara out, and part of it is being printed now. Books must be bound and in the hand by late April or early May when the salesmen meet in New York. But speaking strictly from a business point of view, as you suggest, I think there is something to be urged against the appearance of being a book-a-year author. You are too good for that, and one must stress the time and skill that goes into the making of any single one. As to Collins? ... well in some ways I'd like to junk them if they can't turn out better looking jackets, and do something about pushing the books. I am happy about SANDS selbstverständlich, but it was Edith who gave it the boost, not they.

I am not surprised that Bertram Rota wanted the chance to get a slice of Sylvia's Joyce material; but agree with you that it would

be better for Sylvia not to try to do the business aspects of the
deal. She could only make enemies for herself by the way she proposed.
BUT, since Rota will set what he thinks is a gettable price -- and
English bookprices are very high these days -- would it not be fair
under the circumstances if she were to ask him to let Yale (with its
superb Joyce collection) to have the first refusal -- that is to see
if we could not raise the money to buy it. This is not unusual in the
book trade, Rota does business with Yale, and I should think it would
please Sylvia to think they were coming here. The main thing for her
is to get the money, but if she could add another pleasure to it, then
so much the better.

Must rush off to dinner.

All love, a scratch behind the ear, and a pat on the tail.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

18 March 1957

Dearest Fido:

I wrote you yesterday, but this early morning's mail brought yours of the 14th and in another envelope the check. I'll put the latter away in the account, since the publication of the *Handara* book will pretty well have exhausted what's there. Fortunately there are no particular expenses coming up.

Flu shots? Yes, I think you're right. Paradoxically, I've always been so healthy -- my hip given a special category -- that I'm a little careless that way, as though I were a darling of the gods. But getting older, or whatever it may be, seems to make me more susceptible. I'll follow your advice in the fall.

Tolkien? Perhaps with this connexion again through the Wrens, I could take you to call on him another year if I get to England. After all, one would be talking sites -- not sin. Poor Wren was operated on for ulcers last Friday: 2/3 of this stomach removed, and a large slice of his intestines. Two bleeding ulcers on the duodenum. There was some talk of whether it was better for him to go back to England for the operation. I whispered *no* in several directions. American foreign policy notwithstanding, the surgical care there would not compare with what he got here; and they let him go through two severe attacks before, with fainting spells (indicating loss of blood) accompanying them, and poo-poo-ed operations. The general practitioner at Yale simply heard the account of symptoms and put his finger on the trouble. Wren is best known, or was, for his edition of the *Owl and the Nightingale*. Is a professor of the English Language at Oxford, and was professor at the University of London before that, and after he tutored me. Agnes would know him.

Wilbur? No you're not wrong. He is dull, or his poetry is. But not sloppy. That's the trouble today; they're all competent technicians, whose soul and daring have been emasculated. We are in an in-between period.

As to Edith, yes she should draw away; but she is lonely. Lonely like so many others. Like a daughter who has been faithful to an old father for many years, been his hostess. Then the father marries a chorus girl. What can she do.

Sylvia? Yes 10% is the usual commission with us too, when the dealer does not have to put up any money, involve his own capital. There would have been many dealers on this side who would have handled it for that, which was why (and the only reason why) I suggested she send it all over here so that the whole thing could be settled from this

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

side, without involvement of exchange, taxes etc. Because I presume it is inevitable that the material will eventually come on this shore of the Atlantic. There never has been any collecting of Joyce in England, with the exception of Miss Weaver's material for the B.M., which is rather a different thing. Good idea in any event to get Sylvia to Penwin for a bit. And meanwhile why not a letter to Kenneth Macggs from you, putting the cards on the table and asking his advice.

**Gate?** Well, why not look it over once more, and when you are absolutely satisfied then be sure I have a copy with all corrections, and we can see. Perhaps a January publication might be in order. I know you did not like the suggestions as to minute historical alterations (a fairly common procedure with historical fiction), but I recall feeling a little roughness in the final scenes as they made their way to the boat. I can look it over again if you like, and be more specific; but see what you think. You've never worked over a manuscript without improving it.

**Boys?** Well, I've tried for years to get you to do the Peru trip, and perhaps you will, or we will some day. Also to Yucatan, which is a little nearer.

**Hudson's Bay?** I do hope it works out. But try to fix it so that Rita won't think I'm pushing her out. Susan might be persuaded to go if that pleased Rita more, and there were room; but I suspect it's not quite her cup of tea, any more than Rita's. In any event you know how much I'd like to be your polar bear.

**Hilda?** Don't be surprised about her lameness. She has to extend her muscles beyond their immediate capacity; they respond in self-protection. But it will loosen them a little more each time. I would say yes to massage, only because it makes the forward steps easier — not because it makes too much difference in the long run. And — just to forewarn you and her — she is always likely to have little fits of lameness from time to time, perhaps even a weather-leg which forewarns rain. It won't mean a relapse. Three or four months from now they'll probably want another x-ray of the bone. That's all that matters.

**You?** Why all my love of course.

Norman

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

2 April 1957

Dearest Fido:

If only my arm could reach out far enough to comfort you! Your cable came this morning, and I should have sat down then to write you if it had not been that I had a fifteen-year old boy (the son of an artist friend of ours, Jean Charlot, who painted the Mexican newsboys in our living room) with me for overnight and today until I put him on the 4:30 train to go back to his preparatory school in Rhode Island. His parents live in Hawaii and he wants to do his final year of preparatory work there, but not risk chances of not getting into Yale with a scholarship, and so had asked to come to talk things over with the admissions dean. I wouldn't have minded if it hadn't taken up the entire day while we did that, saw the university, and waited for his train. Like a typical 15-year-older he never questioned but that everyone had day-long freedom like his own. And of course Susan was away. He had said he would come up from New York last night after dinner, since I had to be in Hartford for a Mark Twain meeting, and couldn't leave there until seven. To be sure to be at Goodrich Street when he arrived, I ate a quick supper before returning. There he was on the doorstep at 8 when I arrived, he not having eaten. So out I took him. I still feel a little exhausted as well as frustrated.

I am anxious to have Heydt's report on what happened. I am a realist when I say I could weep. For Hilda and for you! But we can think or plan nothing until we know what actually has occured, from a technical standpoint that is. I suppose it is chiefly a matter of lack of calcium in older bones, and she was right in worrying about the lameness. It is really tragic! But I am glad in a way that she is at Kusnacht, with more people to drop in, and Heydt available. It will not quite seem so much of a step backwards. And at least for the moment she is taken care of; I should not try to spend much time there. You have the excuse of the guests coming.

But alas, for them too. Your long letter of the 29th I picked up at the house when I took the boy back for his bag before going to the train. Sylvia? I think she is in a most serious nervous crise: one real trouble is that selling the Joyce material, like finishing her autobiography, is really setting a close to her life (her farewell to France, to the past when she was important, to the souvenirs of her importance.) Perhaps she makes a mistake in selling these at all before the event of her actually needing the money. Perhaps she should surround herself with them in some little flat in the States, where people could continue to come to her to consult them, and her opinions, as they do now. This is really serious as a suggestion. But in any event, she should not try to sell them herself, and if she did she would lose more than the commission would cost her. For how can she herself have any knowledge of the market value of such things. You say if I could talk to her -- but of course I have, and she really doesn't trust me any more than she does others, especially because she knows that I would like to have the things come to Yale.

Heydt? If anybody is to be his financial sponsor it had better be

myself. I have to state my income in a sworn statement and send to him. In a week when my income tax is made out, I will know what figure to put down. Fortunately its is bigger on paper than in fact (because of the arrangement by which I turn some funds back for my mother. But of course the government isn't interested in this so far as the sponsorship is concerned. But I do think that Melitta ought to take an interest as far as getting him a job in some institution while he prepares himself to take the exams. She has been through the mill, however, and will know best how to proceed. My own feeling is that he should do as my friend Dr Mayer did, when I was his sponsor; eventually he went into private practise. It will not in any event be easy for Heydt, and he should take it seriously from the beginning as his own responsibility. The dangerous thing would be for him to feel a continuing sponsorship.

But it would be a blessing for Hilda if he were in the States. If he could persuade her to take out her American papers again, I would kiss his hand. One does begin to see the sands run out for her Swiss domicile.

About our coming over, I wrote in my letter Sunday. It's not only Susan's commitments for her garden club work, but the fact that if we should go to Canada, or even if Hilda comes over this summer, it means that during that period I would get nothing accomplished. It is the mounting momentum that is so important to take advantage of.

I'm awfully grateful to Sylvia for the copy of the special edition of Beowulf. I did ask her about it, feeling the collection and muniment room should have one for the sake of the record. And thanks too for the volume of Close-Up. I do have one set of vol I here, but will keep my fingers clutched on this one as well. You might as well bundle up the others and send. I think it is only vol II (see my earlier letter) which I am now altogether missing.

Will tell Wolff about Chatto and Windus interest in Freud. But why not let caro Georgio show them his copy (I can always replace), and I think it would please him to help.

Don't worry about August. I think I'll just send off as is.

You might as well destroy your old typescripts of the Pantheon Books, as I have here. Unless of course there are your very first drafts which might have a special interest.

Will trot this down to the postoffice, since I have come back after dinner to finish it. I am anxious to have it bring you my love and arm as quickly as possible.

Norman

A birthday card in this morning's mail; but I did not open until after 13 o'clock.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

7 April 1957

Dearest Fido:

I should have answered your letter of the 3rd (which arrived Friday afternoon) at once, had I been able to get in touch with Dr. Perham before this morning. He is a professor of orthopedics at the Yale Medical School, the orthopedist for the Yale Clinic, and a man who has taken care of me from time to time, so that I could call on him both professionally and as a friend (since we first-name one another). In talking to him I did not speak of any lack of confidence in Dr Boesch, but simply outlined the situation and explained that I had been asked for advice. He said that Hilda's case is not unusual, and that perhaps 30% of hips at her age later break down after being pinned. This is caused mostly by necrosis, due to a blood deficiency in feeding the new growth, and that although it can eventually be spotted by x-ray it may spring up any time after the operation and so be visible only much later. He spoke of several cases of a simple break and natural fusion (without pinning) when there had been a period of three or four months in bed, and then as long as a year of normal activity before the joint simply collapsed. The diffinuity is that there is simply no way of previously spotting necrosis before the effects are shown (by which I would assume that Dr Boesch ought not to be blamed for any suspicion of negligence, although perhaps another man might have taken up more immediate follow-up x-rays.)

The problem then seems to be what should be done now. If the pin has actually slipped, it should come out; and probably some sort of substitution or prothesis should be done. The precise kind of prothesis can probably not be determined until in the course of the actual operation when the area is laid open. It may however depend to a very real degree on the robustness of the patient, for Dr Perham pointed out that the strain of certain types (lasting for several months in plaster) can result in such nervous tension that the good hip is no substitution for broken nerves. (This I found interesting, since I had not mentioned Hilda's history.)

The operation, in which Dr Debrunner seems to be an expert, is a well-established one, and has been followed in Europe, England and America since it was first developed in 1950 by a Frenchman, Dr. Judé (?). The only difference between American practise, and Dr Debrunner's method seems to be that we have pretty completely abandoned the use of plastics in favor of stainless steel as sturdier and less antipathetic to certain systems. Because of the commonness both of Hilda's condition and the treatment for it, any prothesis could be done as well in Switzerland as in the United States, and Dr Perhams does not recommend Hilda's transportation to this side because of the physical and nervous exhaustion it would cause. This is a very different situation from that of Anthony Eden, in coming to Boston, for his is a very rare ailment which Dr Cattrell knows better than anyone else. Nor did Dr Perham think it would be necessary to send x-ray films over, since the condition was clear and the methodology could be determined only after Hilda was on the operating table.

2

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

Following from this, it does seem better to leave Hilda in Switzerland for treatment, not only for the technical reasons which Dr Perham mentioned, but especially for psychological reasons and the more congenial situation for recuperation she would have in Zurich and later at Brunner's. It is, for example, very difficult (as well as expensive) to find good nurses for convalescents on this side, and there is nothing to compare to Brunner's as a resting place. Now as far as Dr Debrunner's being called in, my own suggestion would be as follows. Two minds are better than one (even though there is no blame on Dr Boesch; just bad luck). And for many reasons you will not want to seem to offend Dr Boesch, nor give Hilda reason to distrust him. So (and it will be true because I have just been talking with Pup on the phone) the thing for you to say is that both Hilda's daughter and I (whom you can describe as you think best) are very insistent that there should be additional consultation on the case, and that your situation being what it is, and Pup being Hilda's nearest relative, you simply must be able truthfully to say that there has been such a consultation, even if it shouldn't prove any more than is already known. You can say, if you like, that I mentioned Dr Debrunner's name. It is always good tactics to be able to pass the buck.

But, oh my dear little Fido, how I wish you could really pass the bigger buck to me; for what a madhouse life becomes!

Your summary of the other cases over whom we watch like brood hens was also distressing. Doris's tension can only increase so long as the farms remain unsold, and we can only grit our teeth meanwhile. Nor should I try to take her away from Cornwall again until the sales are completed. But I feel differently about her, of course, than I do about Robert, and your report of his return to drink. He is like an apple that has rotted at the core, and as Dr Mayer used to say to me when he was a clinic where they treated alcoholism, he never knew of a cure unless there was the will to be cured, the desire for self-committment. The situation can be cured of course, as Susan's brother was cured; but Robert's malaise goes back over many many years. You must recall that I have read most of his letters to you and very many of them to Hilda, and this reading has been done at fall swoops, so that in some ways I know him as well as you yourself do. He has tried to live beyond his capacity, in the face of constant insecurity and self-confidence, touching the circumferences of people whose achievements and resources were greater than his own, knowing that he was not an equal among equals. Wanting to be seen with Robeson, and liked by him more than Kenneth was. Wanting to be asked back to a gaudy at Cambridge, to be at a charity affair when the queen was present, grown up in a woman's world so that his ambition sexually was to serve tea to a man who desired him, and being able only to feed a dog and to lean out of the window at Carlyle Place (where he had hoped to be a Sitwell) and ask American tourists in for biscuits. Unless he wants to be cured there is nothing to be done for him, and one can wave goodbye as to a bad investment, without feeling guilty.

3

Such a dreary letter for you to read!

But at least let me end on a pleasant note. Thursday afternoon I went to New York for a Hudson Bay reconnaissance, picking the moment of a blizzard, which began half-way to town as the proper (apparently) moment for such discussions. I went to the Canadian Government Tourist Agency for maps and such information as they had on transportation etc., and they gave me a certain amount but mostly to do with the Yukon. However they sent me to the Canadian Pacific, where a nice young lady was most sympathetic, and finally dug out of her filing cabinet the little brochure which I enclose. She had received it in reference to their requests for rail and plane schedules to Churchill. I rather think this is exactly what we have been looking for, or perhaps even better than we had expected to find. For they will provide a certain comfort and quality of food and supervision which would make it far more enjoyable. Even Susan's eyes brightened a little when she saw this possibility, though I do not know that the eye of a mized sleeping cabin for a dozen completely appeals to her. But the whole idea does appeal very much to me, and I have written the company for an extra brochure plus two copies of whatever other data they may have (so that I can send one set to you), and even the cost and date of the longer cruise from Quebec up along Labrador and the coast of Greenland and around the cape into Hudson Bay. My only guess is that they will allow on this trip only those who will also take the 14-day cruise out of Churchill. I shall write the Hudson's Bay Company too, but at Winnipeg, it was suggested; although I think the planned cruise is preferable. And of course it is the kind of thing that Rita would not be likely to have heard of, and a great piece of luck that we should have uncovered.

Do let me know what you think, for I imagine it is not certain that we could sign up for any cruise we wanted, certain ones perhaps having already been filled. But I should know about that by the end of the week.

You do have my love,

Norman

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

9 April 1957

Dearest Fido:

A note at the end of the day. (Alas, this is the period of signing up undergraduate schedules for next year; and although I am not doing it myself--a task I relinquish with no regrets -- my office is being used as H.Q., which means that from 9 A.M. until 5:30, from the 1st until the end of this week, I am a man without a country, being barred from my own frontiers.)

The x-rays were at the house last night when I got home, and I tried then without success, and this morning only with success for tomorrow morning at 10:30, to make an appointment with Dr Perham to go over them. You will already have had my long Sunday's letter, but this will be good additional and substantiating data. Like yourself, I feel that there is so much more to be said (psychologically speaking) for the Swiss side, that it may well outweigh the somewhat more experienced and technically more skillful surgical work on this side. I felt it especially when I had my birthday letter from Hilda yesterday. However she may mean to you, she does put up a very good front indeed, speaks especially of Brunner's careful words to her, and the pleasantness of her surroundings. To tear her from that is to uproot her at a crucial moment. It is a little like my brother-in-law's aunt (the amanuensis of Jung) who had to come back to the States, but has found nothing to compare to her pension (her Ausnacht), and is miserable. One is tempted to take advantage of the occasion as long as it is available; and perhaps even if the place goes, Brunner will keep an eye on her until she is really well. My only worry is for you, of course; but I sometimes think (Susan seems to feel with me) that Hilda's letters since her accident in November have been more controlled, as though the effort to walk as well as to understand has caused her for the first time in some years to exercise will power in relation to herself. Thereapeutically it may have meant a big step, the first big one since her recovery from the post-war breakdown. Her reaction to Prutting may have been an omen.

Hilda's birthday letter was wonderful to receive; having yours too on the same day made it perfect. You know what your love means to me. I need not say it. You must feel it as you have felt it. It is like one of Hilda's "mysteries." Susan tucked away the little horse against next Saturday; the tie remains unopened in the envelope until the 13th also. But I do not need those, nor the trip, so long as you will wriggle and bark.

I had a letter from the New Yorker saying why not send it along, and giving me the name of the one to send it to. My friend, Brendan Gill says he himself is not in the fiction department, but it always goes better with a little introduction of this sort. I will work on the ms tonight,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN, CONN.

and see whether it needs re-typing. If it does, and probably it is a
good idea to do so, I shall have it done here. Better as a safeguard to
keep your copy with you.

I forgot to say, vis-a-vis Erich, or rather to ask whether you
have discussed the matter with Hilda. He might be able to pull wires,
especially when he knows your concern about Hilda. I do not mean bribery
of course; the Swiss do not go for that. But sometimes one can exert
influence. I wondered, too, whether he had considered either New Zealand,
or, especially, Australia. I should be surprised if there were not an
open field in both countries for a man with Hilda's skills, and he might
find the going easier than in this. But in any event, when my income tax
man finishes, I will try to draw up the proper financial guarantee for
him.

I am really troubled about Doris, but as I said, I do not see what
can be done. For though I really think she eventually will leave John,
it is impossible at this time, and would only complicate the sale of the
property in terms of signatures, advice, name-calling, and the like. And
even if he does only a little, she is in no state to handle things alone.
It is too bad that Ethel is so insufficient. She really is both literally
and figuratively what we call "a weak sister."

Steffanson is to lecture here on Friday night. On "My Ten Years
with the Esquimaux." How I would love to hear him, but I have to go to
a dinner in honor of the Yale Librarian, when his portrait is to be pre-
sented to the Library. As a trustee of the "Friends of the Library" I
really cannot be absent. Did I tell you that Djuna Barnes wrote and
asked if we would be interested in her papers? Maxwell Anderson, the
playwright, is also turning his over; and the Theatre Guild is sending
up all its correspondence and old records.

The new O'Neill play, A TOUCH OF THE POET, has had its debut in
Stockholm and seems to be a success, there at least. This is one I have
not read, so I cannot comment. I believe it is not to be published until
next fall, but will send you a copy as soon as I lay my hands on one.

All love. I write again tomorrow after I have seen the surgeon.
Meanwhile my tail wags when your letters come.

Norman

14 April 1957

Dearest Fido:

My birthday cable from you and Hilda was waiting for me last night when I came home from the Library, and it's yellow sparkle was like one of Doris' blue-ribbon daffodils. I do thank you, both of you, as well as for my little Byzantine horse and the superb Grieder tie. You or Kenneth or slay or all three could not have chosen one more to my taste. It made a really happy day. Susan gave me a pair of binoculars for the shore, and for Hudson Bay if that should really come off. They are light as a feather and as powerful as an eagle's eye. Also two cases for camera slides, so that we are safe in terms of our documentation. And a nice colored silk handkerchief to tuck in my coat pocket, to make myself a swell. The sun shone, though it was a little cold; all of the daffodils in the garden were in bloom; and I even managed almost to finish a particular chore of footnoting. So my heart was gay during the day, and in the evening Susan's sister and husband came down from Hartford: we went to the Lawn Club for dinner, taking Lizzie with us, and afterwards went to a new musical, rather quixotically based on O'Neill's *Anna Christie* (which you and Hilda will remember from the Garbo days). Actually it was colorful, tuneful, and lively; and should make Carlotta O'Neill some more money (for which she seems insatiably hungry) even though it adds nothing to Gene's reputation. But we laughed and applauded and had a good time.

Such a nice letter from Aurelia Hodgson in your last batch. And they really do want you for that little room upstairs. Some time you must do it, while I kennel in the village. I liked too the letters to you both from Viola Jordan. What an extraordinary person she is, a kind of comic character in a pantomime.

You asked about the English friend, C.L.Wren. He had relapse of a tiny feverish nature after his operation, but was soon on his feet again, and last weekend went off to Chicago to begin his term of teaching and lecturing there. Because there daughter is married to a doctor in Cornwall I gave him a copy of OCTOBER, about which he was most enthusiastic. I expect it is the first piece of modern writing he has read in a good many moons. Apparently Yale took care of the greater part of his surgical expenses, so I did not try to do anything additional for him.

The Morris ms has now been catalogued, and I pick it up tomorrow to go with the others. The hawking book sounds exciting., and if it is the one I think it must be, is very rare indeed and much sought after. The ltd edition of Beowulf came safely; also the volume I of Close-Up. Both will be cared for tenderly.

I dashed down to the office so that this could get off to you on an afternoon mail. But have to go to some sports-car affair (or rather put in an appearance for a few minutes this afternoon, to please Lizzie who is running. Not my tank of petrol, alas, but she is proud of it.

14 April 1957

Dearest Bryher:

You will have been impatient for the report on the x-rays,
and so have I been. I have waited for the report to come in each mail,
but without success. There were no deliveries yesterday, of course, and
this may have delayed it. I asked Dr Perham to give me a written report
to send you, thinking that you could have the document at hand to show
naydt or do with you as you thought best. But not having it, perhaps I
can resume what he said. But this would be more for your own information
than the letter will be when it comes.

First of all he praised the films saying they were excellent
copies and clear to read, although the absolutely last one was fogged a
little. The original operation and pinning of the hip was absolutely first
class, a very fine job indeed, which he complimented highly. The later
films began to show what he felt was almost certainly necrosis, though he
does not define this as so ultimately catastrophic as you do, saying that it
can be haulted and is localized, not a general overall condition of the
bone. These second films came at the usual time after the operation, for
getting the patient to her ambulatory situation, and if of course the time
when one can first know whether the results will be on the side of the 70%
which are successful or the 30% which are not. This was among the 30%, and
the film showed the hip turning in and the pin slipping. The general
situation, he thought, was such that of course the pin should come out,
and some sort of prosthesis done; though he was not sure from the film but
that it would be unwise to do the Joudet (as I now imagine it must be
spplied) method. He pointed out again however that neither he nor anyone
could tell exactly what to do before the moment when the hip was laid bare
under surgery. He also pointed out that nothing would be lost in all prob-
ability if Hilda's doctor wanted to wait four or five weeks to see what
was happening; although he seemed to be insistent that at one time or other
the pin must be removed. I told him about the possibility of a consultation
with Dr Debrunner (whose work he did not seem to know offhand), and he
thought it could do no harm.

Because of the probability that you will have gone to Kusnacht
before this letter could reach you at Kenwin, I am doing it in carbon, send-
ing the second copy to Kenwin; and adding a new letter in case you wish to
share that one with Hilda.

WILLIAM S. PERHAM, M. D.

309 EDWARDS STREET
NEW HAVEN 11, CONNECTICUT

April 15, 1957

Mr. N. H. Pearson
Hall of Graduate Studies
231 Yale Station
New Haven, Connecticut

Dear Norman:

I wish to apologize for the delay in setting down my impression of the X-rays that were reviewed last week. The films dated February 25th indicated a sub-capital fracture of the neck of the left femur in very good alignment and fixed by a well placed nail.

The films dated March 30th were interpreted as showing some elevation of the shaft in relation to the head, probably due to bone absorption at the fracture site, which is commonly seen. The nail appears to have moved up in the head and I suspect may be becoming loosened. The fracture line is still visable.

It is my impression that this fracture may proceed either to a non-union or an aseptic nucrosis of the head. Of course this occurs in approximately 30% of these injuries. Rather than undergoing a long period of observation, it would seem more reasonable to remove the nail from the head and substitute a metallic head prosthesis. In order to satisfy all requirements, re-examination of the hip joint four weeks from the date of the last X-ray probably further confirm the situation.

The prosthesis operation offers a minimal confinement to bed and a reasonably good outlook for useful function in the hip. In my experience none of our reconstructive procedures turn out as well as we hope for.

With kindest regards,

WSP:g

16 April 1957

Dearest Fido:

Your letter of the 12th arrived yesterday, and for once we are woofing with some regularity between kennels. Actually there is not a great deal to add to my yesterday's letter, except for the arrival of further details about the Snowsafari, and a letter from Helen Wolff.

I enclose the latter (which also same Monday), having told her that I would discuss you, since I could only repeat what she writes. The pressure of course is from Collins, but I think Helen is being genuine in her own thinking. I have no idea what their publishing time would be, but certainly not this fall, unless they wanted to make it a last minute book before Christmas. I'd have to talk that over later with them. Now as to the illustrations, Helen's letter might give you a somewhat false idea of what she meant -- for I did discuss this with them some months ago. I hope I can express it properly. Gate is, however beautifully complete in itself, a short book; and in order to make it possible to sell at a price to begin to meet the costs (handling charges for books are the same whether at $1.25 or $8.50), it ought to be made as handsome as possible, and occupy as many pages as possible. One way to do this without seeming ridiculous would be to have architectural designs and the like (taken from Paestum) as in the manner of epigraphs for each chapter or division. In this way the text can begin low on the page (a line or two or three) beneath the design. Naturally, by ill/autratiun she doesn't mean cheesecake drawings of amorous couples, or the like.

If you do say to go ahead with this, I imagine you'd like to take a quick look at the ms again, for those little changes you do so brilliantly, but you could do this again after your trip to the boys and perhaps even a running visit to Paestum. Islay and Kenneth could assemble for me any books on architecture or artifacts from which we could choose the objects. I had myself once thought of using a half dozen photographs by A'slay, taken with the text in mind; or one might combine the two, either with a frontispiece or more. If you like this latter idea, however, better not say anything to A'slay until we clear with the Wolves.

I enclose some further data about the Snowfari trip for you to look at. Because of the problems of ice, especially in respect to taking the boat up from Quebec to Churchill, they cannot tell the precise date of the first trip until mid-June, but it will probably be from 1-4 August. The trip up sounds fun also: $500 unless one takes the first trip in addition, in which case $400; but one is supposed to sign on as "Gust crew", and the doctor had the right to choose amongst the applicants. It is hard to compare between this and the regular Hudson Bay Co trips. I agree that the latter would be tremendously interesting, with a good passenger list, because one would pick up the daily trade life of the area. If there

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

is an advantage to the Snowsfari, it would be that one would get off
the beaten track at spots where there was no trading, and I suspect
one would have better chances for seeing the fauna etc. But we can
perhaps wait a little to see what we hear from the Company.

**Doris.** I fear Melitta may be right. It is only natural that the tensions she is under will somewhat accentuate the trouble with eyes and heart, but there is an underlying somatic condition which will continue to degenerate. Since it is a miracle at best that any of us, or any one, is alive at all, one has to take these situations as a part of life. The rub comes from the fact that the personal situation and relationships which could comfort her have turned out so badly.

**Robert.** Poor Baylis! One suspects that he is not used to this sort of affair. I make only this distinction to what Hannay says: knowing Robert from years of his letters, and paralleling him with other people I have known, I think he tends to overemphasize the blackmail aspect. That is, Robert has been so desperately unsure of himself all his life, and so hungry for identification and being needed that he is a prey for anyone who wishes to "use" him. As so many men have -- George, this last guardsman, teddy-boys, and the rest, who do not need to blackmail him except by the threat of abandoning him. His situation is very different from that of statssmen who can be blackmailed by a threat to reputation in a career or within a family. I doubt very much that Robert was ever capable of very much actual passion homosexually, or that he ever needed a very strong sexual life in a physical sense. He would, as I have said before (as he himself has said), have been happy to pour tea for George or anyone else. He has led a life of fantsay beyond his capabilities, as indicated by his cross-dressing like a guardsman in a pub, and no doubt in a tea-gown at his flat. What I mean is that little would be gained by removing any actual blackmailing, even if it had occurred, because it is now almost too late for him to attain any true self-definition, things having disintegrated too much. Robert's case, in other words, has little to do with that kind of homosexuality which can bother no one so long as it abides by the same rules of decorum as heterosexuality.

**Erich.** His nice letter arrived in yesterday's mail also. Will you thank him, and say I understand perfectly his relationship to the Jugend usw. And as you say, if there is anything worse he will not speak about it anyhow. I am going ahead with the necessary papers, which I hope to be able to send him next week. My lawyer left today for Boston to be gone until next Monday, and I will meanwhile try to get the documents in order. I must have a witnessed letter from my bank, saying my regular balance is so and so much; a similar one from Yale, saying I am regularly employed at a salary of so and so much; a letter from the bank in Gardner, saying I am a one-third owner of real estate valued at so and so much; and a sworn statement from myself saying my income is so and so much. Fortunately, the real estate and the income which goes to my mother will help to make it more impressive than it actually is.

I write this the first thing in the morning, so must stop and hurry
to my footnotes. My love to Hilda and yourself.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

19 April 1957

Dearest Bryher:

Again little more than a note on my part--and a hurried
one--but it is the tail of an afternoon spent with two Japanese professors
from Kyoto whose apparent happiness in my presence was enough to serve as
musilage to stick them to me. And this morning was busy with the business
of the enclosed. What an affair! We went to Gardner yesterday morning at
nine, for my mother's 84th birthday. It meant a good deal to her of course
to have us there, and we arrived in time for lunch, hoping to leave as
usual in order to get home before dark. But my sister has just bought a
largish house which they wanted us to see, and which my mother hadn't been
in since the move (a few days ago), so it was after four when we finally
got away, and we ate en route back to New Haven. Who knows whether this
was unlucky or not, for we might well have entered the house while the
thieves were still there. And this is always ticklish. The only irony
(in retrospect was the farewell of the waitress, telling us to have a happy
holiday.) We got back just after dark, at 8:10, saw the tulips left on
the back steps (white for purity), the mail piled against the front door,
and in the garage a five-foot rose-tree for Easter, and a pile of clothes
returned from the cleaner. So in we went, I with the clothes, Susan to
get the mail; and it was only when she went into the kitchen that she saw
the drawers pulled out, and the cupboard open. But the odd thing was that
two silver champagne collers (plated) had been pulled out and left neatly,
one on each side. Horror stricken we looked in the dining room, but the
family silver was all there. Puzzled still more, but having to take the
bit in my teeth I mounted the stairs, looked in the guest room to see the
drawers opened and some odds and ends we keep for emergency gifts on the
floor; so I hurried to our room, and my heart sank. They were neat, in a
way, for they unpcked one drawer on our beds, but there was much on the floor.
I immediately called the police, and it was almost midnight before they left.
They wanted jewelry, good jewelry of a sort that could be fenced; elaborate
pieces of Indian filigree they left; nor, though they searched my drawers
did they take my watch nor cuff links nor silver cigarette box nor peal
stick pin, which are all the pieces I myself own. But poor Susan: all of the
things from her grandmother, her mother's pearls which Mrs Bennett had given
her, her grandfather's miniature, the jewelry she had inherited from her aunt,
everything gone to the last piece. But she was an absolute brick about it,
and I was proud of her. No tears, no excitement, just trying to help the
detectives etc as they scattered graphite around for the fingerprints they
couldn't find, and to describe the articles when every detail was a heart-
pang. I suppose we can get something back from insurance, but you know how
those things are, and prices today are such that one could hardly hope to
replace the things. This morning the police were back, took plaster-of-Paris
casts of footprints at the next-door house, re-inventoried the losses, for
by this time we began to remember the watch she had bought in Switzerland,
and the finger watch I bought in Zurich, that day before tea with Mary Herr,
and which she liked so much. The police say they are already without doubt
in New York disposing of the pieces. I'm afraid one can't even hope, though

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

the police have been splendid.

I couldn't be happier about the new writing. I see it as important, believe me; and am anxious for it all to come. But will be patient as obey your barks and not read until all is here.

I suspect like you that the cruise is likely to be easier to manage. But I do not want to take up with Susan tonight, just on top of the robbery, and because Lizzie will be home for the Easter weekend. Actually I doubt that she will want to go on either, but it is nice to give her the chance. I have written the Hudson's Bay Company myself, and might wait for an answer before we make our final decision. I should hear from them by next mid-week.

Enough for the moment. Why do they have to spread it all over the papers this way.

They did not touch a book of course; the police say they never would. "ot the type we have here; and the only ones who might are the clever ones who know that each book is registered and too "hot" to handle. Jewelry is different. The rings can be broken down, the gems removed, and the gold melted. But enough of this.

Our love to Hilda and yourself.

Norman

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

23 April 1957

Dearest Swiss Girl amidst the peruanos:

Sunday afternoon at the Inter-
national House Easter Tea, to which I had come back from the shore, in
my best bib and tucker, a fine-looking professor from India came up to
me, tenting his hands in greeting. "You are Professor Pearson?" --("Yes.")
-- "Of the English Department?" -- ("Yes." I settled back on my heels to
reply modestly to his expected statement of the admiration that all
Indians feel for my work.)-- "Ah, then you are the one whose house was
robbed!"

Yesterday afternoon Susan was
working in the garden, at her weeds, pulling away the trespassers against
the comfort of "Bryher," "Dean," "Compton Mackenzie," "Elizabeth Bowen,"
and "Susan Pearson." Across the road in the little brook two urchins were
playing at damming it, when one of them looked up. His voice was excited.
"We'd better get out of here quick; that's the house that was robbed!"

We were asked out for dinner this
coming Saturday night. "Jewels will not be worn."

So that is the kind of a life we
are leading these days, though the police have ceased coming to ask
questions. What a series of coincidences it all amounted to: that my
mother should have wanted to see my sister's new house, so that we were
delayed in returning; that I suggested we stop for dinner so that Susan
need not prepare a meal; that it was the day the magazines came, the day
when the Easter flowers began to arrive; and that this was a day when
the cleaning woman would have been there to take everything in, had she
not fallen down the stairs of her own house and injured herself.

"We do have a great respect for what the police have done in the way of thorough searching, and (altho it is a secret on this side) the F.B.I. has been called in on the supposition that out-of-state complications may become involved through the transportation of the jewels and furs across state lines. And altho the reporting was lurid -- even the Yale paper had great headlines, and a grinning picture of me (ravished from somewhere) titled "Robbery Victim". The effect was that of my thinking it all the greatest joke imaginable. *here are little possibilities: a clue to the coat worn by the robber, caught in the screen where they entered; the footprint of which a cast was made; the remarkable possibility that the robbers might have telephoned from the house, since the F.B.I. found a check against a name in the book (something we never do), the chair by the telephone pushed incsuch a way as to indicate some one might have sat while telephoning, and my almost complete certainty that the phone book was out and on the bed. All this is secret, but no one thinks it likely to lead to anything.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

YALE UNIVERSITY

NEW HAVEN • CONN

It would seem pretty clear now that the thieves originally planned to enter the house behind us (out of which the owner had moved just before Christmas into a smaller house, but had left much of the large furniture hoping to sell it with the house), found nothing there, looked across the adjoining back lots to see a dark house with a spot of tulips still on the back stoop, and then decided that they might as well try that too, and so they did. The one footprint leads towards us, and it is quite unlikely that having the jewels they would then enter a second house and triple the danger to themselves.

Susan continues to be absolutely first-rate about it all. But it is a real blow.

A letter from Helen Wolff, to whom I had written about the *Gate*, saying (rembering our correspondence on the point) that my only hesitation was that at this point the Gandhara book was pretty well exhausting my funds. (I said this for the sake of bringing up a question which I felt ought to be brought up sooner or later.)

Her reply:

I was quite unhappy when I got your letter--we had planned here to offer Bryher a normal author's contract for GATE 'we'd been planning this ever since ROMAN WALL established her so well, but didn't feel confident enough with BEOWULF to do it).

Now this loses its character of spontaneity--though I know you won't have any doubts about our intentions.

Main question: to get Bryher's agreement to publish GATE next and not to wait for the 'arthaginian story she had planned to group with it.

Personally, I don't think we should publish in December. I'd rather make it an early Spring book. "e'd have it ready for the salesmen to read before they go out, and it would get better critical attention too. If it were a bigger book, it would be another matter. But in autumn, reviewers tend to pass anything by that they might conceivably consider "slight."

As ever affectionately,

Well, who knows what really might have happened? Actually they sold more copies of BEOWULF than they did at first of the WALL, and they certainly forgot to mention the different arrangement for GATE, and it is just possible that had I proceeded under the assumption that we paid for GATE they would not have wanted to hurt my feelings. The best thing is that they really do want to do this one, and I don't see any reason for saying no. But you are the one to decide of course. If you say yes, I shall say that you would like to take another look at the ms, and that we can turn it over to them in September.

Spent a busy night at the office, last night, answering letters about Hilda's poems, and drawing up a list of where each of the SELECTEDs had appeared in print before. No word as yet when I can expect an actual copy. It doesn't appear until fall, but it would be nice if Kat could have

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

one to play with.

Mailed the newly typed copy of AUGUST to the New Yorker yester-
day. Alas, various events had kept me from proof-reading the copy
until then. I suppose it will be several weeks before I hear one way
or another from them. It is a little "arch," but I rather hoped they
might want to publish it in August.

The various affidavits, from bank, and university, and my own
sworn statement as to income, which I had my lawyer prepare for me,
went out yesterday also to Heydt; and we are assured that this is all
he will need. The government is a little sticky about this, because of
course I assume all responsibility for his support until he should
actually become a citizen, a matter of three or four years at least in
his case. Pup's was different, since she was married to an American
citizen, and has preference. I rather doubt that Heydt will take that
kind of short cut.

Vol. VI of CLOSE UP, and the Williams' book on Welch Poetry
were in this morning's mail, for which my deepest thanks. Did you
manage to discover a copy of the missing volume from my set: e.g. vol.
II?

BORDERLINE is now safely at the Eastman House collection, where
it was received with gratitude and respect.

Rossler's letter came, written in his inimitable English. He gives
me a Winnipeg, Manitoba address to write to, and adds that the Manager
of the Hudson Bay Company's Montreal Office tells hims "that it is indeed
difficult to get a booking on one of that Company's ships....Personally,
I have the impression that it is important for what purpose you want to
go to Churchill and the Arctic. When the Manager mentioned that the
Company not easily gives away these berth 'only for tourist purpose,' I
said you are a scientist, and that I think this voyage is for scientific
studies. I therefore whuld recommend to tell Mr Brown that this voyage
is of extreme importance for your scientific studies, or so; surely you
will be able to go into details." I will write him, but you should thank
Rossler too. I have not yet had an answer to my own letter, but rather
tend to agree (and not reluctantly) that the safari trip might be better,
at least as a first trek north. I imagine the trip around to Churchill
in combination with another two weeks would be too long, and I also suspect
that only those who combine will get the voyage up. One has to sign as
"paying crew," and it might be more than one wanted of the joint cabin.
Don't forget that men and women both sleep in the same cabin for twelve.
I presume one has some privacy in dressing and undressing.

Do give our affectionate greetings to the boys. And cherish our
love for yourself.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

30 April 1957

Dearest Bryher:

Such a nice Anticoli letter as arrived in this morning's mail. I am sorry the train trip down was such a bore -- I can barely abide train travel any more, liking both ends always more than the middle of things. And surely the boys' end, with the gardens in blossom and the soft spring air, is what you were after and found.

A letter having at last come, with apologies, from the office of the Hudson's Bay Company to which I had been earlier directed, in which they said simply that my letter had been forwarded on to another province, led me this afternoon to send my check for $600.00 to Snowsafari with my filled-out application, but as for both of us. Susan has decided not to go, but it was fine to give her the chance. You will have to go through the process of sending your own application, but the fee is already there. I have been a little nervous that everyone might want to go on the first trip, and decided not to wait any longer before putting in. I agree that there is much that sounds silly in the mimeographed brochure, and I can prefigure occasional moments of intellectual and emotional nausea; but we can build ourselves a little kennel on the stern deck, put our tails together, and woof at the shadows of polar bears. And I do agree with you, that it gets us to some out-of-the-way places we could hardly reach otherwise. If it works out we may make longer ranged plans for the Company's boat another time. By the way, I asked in my letter if the remaining fees could be paid for in Canadian dollars to their Canadian office; the deposit I did not want to delay lest we lose our bunks. "We can meet in Montreal, which will mean that you don't have to come to the States; there are rumors of a cabinet shift during the recess of Congress, with Dulles retiring, and although Eisenhower will still be in, this may ameliorate the situation enough so that you will feel you can come over in 1958 or 1959.

I go to Maine on Friday for a few days, to speak at a meeting of the College English association and try to ferret out some Hawthorne notes which should stem from there. Had meant to go earlier this week, but have had to stay over until then in order to keep jabbing at Ingholt. My patience is pretty well frayed. I've never had anything like it before, even from a student. But I suppose this is his Scandinavian nature. The worst is that next Tuesday he goes out to the Middle East again on another expedition! I finally drove out to his house on Thursday and went over the jacket material with him --had to have his okay to what I had written, and copies of which I enclose for you to read and send on to the boys; and today I managed to get the prefatory note with acknowledgments etc., rewrote the first paragraph, and will go over tomorrow. Meanwhile I have read the first third or half of the introduction, and will do more on Thursday at the last minute. It will all be in, but oh my God!

Meanwhile the Wolves have been extraordinarily patient. I

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

did have a note from Kurt asking when he could get GATE so that he
could have his artist do the little sketches. ⚫ don't know. But I
suppose because they are actually paying for the whole thing this
time, and we have more of the normal relationship between author and
publisher, we'd better adopt the professional attitude and let them
try it this time the way they wish to. ⚫ don't suppose it really
matters that much, and we do of course know they will do nothing which
is in bad taste, even if not precisely one's particular cup of tea.

Susan is in Massachusetts at a garden club convention, going a day early to take Lizzie to the Leahy Clinic for her hands. There is a famous doctor, Fromer, there who is both allergist and dermatologist; and I have long wanted her to see him (as you know) only to have the local medicals ask for a little longer, a little longer, a little longer. "When it broke out this time, I put my foot down, and they gave in easily, made the appointment, drew up the proper case histories and sent her off. Susan was pleased with Fromer, who thinks something can be done; but confirms that it is largely psycho-somatic but linked with a strong history of allergies. "He has had many similar cases. She is in the hospital for a weak, having intra-venous injections (to clear up the septic condition), having a complete checkup, and, ⚫ gather, semi-psychiatric discussion with Fromer in addition to the analysis she has been taking here. "He seemed to size her up immediately in a firm but kindly way, to which she responded well. I only hope this will eventually lead somewhere, for she has had a rough time of it, and altho her tenseness may account for the skin trouble, that in turn only feeds the disturbance.

I send this to Kenwin, not being quite sure that anything to
Rome or Anticoi will reach you.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

3 May 1957

Dearest Fido:

I write this when I should already have started off on my trip to Maine, but what with welcoming Susan home from Boston and packing to start off myself, I did not get a note written to you to accompany the enclosed. And if I had taken them with me to send from Maine, I should only have been carrying them away from the airports.

As for the *New Yorker* letter, I send it only for information. Send it back, surface, some time, so that history can laugh in their face. Now that you are a professional author you know that not every taste is alike. Mine tells me that DAY is one of the best things you have ever written; if you should try to change a word of it now, I should have you court-martialled. But it is true that one reason for the popularity of ROMAN WALL, even with some one like Horace, is that it had a strong story line. So does DAY, though Mrs White can't see it in her night.

The Hudson's Bay Company material is most interesting, though as Susan remarked the route is chiefly along Labrador, and actually Snowsafari does touch land more often. But the HBC offers us alternatives if we do not get accepted by the other for the time we want; and #4 is something definitely to keep in mind for another year. One trip, I warrant, will not be enough. However if you prefer the HBC, willy-nilly to Safari, I can cancel the other; we lose only $300 together which is not to be compared to doing what you want to do. Do send the HBC back airmail (the letter to me, I mean; I have duplicates of the other sheets), so that I can have it to answer as of your decision or what I hear (if negative from Safari). I did think the tone of the HBC much more agreeable than we had been led to believe. Perhaps I gave good descriptions of the two of us.

Susan reports Lizzie getting along well, and having much confidence in the doctor.

Love to you and to Hilda. I speed away now in my
Byyherblack.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

15 May 1957

Dearest Fido:

Forgive me! I drove down from Maine (one should say "up" from Maine, since one goes "down" to Maine along with the prevailing winds) on last Wednesday night, to find myself plunged headlong into the last and confused phases of preparation for the annual fund drive for International House (of which I am president.) Since then I have signed some 250 letters and written over 210 personal notes of thanks and pleading to go with the "literature" which is sent out. All day Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. I am groggy!

I'll try to come down tonight to write you a proper or
properer letter, but am anxious to get this note off to you by an
earlier post and hopefully earlier plane.

My dear we are accepted! What honors are showered upon
us. For cruise A. That is, at the very time you originally wanted
to go: the beginning of August. It is all in the schedule you have.
de Groot van Emden says that a letter with details about clothing will
go forward to us within a few weeks. Meanwhile I think one had better
lie low before laying in much extra supply. My own hunch is that a
number of the heavier items might better be bought in Canada, where
presumably they have the correct kind of thing, and which would mean
we wouldn't have to carry it by air. Come either way you like, but
I wonder if it wouldn't be simpler for you (if you do want to come to
the States at all) to pay your visit to Pup first and then go on with
me by train to Montreal and from there we can fly to Churchill. The
train trip from Montreal to Churchill takes five days, which is a little
too much I think, even at the extra cost for overweight by air. However
we could always do it partway, that is to Winnepeg from Churchill if you
want to see the terrain. Now that I can draw a breath again I will
try to think it over and get details squared away. de Groot van Emden
(I like the beauty of it whole) says he has written you that you can
pay it all in Canadian dollars. I'll send you a copy of his letter
tonight or tomorrow.

Every one thinks we are mad!

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

15 May (8:30)

Dearest Fido,

Well I did come down again, and if you will forgive a hodgepodge
letter, I might as well start with any of the wonderful pile of communications
from you which I have let slide during my hegira. Not even trying to say what
I did in Maine, except to say that it was worth going on, I know a little more
about things I should know, and am eager to get back to my little room in the
library and set some of it down.

But to start with yours of the 12th which came in this morning. I
mean of course, starting with fits and starts so as to be sure I have commented
on what can be commented on. Elsie naturally delights me. I like analysis
which works like a purge. What matter which couch she is on! But as for you,
I like your being at the desk like a good pup. The notes can only be done at
Vaud. But I wait until they are all in order before reading. Send along, however,
as done in order to clear your desk.

Poor Sylvia! Of course Josephine believes all should be given away,
because she could and has. And of course, one must admit, that Sylvia always
had the urge to make her little business a success; and the sale of the Joyce
material would help to balance the mental bookkeeping. (Is it odd of me to think
so? I mean that all this would prove, she feels, in any eyes that she was right,
that she did good on anybody's terms, not just echt amerikanisch, but amerikanisch
all the same.). I know Prescott, her little researcher who slipped one over on
her. I had not many months ago such a sweet letter from the Wayne University
Library, with whose university he is connected, asking me for photostats of all
of Bobbie's letters from Joyce, for deposit for the sake of scholarship. I wrote
back that Prescott could see them any time, and quote from them, but that there
was no reason for they're being available to every one. And I refused. "e did
not bother to take advantage of my offer to him. But you are right of course; if
a university buys them they want something for their own people to use. As a gift
the situation is different.

Susan and I are both eager to know what did happen to Rita. I presume
the next surface phase of letters will tell us. As well as Doris's continued
condition. I am deeply worried about her, but can suggest nothing.

To jump to Hilda, and no particular letter. I am content now that you
are in contact with deBrunner. As my man here said, one can only tell on the
spot; although he might have added "in" the spot also, for he feels sure that
eventually they will have to operate. I say this only because you must not feel
that such an operation would be a further sliding back on Hilda's part. Heydt
sent new films, which I will try to get into the hands of the surgeon here. But
he will not be able to add much. He was sure, however, that a few weeks delay
would do no harm, and it would I think do much to console Hilda into feeling that
all possible else had been done.

Have talked several times with Helen Wolff on the phone, and I have
told her not to think about GATE until we have snuggled together on an icepack
and picked it out. Ingholt called me triumphantly by long distance in Maine
two Mondays ago to say that he would deliver the final ms to the Wolves the next

2

day in New York, an hour or two before he took his plane for Damascus or wherever. Kurt confirmed that he had done so in fact as well as theory, and for the first time we are all breathing a little easy. Proof will be coming along soon and I shall have to cope with that, and see that the index is done. But then the boys will have their book! Gott sei Dank.

You speak of Weston again. Did you know she was coming out in a paper back? Shall I send you an extra copy? But I dare say you know it by heart anyhow. It would only be a matter of some one you wanted to send it to.

No further news about the robbery, and I fear nothing will come up for a long time, unless one or two of the lesser pieces are thought to have cooled off enough to risk pawing through the fences. (Can you interpret such language?). The jeweler in New York thinks it likely that some of the better pieces which cannot be broken up will be sent to California. But of course we have some photographs and these have been sent all over the country. To cheer Susan up a bit, I had her go in to this jeweler (he is a wholesaler, and things cost about 50% from him) and order a new dinner ring as a present from me. Actually I never tried to give her jewelry; she did not want any more, and enjoyed what she had. This new start will pleasantly and appropriately be from me. Don't think for a moment she has whined; she has been absolutely superb.

Am eager to see O.B.'s St Helena book; and I am delighted that Kenneth has done so well with his account of the South American book. I should think it would go very well in England — O.B. might help place it.

The plans for Heydt sound fine, and if he has any sort of diploma that he can get by a further year's study in Switzerland, I think he ought to do so. It can only help eventually on this side, although it is barely possible that with this extra, and the knowledge that he can go to the States, the Swiss might eventually relent and let him stay on. Perhaps it is better for him not to plan too far ahead. All however should be done in careful consultation with the American consul, and if he could manage to get a letter from the consul so much the better. He might pretend illness with a cold and write to confirm what he understood to be the situation, keeping a carbon and filing it with the consul's answer.

Now to return to the trip. I wrote, as I told you, before going to Maine so as to reserve our places on the first trip out of Churchill. All they can tell about this date so far is that "it is expected to depart from Churchill between August 1st and 4th." I believe depending on ice etc. Now of course I can meet you sufficiently ahead of this in Montreal and we fly up together, or if you wish to skip Montreal (in taking your passage to Vancouver) you could go to Winnipeg and fly from there to Churchill where we could meet. If Montreal you might like to see the Rosslers and lay in supplies. I would not try to bring sleeping bags or heavy boots (unless you have some already worn in). But on all these better to wait until we have details about equipment.

If, as I told you in this afternoon's letter, you wanted to come via

3

New York, then we could go up together by train from New Haven. The only hitch I see is if you want to go back by way of Vancouver, without returning to states it would not be safe to make reservations without some considerable cushion of time between probable and possible return of the boat to Churchill. In this case easier of course to return by way of New York or direct from Montreal, since the August traffic to Europe is light, and we could get you a place after the trip was over. As to my hopping back with you I fear it is impossible. More of all this later: but it looks as though I should have to take over the complete chairmanship of the American Studies Program here next year (I have been in charge only of the undergraduate program), and this means breaking in a new secretary -- at last, and at the university's expense-- settling last minute problems, etc. But Hilda will understand.

W. de Groot usw wrote a pleasant letter on the 2nd. "This will acknowledge the receipt of your letter of April 30, enclosing your application blank and your check for $600.00 as a deposit for your own reservation for Cruise A and that of Mrs. Bryher's. I am very pleased indeed that you have decided to join us this summer and I can assure you that everything will be done to make your cruise a memorable one.

"I shall look forward to receiving Mrs. Bryher's application in due course. I am writing her today stating that she can pay her entire fee in Canadian Dollars, directly to our Manitowaning Office. With the Canadian Dollar slightly higher than the American brand, we prefer it that way, in fact. As soon as her deposit, or full fee, arrives in Manitowaning, your check for $600.00 will be credited to you, leaving a balance payable on your fee of $395.00 plus $2.50 for the fishing license. If you wish to pay that part in Canadian Dollars as well, we will not object to it. I am confident that Mr. Moody who makes all medical decisions, will not be disturbed by your ankelosed hip, from what you tell us it could not be a serious hindrance. In case he asks for further details I will relay his request to you.

"It was a pleasant surprise to see your photograph for I seem to remember you. I lectured at the International Affairs Club in Yale in 1949 and we may have met upon that occasion. I also spoke at the Rotary Club in New Haven and that may have been another occasion.

"A letter with details about clothing will go forward to you within the next few weeks. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me in the meantime."

So that is that, so far at least. I did tell him about the stiff hip. It seemed to me rather an nasty shock to the old doc, (who seems a little stuffy), to find me suddenly aboard with one. And he could like it or lump me. As to the previous acquaintance between de usw, I rather doubt it, although of course I shall not let on to anything except absolute certainty that we are the oldest of friends. Who it is I look like I can't imagine, for the photograph (the only one I could find) was the oily little smirk they took in Rome when I hurriedly need the Turkish visa.

My general reactions to the trip I shall save for my next.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

19 May 1957

Dearest Bryher,

This looks like a rough week ahead so I had better
write you a note today and let it go except for a quick answer to
any questions you may have. I am delig hted that the mere fact of
your going to Hudson Bay brings journalists to your door; no one
has come to mine so far, but everyone is intrigued without wanting to
follow suit.

Who knows whether we have chosen correctly between the
two? I see all sorts of annoyances and amusements connected with
Snowsafari, but somehow I like the idea of being on their first cruise
of the year rather than the later ones, since both they and the spots
and Esquimaux should be fresher than after repeated invasions. But I
think on the whole we have chosen better so far as seeing the really
inaccessible spots, most of the Hudson's Bay Company stops being along
the Labrador Coast and hence a little more traveled to. "We might as
well concentrate this time on the Bay itself, and if they overwhelm
us with information at the evening talks we can stand it as freshmen
better than if we followed the Company's path by this. My own present
inclination is that next year we should take the Co's trip in order to
get the Northwest Passage experience.

I still have not heard about equipment, but still imagine
we can pick up things in Canada rather better than bringing it over
with us. The Everest clothing might well be too warm for what we are
doing, and I wonder if you can really resist a nice parka with a sealskin
collar. What a sensation this would cause at Ausnacht or Aenwin! I
know I shall have to get something of the sort. You will also want some
sort of oilskin slicker, I presume, but that is silly to bring with you
from the other side. We wait and see what they tell us to do.

It did occur to me that if you liked the idea, we could
travel either to or from Montreal in the Oldsmobile, which would give
you the chance to see Vermont and a section of New England which will be
fresh to you. And we could simply pile things in the back of the car.
What do you think?

The fishing license I think I will tell them to take out
for you also. My idea was simply as a sefaguard against possible boredom,
and it is so inexpensive that it hardly matters whether we use it or not.

Now do you want to pay the remainder of yours and my
bills from your side in "Canadian dollars, or shall I take care of mine
from this side. When I know your plans and the exact date of departure
from Churchill I will take care of the plane reservations, from Montreal
to Churchill. I have asked about accommodations in Churchill, thinking
it safer to allow for a day or two there so that we would not miss the
sailing if bad weather came up to ground the planes.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

The International House drive still keeps me frantic. The head of the finance committee still has not delivered the little brochures to go out with the appeals, and it is getting later and later. I am having a full time director next year, and taking over a second living quarters which must be equipped with a communal kitchen at a cost of some five thousand, so the success of the drive is important in order to meet the bills. But with a full time instead of a part time director, there should be less responsibility on my own shoulders.

In all the hustle of the last few weeks I think I forgot to tell you that I am having to take over the full chairmanship of the American Studies Department next year and for a few years afterwards. I am sorry, but there was no one else to do it, and I have worked too hard over the years on it to see it slide away. But I have insisted that there be a full time secretary who can manage the office, answer my phone calls, etc., and this will be an immense help. The university is letting us pay over the usual salary, and I have found a splendid woman, with experience, to fit the bill precisely.

I said this coming week would be busy, and a skeleton outline will show why. Tomorrow (Monday) I have to go to Boston for some Longfellow material, and see what I can do about getting my son-in-law into the Harvard School of Design which has hitherto said no. I have little hope, but will have done my bit. Tuesday I have my lobster and champagne picnic for the Pundits, my undergraduate club; Wednesday I spend all day in New York at conference on culture in America (if there is any), Thursday I have to speak at the annual meeting of the Mark Twain Association in Hartford; and Friday there is the dentist, a man coming from New York to look at my Hawthorne papers, and in the evening Susan and I go again to New York to have supper with John and Pup at a party they give before they go for the summer to Long Island.

So remember me in your prayers, even if you have to give them in the best Hudson Bay Syllabic.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

it becomes even more important than usual that you should take the summer
trip as planned, lest your staying should make her imagine she was in a
worse position which demanded your constant presence. (By the way, Pup
would like it better, if you do feel you can come into the States during
the Eisenhower administration, to have you come on the way back. "I want
to hear all about it from you both!" she insisted.)

John and I shook our heads sadly about the *New Yorker* and
"August Day." I was rather severe to Mrs White about rejecting it, and
she wants me to have tea with her. "Gich I won't, altho it's amusing to
be asked.

Still no news from Obleousky about Dorothy R's manuscript. I
had a note from them about something else, but dare not press too hard
by mail lest it cause a rejection.

O.B.'s book, and the Robt Graves have arrived -- for which my
thanks. Susan read O.B. on the train, and has liked what she has done.

I saw an "Arrow Music" advertised by a New York shop, and bought
a extra copy around. "West" also has just been advertised, so you
see how your fame grows.

I also enclose a statement from Pantheon. I shall be glad to
be clearing up this kind of confusions. It does seem a little absurd that
the more successful a book is the more one has to pay for it. But starting
with the next it will be on its own two feet. "etter return this, and the
letter from "high which I thought would amuse you. "naturally I never
breathed a word of all this to Milda, nor must you.

Must close up, and run. Will write shortly, and meanwhile -- as
always -- my love.

Norman

It is enough
in the book, but
I will not say
this unless
asked.

WILLIAM S. PERHAM, M. D.

May 23, 1957

Mr. Norman H. Pearson
39 Goodrich Street
New Haven, Connecticut

Dear Norman:

Comparison of the X-rays taken on April 25, 1957, with the previous studies, do not indicate any essential change from those taken on March 30, 1957.

These hip joint studies indicate an excellent reduction and fixation followed by circulatory changes in the head of the femur which unfortunately occurs, as you know, in a high percentage of cases. I still believe that this process will continue, resulting in further collapse of the head and extrusion of the nail. For that reason, I would still be in favor of a replacement procedure although the time that this operation was scheduled certainly would depend on other factors and is an elective procedure.

Best regards,

WSP:g

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

27 May 1957

Dearest Fido,

Your letter of the 22nd in this morning. So that yesterday's letter was written before it came. As I told you, Pup was most anxious to have you come (af only once), after the trip so that she could hear about it; I think you are right: round trip Swiss Air to New York would simplify, and let us plan our approach better. Vancouver is probably a little remote, as to get the feel of it one would need probably a week. But for the sake of one's knowledge of Canada, we might ponder an overnight on the way back at Winnepeg, just to feel the interior.

My own alarms about Joe Moody have been somewhat alleviated by actually reading the book. Susan is on it now. "It's really interesting," she said. I finished it yesterday. He is serious about the situation of the Esquimo and his future, but not a sentimentalist. We've done this to their way of life -- his feeling is -- and one can't retrace the steps; nor will they benefit from what is to come, but one can make it easier. He drinks, one gathers, and plays cards, and shoots (without being a mad hunter), is a geologist as amateur, etc. I rather think now that the questionnaire, although serious enough, is partly to give the air of an expedition and partly to scare off dowagers and likely complainers. In which case, if true, it would make sense. I do imagine there will be some irritations, but -- as the popular-song goes, "We've got each other." Sleeping pills always make sense to have along. I'll write the Vermont man, and see why the letter hasn't reached you.

The first batch of Woolford papers are in, but I keep my word and obey your orders and do not read until all is here.

I gather from yesterday's *Times* that Stanislav Joyce's papers relating to his brother have been bought and given to Cornell University. 1300 relevant items, including the manuscript of Joyce's first composition, ms pages of "Stephen Hero", many letters etc. The reputed price was $30,000. Whether Sylvia's are actually worth twice this amount seems somewhat dubious. By the way you said you had sent out the itemized evaluation for me to look at for her; but it has never arrived, I have meant to speak of it before. The Stuart Gilbert edition of Joyce's letters are out, but I did not send. Presumably they will be published in England also. I thought Hilda might be interested. I am a little annoyed, at Gilbert, since I had photostats of Bobbie's letters made at my expense and sent Gilbert for the edition. He thanks McAlmon, but does not mention my name. But I shall probably have worse sins when my Hawthorne comes out.

Your earlier books continue to get quoted. Bertram Rota

advertises WEST for fifteen bob. "Nice copy, but spine a little faded, name on fly-leaf."

Alas, I know precisely how you feel about the American studies position. I wept, but what could I do. I will explain in detail the circumstances and history of the program, but we were left with the extraordinary situation (for one of the three largest concentrations of students) that I was absolutely the only one left; and I had worked too hard to get it established to see it now slip away. But I have tried to put on straw blankets against the horns of the bulls, and it may work out to be less strain than in recent years. I shall not be lecturing any more, and will teach only two seminars which meet once a week for two hour periods each. The full-time secretary will mean that I can leave the office, and cut down the time spent on letters etc. In any event it was Hobson's choice. At least I don't need an analyst to point out the situation.

Must hurry back to the library and get down to the letters again.

28 May 1957

Dearest Fido:

I ought to be working on my report, as president, for the annual meeting tomorrow of the International Student Center. But your two letters, about Doris and Herring, in today's mail filled me with shared woe.

You are right of course. One way of looking at Doris's present condition is that it was caused by Philip's letter. But not the way, for one has to look at what necessitated the letter. We do understand each other completely on the necessity of what happened, and the inevitability that only a coldish businesslike letter could bring about anything happening. What would have happened otherwise would have been catastrophic, and in no way have helped either Doris or her relatives. Somewhere along the line Doris began to overexpand. A stronger and more businesslike person than John would have kept things on keel, or have taken in sail. Neither he nor she did either, and what is worse made no effort to do so. The amount of land purchasing was beyond reason; so, under the true circumstances, was her effort to provide for the number of families she did -- Ethel's, Jean's, John's family, etc-- as though there was actual capital on which to do this. I think she felt herself as your alter ego, in Cornwall and on the Scillies; and who can blame her. But the fact remains that unwilling to act on realistic terms she continued this as from behind a false facade, and her use of the trust fund money was an act of desparation which was only an indication of a horrible precedent. And since she refused to save herself there was no other possible alternative to Philip's move. She clings to John because he is what is left, like another bit of farmland. We mustn't blame her though; it is natural enough. And it will work out in its own pattern that cannot be predicted. But if only the big piece of property could be sold. It is that, I think, which precipitates her present melancholia.

About Herring I feel more severe. I really think one must more or less wash one's hands of him. Beyond a certain point, as you know, from analysis, there is absolutely nothing that can be done without will-power on the part of the patient. He is really driven only by a contrary will: a drive to self-destruction. This would continue even if he were to go to a Swiss retreat. The English national health home would of course be a different matter; but if Philip cannot pull political strings then that too will be out. It is horrifying to watch because he is coreless. I ought to feel sorry for him, as I do feel sorry for Doris, but I don't. And I don't think you can any longer.

That I am glad he is sending the L&L is a matter of preserving a record of what was best about Robert; more than that we cannot do once he has reached his lower depths.

Oonagh's marriage sounds rich in the wrong way; but what would

be right for us would not perhaps be for her or her mother. And if the race track saves the house, then why not!

Bad luck on my part in reading the Eskimo books you recommend, since none of them seem to be in the Yale Library. Not Lechman, nor Polunin (though things of his on the flora of eastern Hudson Bay are there), nor Wilkinson, though I have taken out a book by a Doug Wilkinson Land of the Wong Day, published in Canada in 1955. He may be some sort of relation of your author; he speaks of a wife. The best so far is the Moody book, and, alas, your copy has still not come. I read Flaherty's Nanook with interest; I hadn't realised he started out as a geologist.

Will leave the matter of the flights until my next letter. All love to Hilda. I will write her once my meeting tomorrow is over.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

31st May 1957

Dearest Fido,

Yours of the 28th in this morning's post; with summer coming on, everything seems to travel quickly. One presumes more planes.

Alas, the Moody has been reported out-of-print here--not too bad since it was only printed in 1955. I can't send library copy, or rather would prefer not to, unless there is no other way. But it was published by Odhams Press Ltd., Long Acre, London, 1955, so why not see what Bumpus can do? Joseph P. Moody, Arctic Doctor.

Funds. Hadn't really meant for you to send extra for Pantheon. Once summer is on, I shall try to see an accountant in N.Y. who specializes on publishing accounts etc, in reference to tax problems as on my side, and then rather agree that it might be well to put the account in order. The situation with Pantheon is a little paradoxical: the more successful you are, the more expensive it becomes.

Hard to say what one should do for Patrick, but I do think it would be nice to do something. However, one wants to be careful. You sense this in reference to p.a., and I know from his preparatory school days when I was being "uncle." His great problem is to feel independent, and not to have things happen which incur debt. Oddly enough he is rather young for his age; one senses it from his letters. His character not quite so formed. After all, it is almost impossible for parents to treat a child as an equal, and equally impossible (though not always admitted for the child actually to feel anything but a child). That is the reason Pat is quite right in not showing his writing to Horace or Marya. Fortunately they understand. Now, if he has saved his money for a year abroad he will have made this possible for himself. If you give three thousand, it is you, not himself, who effects it. I would suggest a check for a thousand as a "graduation present" from the army. Then he will feel he can use it as he wants. As one hears from him during next year, or as through Horace and Marya, then one might another five hundred for a trip to somewhere. I think this makes sense all around, and will not take away the exhilaration or growing fibre of having done something on his own.

Heyman. I don't really think the research trip will be absolutely necessary; and I rather suspect that the Institute has extra funds for this sort of thing when it becomes imperative. He will be getting a good figure from the Institute, and if one were to help him again it might come better at a later time when he did not have the Institute appointment. One can only hope that with two books, he might either get a permanent appointment there or some university post.

Oh my dear little dog, how I roared when I read the *Daily Mail*. It is too glorious. But you handled it beautifully, and as publishers would say, it will be good for the books. Who knows, one really might have a Hudson Bay book some time, especially if we took the Company boat a second year. If we did that, then later I really think we could wangle entrance to Greenland.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

After the Company's response, I have more confidence in ourselves as
against even Rita. The routines she can handle beautifully, but there
is no reason to feel she can do much with such off-beat tours. Actually
I feel more and more that the Moody ausflug will give us closer to what
we really wanted. As with you, there are various reactions when I tell
of the plans; but in general, one senses the latent interest in most people
(Americans at least), in what lies behind the ice curtain.

I wait still for information about the equipment, but feel more
than ever that one should buy most things on this side, probably best in
Canada. But I will buy for you, or you can buy if you do come to the States
first, a pair of special sneakers (Top-siders) with soles specially designed
against slipping on decks rocks etc. We will be seals together, touch
flippers, and feed each other fish.

If you can get over by the 18th, it would be better to come to New
York, have a couple of days with the children, and then come to us. We
could either take the night train or the car to Montreal, see the Rosslers,
and go on to Churchill. I laugh to myself about that metropolis, and my
iggorous request of van Embden as to a recommendation of a good hotel there
(one sense the importance of choosing between the Connaught and Claridge's).
"Put Moody's book tells me there are forty houses in Churchill. "e will
probably sleep in the hospital ward or in a backyard!

Sylvia's list arrived after I had written you. It is really much
more impressive than I had gathered from her earlier list, and certainly
ought to be kept together as a memorial to her relationship with him. But
I am frankly worried about the young man who has gotten priority from
Josephine for its use. Sylvia is quite right; it will hurt the possibility
of a sale either to a university or a private person immeasureably. Why
should one pay a large sum in order to subsidize Joe Prescott? Especially
since he is not really first-rate, only indefatigable. My prayer is that
he will not feel he can use what he copied down, as of course technically
he can if Josephine gives permission as literary executor. If only I had
they money, I would probably be tempted to offer her two thousand a year
until her death, which would serve as a kind of annuity, and with what she
has would probably suffice. And with it the promise of not selling it but
turning it over to Yale on her death, long enough in the future to thwart
Prescott and the others since it would still be in private hands (even
secretly so, and the physical possession of the manuscripts could remain
with her even if the title changed. This would be far less in the end than
sixty thousand, but should serve her purpose and her continuing association
with it. A kind of first folio as it were. It would also have the advantage
of taking it out of her estate, which would be a real and taxable problem for
her heirs. But probably it is better simply to wait for a little and see
how she manages to iron out things with Josephine. Did Sylvia want me to
write her about the papers, or shall you relay on my sense of how good they
are?

I wonder if you could do me one favor while you are in Zurich this

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

10 June 1957

Dearest Bryher,

The Salem-Andover-Gardner trip went off very nicely, and I was back in New Haven last evening by five, to pick up the mail at the office (with your letters) before continuing on to the shore where Susan had moved during my absence. (But of course, known to me). I managed at Salem to find a good researcher to look up some more or less pedestrian dates of birth and death (a step which will save me hours of time), and had a good general talk with the new director of the Essex Institute, before going on to Andover for the council meeting. On the whole I was immensely impressed by the serious interest of the marious business and professional men on the council, and their high degree of articulateness. They apparently cared very much about the school and what was happening, happily without any sense of a crisis where ruins had to be shored. Saturday evening I drove to Gardner to spend the night and Sunday morning with my mother, who seemed more rested and had even put on a pound or two of weight.

There was a third letter from you in this morning's mail, so I felt very rich indeed. And particularly pleased that DeBrunner had been brought in again, so that the decisions were corporate. I do think it is inevitable that an operation for the removal of the pin will have to take place in the fall, but trust their judgment entirely about such matters. And Hilda's letters seem to reflect a continuing strength of spirit. Obviously the page-proof and sample cover of the edition came at a good moment. Her letter, afterwards, was a joy.

Four Palmscott's are in, and how lovely they are! Also an envelope of letters in yesterday's mail.

Doris's morale and physique are both understandably low, but I really do feel that it probably works out best for all concerned that you cannot make the Scilly excursion with her this summer. I am afraid her low spirits would get you down, especially since you cannot, and ought not to, do anything about the situation until the land is cleared up. If I were you I should not worry too much about Phillips's cruel letter; what was cruel was inevitable: the first forced and uncushioned glimpse of the reality of the situation, which Doris has not been willing to look at. Her idea of a going concern (which under other circumstances would have some merit) would still (quite obviously from her remarks) be still followed if she had not been checked, and the consequent losses would have been overwhelmingly catastrophic. To find the occasion of her present low spirits in the let ar itself, is a perfectly normal reaction and serves the useful purpose(as scapegoat) of shifting the burden from herself or those immediately around her. It is not a question of anything but understanding; and as you say, at least some of the land has been disposed of, and the

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

13 June 1957

Dearest Fido,

Your letter of the 10th in this afternoon's mail, and I
hasten to answer. Delighted that you already have the equipment list.
van Empden said mine would be coming along shortly, so if you have not
forwarded yours you might as well keep it. (A nice thing to show around
as well as shop against!) But you give me the general idea, and our
situations are similar. It is a good idea for you to have your Shetland
women fix up the sweaters for you, and you will have precisely what you
want. Good Swiss woolen underwear would be fine, or you can no doubt buy
in Montreal. Montreal is dull socially, but for this kind of workmanlike
equipment I suspect they will know what it is we want. I have an ex junior
officer from OSS days, who knew Ferdita in Berlin, who lives in Montreal
and is a merchant there. I will write him for an address to go to for the
Parka and the boots, and possibly a heavy sweater for myself (though I can
always wear heavy shirts.) My own suspicion would be to take a windbreaker
but we can pick that up in Canada or in New York. Do not under the boots
by mail; they must be fitted. Rubber hip boots are better bought on this
side, and probably can be gotten in New Haven. (They are a bore, but neces-
sary. Chewing gum and toys I will take care of in New Haven, and we can
cart along. The main thing is for you not to have to pay extra for being
overweight on your flight across.

Do you think we should try to take a typewriter, or is that
just one thing too many? We could, I presume, take notes in pen and pencil,
and I imagine storage space on the boat is limited. I shall buy us a couple
of duffle bags for the things when we go aboard.

I still have not heard from van Empden about the time of
departure from Churchill, on which everything else hinges; but doesn't it
seem wisest altogether for you to buy round trip to New York, come enough
in advance to buy what is needed, and repack (you can leave your evening
gowns and tiara in New Haven), and we go on probably by train from New
Haven to Montreal. I will arrange airtravel from Montreal to Churchill
from here, round trip. (But I rather fancy it might be wise--being there--
to stop for at least a day at Winspeg on the way back.)

My dear, this is all predestined! You will be a cabin-boy
at last.

I'm glad Turler sent you the watch; if it is round rather
than square it is the one I wanted. She prefers the round, and the square
one was one hundred fifty five franks as I recall. There isn't any reason
at all why you should declare it, nor why you shouldn't bring it in as
yours. I only meant that if you had to pay duty then of course I would
reimburse you for it. Susan will be delighted, when she comes back tonight
after three days flower clubbing in Maine, to know. We have settled finally

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

with the insurance adjustors. Alas, we were not so adequately covered
as I had thought -- some things not being entered specifically which I
thought had been -- and as a result we lose seven or eight thousand over
what we are paid. But she can buy a good deal with what is paid, and of
course it is not money out of the pocket (we could never have afforded
the jewelry) since it was a matter of several inheritances. And Susan has
continued to be a superbly good sport about it all.

I was really delighted to learn about Ernest Jones' praise of
Hilda's book, and am anxious to see a copy of the text. Perhaps you can
get a copy typed for me, although I suspect the Yale Medical Library must
be a subscriber, and I can get there if you will tell me precisely what
issue it is in. This may be enough for me to work up a little flyer to
send out to the profession next fall, and it might stimulate some Christmas
sales. Helen came up last Sunday for the graduation of a protégé of hers,
but I was still in Gardner and so could not see her.

This coming weekend I have my 25th reunion of graduation from Yale, and will have to go although I dread it a little. But being on the staff, I can't really not be there lest my absence be misinterpreted. It is a three day gaudy night, though I shall pop in and out rather than stay and drink myself to the wilting point.

I was sorry to hear about Elsie's boy friend. I gather Switzerland,
like ourselves, really clamp down when there is any suspicion of alcohol
on the part of the driver, and it doesn't really matter much under such
circumstances about the circumstances or guilt of the driver. He is judged
guilty because unable to respond properly in adverse situations.

I shall write of course immediately on hearing the Churchill date.
I do not think you should have too much trouble getting passage this way so
early in the summer, and a few days one way or the other will not matter.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

21 June 1957

Dearest Kingmik (which I gather from Wilkinson is dog-in Eskimo-and ergo
nearest Fido):

Your letter of the 19th in this morning's mail. It was
sad to read of Dorothy Richardson's death. Even the N.H. Register carried
a notice of it on the evening of the 17th; and the Times the next day. I
enclose, thinking Rose Odle might like to see them. It was sad, one says,
but "sad" rather in the sense that one closes a chapter. Otherwise as I
know from the letters she has been on thin ice for much too long. But it
will be hard, all the same, for R.O., and I wish you would transmit to her
sympathies; for I do not feel that I know her in any sufficient sense to
intrude personally. But she will know that anything I can do I will do.
I have heard no answer to the manuscript I submitted to McDowell and Obelensky,
and knowing that they were just beginning had not wanted to seem to push
matters. But I think I shall write now, on the excuse that I will be asked
to report.

Our main concern of course, at the moment, is Hudson Bay.
I am still handicapped by not having heard from van Empden--neither suggested
clothing(which may differ from your list) or more importantly the date of
departure. But it does seem to me that the 23rd would be all right. We can
always cut out Winnepeg on the way up, or otherwise chisel time if we should
need it; and I myself would prefer to have as much of July as possible for
the Hawthorne letters.

As to your queries in the letter of the 17th: I cannot think
of anything in England I need, and your time will be full enough. I had
hesitated about the sweater, until your emphasis on woolen underlining came
through; and perhaps it would be a good thing if possible. Measurements,
according to Susan, are

width of shoulders 17 inches
sleeve length(shoulder seam to end of cuff) 24 inches
sweater length (from middle of shoulders) 18 inches.

But I won't count on it, and it won't matter if they can't get it done. If
a little slip occurred and it missed you by a day or two, perhaps the Hotsons
could bring it over, or you could hold it for a later trip this side.

**Binocnars.** Don't bother with getting one on your side and
bringing over, unless you pine for one at Kenwin. Susan gave me an excellent
pair for Christmas, (and if one pair between us is not enough) we can borrow
a pabr.

**Drink.** I haven't checked this with Susan, but will do so.

**Typewriter.** Again the weight seems to be a possible problem.

Let me see what I can do in the way of a light portable on this side. The
one I type on is now 25 years old and the keys begin to wobble; and the one
in the library is pretty heavy. But I might be able to rent or buy (on
condition of resale) a Hermes or Italian one, for which parts really are
available this side.

2

Many thanks for sending Hilda's new poem sequence. A very personal document, it would seem on first reading. I liked several individual poems very much as they stand, and the metrics are always exciting and an accomplishment. One fears at first thought) being able to place many parts because of the linked references and those fleeting glances toward the past which confuse many readers. Also at the moment am not quite sure what a reader unfamiliar with Hilda's personal experiences (not glossable at the moment) would be able to make of the jumps: why in a poem on Adam and Eve and the devil is there the period as bedridden, why an air marshall etc. In other words it is pretty much the accompaniment and musical setting to go along with a biographical account. But of course this is a little of Hilda's tendency in her recent poetry, and since she wants to do it that way it is the way she should do it.

I had not realized how deeply she had felt the impression of Lord H ---; really like a "crush." But all this of course strictly entre nous, and we can discuss when we are adrift on an iceberg.

Your own new work I wait for to be completed, as per your orders.
Put will have read all that is in before your arrival.

Inholt does indeed seem to be having snake trouble. I had a letter two days ago in the same drift. But I am having Inholt trouble. I never did tell you that he went away, handing in the introduction a couple of hours before taking the plane, and Aurt immediately discovered one page was missing. Scurrying and telephoning and searching with no results, and then a research of his room to find the original copy (which I drove to the country to fetch and then send off special delivery to New York). And Tuesday the young man whom he had gotten to do the index called me, after calling New York, to say that since the page proof was not ready and he was sailing to Italy he could not do it. Wolff in tears, and now I must try to find someone at this end (Wolff says), and all to be acarried out just as we go off for Canada (printing plants being closed in two week period of July). Young man had told Inholt his deadline for proof was June 1st, which Inholt had not told me, and which he should have known would be impossible in view of the date he sent it in. There seems to be a curse on the book, but all will turn out okay in the end. Only I become a little weary of it all. Please do not mention these things to Islay. It will only dismay him, and nothing can be helped, nor will the book be delayed.

By the way did you ever get the description of the little Byzantine horse you sent to me at birthday? I cannot quite figure out what it originally was, nor could Inholt. But it is sweet and I love it.

Would have some envelopes typed, but am trying desperately to use up my old stationery and envelopes with 233 instead of 231 on them.

Camera. I shall take my leica with color film. I agree with you in wondering if Rolleiflex would not be too heavy to carry in climbing in and out of little boats, wading ashore in hip boots, and carrying over tundra

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

and under permafrost. Especially when you are not really used to it. I would suggest smaller camera and perhaps black-and-white film, since we can share both ways, and if one ever wanted to print an illustration the black and white is more practical.

Terribly sorry to learn about Petrie's and Rita's little tiff, and imagine Rita must still be a good bit shaken by her accident. But rather a pity to put a cramp in the muscles of a honeymoon. One has to understand the young man as being a bit nervous also, and wanting very much to put on a good show. Actually I have always felt a little that Int. Ser. was not at its best in getting reservations. Pup and John still smart a little at the accommodations she once gave them in London, and you will recall that the Prouty's were given at best third rate accommodations for the mother (nothing available) until I telephoned by long distance, and they at once got good ones. Ena presumably does the actual travel details, while Rita works with chief clients, businesses, and high level policies of international travel congresses. But as I say, one must remember that the accident will have been a shock and unnerving. Don't be surprised about Rita's reactions to Colette. She is not really literary in terms of sensibility, nor does she really care for it. Her responses are moral for literature as well as politics, and rather snap judgments and conventional ones at that. The truth is too you know, that she may be a bit frightened of lesbianism as an older unmarried woman and one who (it would not surprise me) might be a virgin to experience of any kind. Self-protective reactions under such circumstances are, at any rate, not unusual.

Probably one more letter to Kenwin, and then to Lowndes.

29 June 1957

Dearest Fido,

Am rather fatigued at the end of a long muggy day at the office, having just finished writing the encyclopedia article on Ezra, which is long overdue. Hard to compress it down to 500 words as ordered, and of course the question of tact enters into the whole presentation. It now reads fairly smoothly, and I shall let it sit until Monday morning when I can go over it once again before sending on. Am supposed to do one on Longfellow before the 15th, but we shall have to see. But all this is just to explain why this letter will be a little dull. (It seems to me I make that same excuse all too frequently of late; but you will understand!)

I think of you and your white gloves amid all the gilt and crystal of Claridge's. I must say I hadn't realized Ooonagh's mama and papa were quite in that class. I only hope the group she is trying to impress will not smile; usually on this side such a wedding under the circumstances is more for the parents' climb than the child's, but I judge this not to be Petrie's case. And perhaps the young man will want to buy the homestead in order to keep in the family; or has he birth as well as funds?

At long last this morning's mail brought a letter from de Groot van Embden. "Dr Moody has just informed me that the starting date of Cruise A will be Sunday, August 4th; the latest ice report makes it certain that the Snowfari will be able to dock at Churchill a few days prior to that date. The date is convenient for both those who travel by air and would arrive on Saturday afternoon and those who wish to come by train and would arrive Sunday morning." "It goes on to say we should get reservations at the Churchill Hotel for the night of August 3rd, and I will cope with that immediately. I fancy it is better to stay at the hotel than to try to go aboard early, except for chasing our bunks. However I warn you that I discover women are not allowed in the bars in Manitoba, and what *will* you do! de G van E says he is not going on the cruise, but since he said he was enclosing the clothing list but did not do so, I doubt that he will be an irreparable loss. I will also cope instanter with the air passage.

One of your friends spoke of wanting to know a book on Arctic birds. Mrs Tom Manning's A SUMMER ON HUDSON BAY, has an appendix on the birds of North-Western Ungava, by her ornithologist husband, which may be what she wants. It was published by the English firm Hodder & Stoughton Ltd in 1949. By the way, *Arctic Harpooner*, a 19th century account of a whaling trip to our very area will delight you. But it's American and I won't bother to send on; you can read on this side.

Do tell Rose Odle by all means to wait for Edel. He is excellent, and one does not have to rush into print on the day of the funeral (so to speak.) I have the greatest respect for what he has done on James.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

I have just had a phone call this morning to say that at Sotheby's on July 16th, a batch of 42 letters from Hawthorne to Pennoch is coming up at auction. They will all be new to me, and my feelings are mixed. I mention this only because Maggs is likely to mention it if you chance to stop in. I do not know what to say, for I fear they will go very high; that is, if Americans begin bidding on them, or English. Very likely 2500 to 3000 dollars, judging from current prices. At 2000 they would be a song. But I rather expect a wealthy collector in New York will try for them, and the sky is his limit. However, I should not mourn if he gets them, for he always lets me see what he has. But if you see Maggs ask them to find out who bids in the various Pennoch lots.

If you do have an extra moment, mightn't it be a good idea to drop in at Spinks, and see what prices and quality is in the way of Eskimo bone and ivory and soapstone carvings? I suspect we each ought to have one some time, altho probably more fun if we managed to run across something in the north ourselves. However I gather they are much collected now, and I have no idea of what a proper price for anything would be.

What on earth does Dr Moody mean by suggesting one give Eskimo children cameras'.

Am most anxious to have your report on the Giant.

All greetings to Mita and such others as you see, and all love of course to yourself. I will write again Monday when I am fresher.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

1 July 1957

Dearest Fido,

Had hoped to send you a second letter at Lowndes, but your note of the 27th (in this morning's post) says that you plan to return on the 4th, and so I do not dare risk it. However there was nothing intrinsically London to write about (though much of course to <u>inquire</u> about in the way of various members of the flock.

This morning I phoned Canadian Pacific office in New York for various reservations (they run the airlines and hotels), and it was all easy as could be. We have two seats on the plane from Winnipeg to Churchill on Saturday the 3rd (it leaves Winnipeg at 10 in the morning, new schedule), and they will contact the Churchill Hotel for two single rooms, hopefully with bath or a bath, (but they doubt this, as do I) for Saturday night. At least we can take a final rinse before boarding. After discarding several chances to go from Montreal to Winnipeg by air arriving at 4:30 in the morning, I have a nice discount trip by day on the 2nd, with two singles and bath guaranteed for the night of the 2nd at their hotel in Winnipeg. (I reckoned it better to fall in with their hotel in order to have them take the responsibility and make the effort at Churchill.) "I can arrange Montreal according to your final schedule, and can always go on to Winnipeg earlier, or even stop over at Toronto where the plane puts down. It might be worth taking an overnight peak at it one way or the other. Then you can be a true colonial!

Saturday I went around the corner to an Army & Navy store (which deals in service overstocks) and bought me an airforce B 7 parka of the kind suggested. Being so much out of season I was lucky to find one. Mine was medium size, and they have one left in the small size. Shall I get for you. The price is a few cents under $20.00-- which is not bad. The cloth is blue, the interior quilted, and the hood has a nylon fur. The best thing about them is that they zip up the front, rather than being slipovers, and hence can be worn open if the heat alters. The hood also zips, and when not in use lies flat down as a color. All very tricky, and the family much admired it. Shall we then be twins, and be that much freer in Montreal?

6 July 1957

Dearest Fido:

Yesterday's newspaper made me realize we will not be going to so obscure a spot as I had thought Churchill would be. Now they have set off a huge rocket there, for the geophysical year, and as some fifty seven of them will go into Hudson Bay and the arctic while they test sun's rays and the like, Churchill will be in the public eye. No doubt we can catch a glimpse of the unusual projector. Who knows, perhaps even a rocket!

The trip continues to arouse curiosity on this side, with as many varied responses as letters to you show. What a nice one from Masefield; he does have a genuine manner. (Forgive the ribbon; I will have to get a new one tomorrow, for later this afternoon I will start my article on Long-fellow for the encyclopedia.) Actually at lunch I met a man who has a friend (James Fenimore Cooper's great grandson) who has made annual trips to Cape Repulse, looking for Franklin's remains. I can't help hoping we will be able to get that far.

A letter from my Montreal friend tells us to go to the Universal Ship Supply Ltd, there. It seems they outfit the ships crews and stevedores who work on the northern routes, and they will have all necessary heavy equipment, he says. You know this will really be, direct analysis (as Hilda called her Bethlehem trip, for you really will be the sailor boy at last.

About the schedule: I have, as I wrote you, flights from Montreal to Winnipeg on the 2nd (a Friday) and on to Churchill on Saturday the 3rd. I presume it might be wise to have two days in Montreal, which would mean we could take the sleeper from New Haven to Montreal on the night of Tuesday the 30th. This may be more time than we need, but with visits and a chance to see the city on your part (and possibly the necessity of ordering one day and picking up out of storage the 2nd, the extra time would be wise. Why don't you write Pup and see whether she wants to pick you up at the airport on Long Island, and then bring you to New Haven; or of course I can meet you there and bring you here directly, by-passing New York unless you have errands you want to do there. I only fear lest Pup be offended not to have the chance.

I have looked in vain for a guide book to Canada, chiefly with Toronto and Winnipeg in mind (a sort of overall Blue Guide), and wonder if any are available in England. If so it might be worth your ordering one sent to me from Bumpus, and we could take along. I do find them useful in planning the distribution of time, especially if there were arctic museums there or in Montreal.

Have ordered the appropriate charts, marine and topographical, for the sections we visit, from the Canadian Government. Two copies of each. We take one set, and leave the other here; so that you can have one set to take back with you. If we take both, we will be flim-flammed into giving away one set to the poor devils who don't have them. I know from experience

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

that we will find them intriguing, and no Moody would think of providing
extra sets (outside the navigation room) for the passengers. I hope you
applaud my foresight.

Am arranging to borrow a little Olivetti from a nephew, to whom
I will lend in turn my own portable; that is, unless you very much prefer
a heavier one, in which case I will take mine. But we will be much over-
weight as it is.

Oh dear, oh dear. That damned Gandharan book! The galley proofs
arrived yesterday, but the boy who was to do the index has now disappeared,
presumably en route to Italy, without delivering to me the copy of the
manuscripts for the catalogue and the introduction. So I have nothing to
compare the proof with. Will call Wolff Monday, since I tried Friday and
found the office closed for the long holidays. Was there ever a book so
hoodooed as this one. But I feel sure no one will ever guess it when it
appears.

Rose Odle's letters have been interesting. If she wants me to,
I can talk personally to Edel in the fall and see what his schedule is.
But warn her that there will be many who will want to write on D.R., or
on anybody who seems likely to provide the subject for a book. Here are
more authors than subjects in this world.

The weather has been stifling hot, and we have gone so many weeks
without proper rain that everything has dried up. I have hardly done my
duty by the garden in town, but it is almost impossible to weed when the
ground is so dry.

"We had our usual large Fourth of July festivities, and entertained
some 40 people for lunch on Thursday -- various of Susan's relatives and
their guests. But we simply gave them cold meats and salads on the lawn,
and with Lizzie's help it was not too difficult, though exhausting all the
same for Susan.

Let me know what you think about the Montreal plan, so that I can
get reservations.

All love,
Norman

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

13 July 1957

Dearest Fido,

Whew! I have been slogging away all day, and at least in the midst of the muggiest possible weather have managed to finish my article on Longfellow for the encyclopedia, so that is out of the way. And then to such an accumulation of litter on my desk as to take all the time until five-thirty now before writing you. And as always it must be cursory. How long for the time when we can shake flippers and seal ourselves away.

I went yesterday to New York and picked up our tickets. Had long confabulations with the nice people at the Canadian Pacific office, who are much interested in our exploit (they were the ones who first gave me the new pamphlets), and as a result made a few changes which I hope will not disturb you too much. We now fly direct from Idlewild to Winnipeg, via Toronto. It costs about the same as Montreal-Winnepeg, thus saving the expensive fare to Montreal and the hotel rooms there, as well as the bother of going through customs at night in the train. It also seemed to fit the schedule better, since I was not sure when you arrived. (The I know now from this morning's letter.) We fly from N.Y. at 9:25 a.m. on August 1st, arriving at Winnipeg that afternoon, and leave from Winnipeg for Churchill at 10 a.m. on the 3rd. That will give us a full day and a little over during which we can buy things, and make up our minds as to how long we want to spend on the way back. (Montreal can be left for another trip, in which we can go on to Quebec. Much better that way, I think.) We have reservations for the night of the 1st and 2nd at the Hotel Royal Alexandra, the Canadian Pacific Hotel. Unfortunately they cannot confirm a reservation at the Churchill Hotel for the night of the 3rd, but the telegram said the chances were "fair." The C.P. said not to worry, and their man there would find us something.

Now as to the return, there is another problem. You will note from the itinerary that we arrive back at Churchill on a Saturday, with a rather flexible schedule of sightseeing scheduled for that day, plus a captain's dinner. We agreed that this was probably planned to leave leeway for a later arrival at Churchill, but alas the plane leaves at 3.00 to return to Winnipeg, and there is no service out on Sunday. They felt better to reserve a place on the plane for the following Monday, and we might plan a little flight Sunday on our own, or even try to change to Saturday if Moody assures us we can. "We have an open flight from Winnipeg on, so that we can fix before setting out on the Snowfari, as we decide whether it might not be a good chance to see Toronto. Eventually it would be good for you to get a sense of Canada as a whole.

The second and final batch of charts arrived today, so we are all fixed. Glad you approve.

Do by all means get an article or two from the Daily Mail. It would be fun, and would give us perhaps special ingress here or there.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S

The C.P. officials laughed at the necessity of the 72-hour limit to your stay, without tax statement, saying you would go to all the trouble but that there would be no one to collect it when you left. But perhaps this is not safe to risk; at any rate, however, I think that the Mond-Tues-Wed would give us time to put things together, buy last minute items, and let you collapse. I can meet you if I up doesn't insist and bring you to New Haven. My idea is we spend the night of the 31st, before we fly, at a New York hotel in order to be on the spot for the bus to the airport; I think nerve-wracking, for example, to trust Pup and family to get up in time and you there.

Wear what you want over, especially so far as weight is concerned, but think you will want something lighter than skee-pants for New York and New Haven. If you have extra you can leave with us to wait your return.

Delighted Hilda's x-rays turned out well. Will save other items for letter on Monday.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

18 July 1957

Dearest Fido,

For days now, Susan has been reading the *Times* and commenting on the immense ice packs that have been sending the boats off course, and wondering what the effect of this would be in Hudson Bay. And then this morning came the telegram whose contents I wired you this morning. I hope this will not disrupt things too much. I shall have waited for your cabled reply before calling New York for a change in our reservations north, and certainly hope this won't cause you to think of giving up the trip, especially since you had spoken of staying longer so that you could visit the Hotson's in Canada. Actually this might make that easier, since you would have the proper clothing with you, although it will make getting back for the 10th a little tight. If we leave Churchill going "in" on the 12th, we will presumably be back on the 26th, which would mean we would take the plane back to Winnipeg on Wednesday the 28th (for which I shall make reservations. We can plan the journey back on your arrival. As I wrote you, it makes no difference to us whether you postpone your departure from Switzerland, or come as originally planned, and make some visits beforehand. Pup wants to meet you at the plane and take you to their place, and you could come to us, or if you prefer visit Halen who hopes you will go to Riverside to stay with them in their summer place. As of the new schedule we would fly to Winnipeg from New York on the morning of the 8th, simply putting it off one week.

The charts are here and we have had great fun pouring over them. I have one for the Bay's navigation; the others are 8 miles to the inch, and are very detailed as to the coastline etc. The latter we will probably use more, but I thought it would be fun to chart our course on the hydrographic map.

I am reasonably well outfitted, with just one pair of knee shoes to go, and (unfortunately) the wind resistant, water repellent trousers, of which Abercrombie Fitch in New York had none of my size. But perhaps I can get these in Winnipeg at Eaton's or the H.B. Company's store. Also one pair mittens, and ear muffs. Otherwise I am in pretty good shape. Because of what Moody wrote about Esquimo children preferring money, I am taking only 20 papermate type pens 'at a dime apiece) plus two boxes of chewing gum, and thought we might pick up some hard candies (wrapped) in Winnipeg, with which we could fill our pockets while on safari. Paper etc it seems wiser to buy in Winnipeg, rather than pay transportation on. Though I am now reconciled to paying excess baggage, rather than feel a pinch on things we need, I have decided that is the best thing to do; nor do I see how we can avoid it if we are to take the sort of shoes and heavy equipment they require.

If you have a moment in New York, I suggest Abercrombie's for flannel shorts, or perhaps we can get at an army and navy store in New

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

Haven, where I got mine. Cheaper and very durable. But I think
indicated that you have something of the sort.

I am delighted with the idea of the green Everest. Have already
bought you your parka, which now hangs in the closet at the shore.

**Hilda.** On the whole things look well, and her spirits seem good so far as her letters indicate. No doubt she will have an occasional flare-up, perhaps even as you leave. But she responds quickly, and takes a real vicarious interest in our ausflug. I agree with you that she will likely have to have the pin out one day, but the important thing for her will be to want the operation, and then all will be well. Meanwhile the bone can continue to rebuild, and with a regular schedule of x-rays now carried out, I doubt that a new crisis will arise.

**Aldington.** I do not know how to react. As you are aware, I have never had much sympathy for him. On the other hand there is a kind of pride associated with Hilda's relationship to him. I should imagine that he was the first to know her physically; there your heart lies, as they sometimes say. It is not always true, but can be meaningful. There is a little parallel, I fancy, between her case and Jean Starr's. (Think of what a rat, Louis U. is!) For Hilda, it also relieves any latent feeling of guilt if she can help him. This time as a mother. Or maybe there was always that element, since he obviously never gave her any strength. Better, I think, to tag along and let Hilda help if she wants to. As for myself I suspect it is really better that he should not see her; it would destroy the myth, and Hilda does not want real or direct responsibility. This way she can have the frisson without the responsibility. But what about R's daughter? Is she capable of doing nothing?

**Maggie.** The auction was Tuesday, and I am curious as to what happened. I will know soon, I suppose. I was rather touched, as I may have told you, when both the Morgan Library and the Huntington Library called by phone or wrote to ask if I would like them to bid so that I could have the letters. I said it was likely to fetch five thousand dollars or more, and I think neither went out seriously for them. The Huntington said they would only bid what Maggie suggested, though they did not mention the price. But it really doesn't matter who gets them, for the chances are at least fifty-fifty that they will come to the States, and if so I should be able to get a crack at the texts.

**Odle.** Still no word from the new publishing house, though I wrote them after D.R.'s death and asked if they had reached a decision. I keep my fingers crossed, but fear they show early signs of conservatism despite their former statements of high goals. Too bad! I will not be able to speak to Edle until September, but will not delay then.

**Trip to Zurich for the 10th.** Oh, how I wish I could! But don't

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

forget that my new secretary reports on the 4th when the office opens
in the fall. She will not even know where things are unless I am here
to train her. And new graduate students will be reporting, with the
new term beginning on the 16th. Because of the new seccie, I am not
doing as I should by going to Wisconsin for the Modern Language Associ-
ation meeting, where jobs are gotten for the students etc. This year
is out of the question, and particularly because of the delay in our
harpooning.

Also suspect that I should be here a part of the time before Heydt
leaves for Switzerland again. Tell him to let me know where he will
be staying in New York, since because of our delay I (or we) might
see him there. If I should try to work in a little trip to Concord for
footnotes (Pound has just written: Hell Hawthorne's shoe buttons!) do
you think I should take Heydt along for a glimpse of New England?

As for Hilda's citizenship I can only pray that something will make
her do it, and if as a final gesture for Heydt she could be persuaded
to, that would make me wonderfully content.

Have sent a copy of the *Freud* to Tavistock, and turned over the
matter of arrangements to the *Wolves* who will handle via Curtis Brown.
What Tavistock wants are 500-1000 sets of sheets, which is reasonable.
I am eager for the Jones review to arrive, since Tavistock quite bluntly
states it is the reason for their interest.

Two sets of photographs have arrived. The Man Ray of Ellis is
superb; and how sad it makes me to look at Herring as he was when he
went north with you.

Needless to say I look forward to the trip. The complete change will
do me good. Susan and Liz are off four five days sailing, as of our
cruise last year. I could not go. Too much to do before our departure,
and I am working tonight at the office.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

19 July 1957

Dearest Fido:

The letter to go with the wire from van Embden arrived this morning. Or rather I should say the postscript was about the delay. About that, he writes: This is quite unfortunate but is the kind of problem that goes with Arctic travel. I am quite confident that you will be able to change your reservations. The 12th is a Monday so that you will have a flight and you will be able to eliminate an overnight stay at the hotel."

I actually wonder whether it would, however, be wise to fly to Churchill on the Monday we take off, and think we should go on the previous Saturday flight as planned. a: in order to be sure that sudden bad weather doesn't delay or postpone the flight and we miss or delay the boat. b: more importantly, we couldn't do a thing in Winnipeg on Sunday, and if it is a question of killing time by walking around and looking at sights I'd much prefer doing that in the land we are going to see. If possible (and I have a letter from a newspaper, as commissioned to gather information for them) we could gather at the rocket station, and in any event could, or might, have a better choice of bunks. Also Saturday not a good day to shop in Winnipeg for last things. So I will keep flights as on the 8th to Winnipeg, and the 10th to Churchill.

One of the chief questions I had asked was for some address. He writes: "I usually have my mail sent to the Churchill Hotel. You can make an arrangement with the proprietor that he holds on to it until you can come out. Wires should go to the radio station of the Department of Transport at Churchill, or rather, should be addressed to you o/b the SNOWFARI, care of Churchill Department of Transport Radio Station. We have radio-telephone on board and although I do not know the call letters at this moment, radio Churchill will be able to reach the SNOWFARI at all times."

Otherwise he writes: "I would indeed consider making reservations for the return flight somewhat premature. One cannot predict exactly what the hour of debarkation will be. However you should know the day before you get to Churchill and with the help of our radio-telephone Dr. Moody will be able to make reservations for you while you are still at sea. "We do not provide accommodations beyond those included in the cruise. If you have to stay over in Churchill arrangements can be made with the hotel before your arrival back." So I'll leave it that way.

I asked about taking whiskey on board. "We are rather strict about the use of alcohol on board ship. We will carry some on board and expect our passengers not to bring their own. Manitoba is virtually 'dry' and the only drink you can get in Churchill is beer." This doesn't bother me in the slightest; I only wanted not to be, either the only one with or the

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

only one without. Each equally embarrassing!

Then de Groot van Embden goes on: "I have been wondering whether you and/or Mrs. Bryher might wish to contemplate the idea of doing an article about the cruise for some magazine such as The National Geographic Magazine. As one of the promoters, I cannot do so myself, but it would help our venture considerably if something were published about this year's cruises with our new ship. Both you and Mrs Bryher have the standing that a magazine like the Geographic would look for and some inquiry beforehand might give you some indication as to whether they would welcome such an article. If you are weak on photography, Mr. Moody is an excellent photographer and could supply the necessary photographs. I hope you don't mind my mentioning this, but the idea has been in my mind ever since I knew that you would be coming along. I come across your name quite frequently, in Renaissance News and PMLA, and I know you could do a fine job." The logic of the last sentence escapes me, but the general idea is not a bad one -- actually more or less what you had in mind -- and, if we say that we will try to do something of the kind, then they will be sure to takes us to as many interesting places as possible, and see that we get a royal carpet of welcome from eskimos, walruses, polar bears, and priests. This may be a little sneaky on our part, but I don't really see why it is. So why don't you speak to your London correspondent and see if his paper won't send you a letter of introduction, which could be sent to you in my care at Yale.

My days seem to be taken up with little flurries in regard to the
International House and the rest, but hopefully all will be settled before
we leave, especially with these few extra days of grace.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

22 July 1957

Dearest Fido,

Your cable and letter of the 18th both arrived this morning, so I shall get on the phone and try for the new seats, from N.Y. to Winnipeg on the 8th, and from there to Churchill on the 10th. Fortunately we now have a little leegay on each side. I will also get in touch with Pup, by phone, this morning and tell her the new plans, since she may now feel free to make other plans for this new weekend. She does want to meet you, and we can make plans for the rest of the time as from there.

Interesting about the *Daily Mail*. I'll have to put the two halves of my head together and make plans. Since if we try for the Geographic, that will be color; and if for the *Daily Mail*, then black and white. But I have no idea of giving up the opportunity for either.

I have been doing a fair share of reading. I always find I can do just so much in advance, and then it becomes a jumble until after the trip when I can re and re-read with the advantage of having seen things. A visual counter always help the game for me.

I agree with you that a Geiger counter (which is really complicated to use — it's a new and intriguing gadget whose occupation is in the class of average bird-watching) would seem to divert our chief interest from the people and landmarks. And, as I wrote you, with the Snowfari outfit interested in our product I think they'll extend themselves so that we can see the maximum.

Shirts and shoes can be gotten in Winnipeg, although with the extra time either at Pup's or with us, it might be worth a trip to Abercrombie & Fitch, in New York, who are not inexpensive but can be counted on. And with shoes, especially, it is important that they fit well.

**Doris.** I fear, as you do, that there really isn't much that can be done under the emotional difficulties of the present. Alas, too, I fear her nervositat probably unsettles John so that it is a two-way operation. Even coming to the States wouldn't mean anything very permanent. If only the last of the property could be disposed of. But I am sure that all possible is being done about that. Philip will know about that. Perhaps eventually Joan may be able to help. I come to suspect that what she really needs is a chance to be responsible, and I doubt that this is possible at home. What if she were to go to stay with Doris for a bit after Heydt goes back to Switzerland to look after Hilda? At any rate I do not see what you yourself can do at the moment and under the circumstances. For all that would be possible is a prolongued holding of the hands.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

22nd(P.M.) July 1957

Dearest Fido,

This will be the third envelope I've address to you
for this letter, but fortunately yours of the 19th and 20th arrived
in the afternoon's post; and fortunately, too, I unlocked the mail
room (the temp being mid-90's) (and the office closed because of the
heat), and went through the stack of incoming to find them.

Perhaps not much to add, but at least we can restate.
I phoned New York this morning, and the passage has been shifted
to the morning of the 8th out of Idlewild to Winnipeg. Unless un-
forseen possibilities arise we will go into New York the afternoon
before in order to take bus etc to the field the next morning. I
think there will be no ice difficulties for us on this later sailing
from Churchill, or even a day or two later if it should work out that
way. I am only sorry for Moody who will be running into trouble on
his last two scheduled cruises. Our own nostrils sniff blubber and
we must not give up the chance, especially with their interest in
seeing to it that we see things. We can plan to come back pretty
quickly after the cruise is over. Winnipeg we will have seen; Toronto
is not necessary to stop at. So that you should be able to get back
to Hilda without difficulty for the 10th. I quite agree you should.
(You had better write Hotsons, however, and say that Sorrento is
impossible because of the shift. I have so warned them, but it might
affect their plans.) As for coming back with you, alas, alas, alas,
for this year. As I wrote before, there will be a brand new secretary
without any experience in the department, and new students will be
coming in for my graduate school directorship, and on my first year as
chairman it would be catastrophic. I feel rather as I did when I
couldn't go back for Susan's operation because of D-Day during the war.
Buty snarls one up. But you do understand I'm sure.

You can really have your visit with Pup between your arrival
and coming to New Haven, and perhaps even see the Wolves. Then one
day New Haven on return, and one day with Pup (or, better, easier, we
can get them to drive over to New Haven, so that we can all spill over
together. Then you will be free. We can plan this when you come. Better
let Pup know how of arrival at Idlewild.

All love to Hilda and yourself.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

26 July 1957

Dearest Fido,

Letters seem a little idle, now that it will be so short a time before I actually see you, or at least we can speak on the phone. I am reading away like mad on the eskimos and the artifacts, and will have a little library of books to keep you busy when you come to New Haven. Last Wednesday I was in New York, and went to the Museum of Natural History to look at their exhibits, and to talk with their curator for that section. He was most helpful in matters of bibliography. I ran into Margaret Mead on the elevator (with whom I once did a national radio appearance) and we lunched, she being most approving of our venture.

I had also what must be pretty nearly my last shopping spree, buying a recommended pair of light-weight nylon fishing pants to go over one's regular pants, tucked into the boots for absolute water protection. Then a pair of calf-length boots, and two superb pairs of flannel lined wind resistant water repellent trousers at Abercombie & Fitch. The flannel lining is red, and I am heartbroken not to be able to wear them inside out.

As for your own needs, if you go in town for a day's shopping from Pup's, I would recommend Abercombie's for boots, and the sneakers (those we can buy those in New Haven). I have not bought latter since it is better to be sure they will fit over heavy socks. Take yours along, or ask them to supply (as they will for the occasion --one needn't buy) for the fitting. I would also buy a set of the nylon fishing trousers there, as I did, or at Modell's on 42nd Street (recommended by de Groot van Embden).

Have been enquiring about types of film to take, and will be well supplied with both color and black and white (am taking Susan's camera for the latter), so why not leave yours behind and save weight and bother.

Shirts we can buy for you in an army and navy store in New Haven. Cheaper than Abercombie's by far.

Have new and practical idea of hiring a small plane to fly us from New Haven airport on the morning of the 8th in time for the Winnepeg plane. I did this last winter for Susan and it was most practical in terms of time baggage etc. And will mean we can have decent night's sleep, and no harassment early on the morning we leave. Costs 35.00; but one must put against 5.50 for both fares N.H. to N.Y.; 5.40 bus from N.Y. to Idlewild; 2.00 taxi from hotel to air terminal; 20.00 for two rooms in N.Y., costs for dinner and breakfast in N.Y., and long series of tips, so actually we save I think in monetary cost while having wonderful convenience, and no worry about porters and the like.

Hilda sent copy of Jones review. It is unbelievably fine and satisfying.

forgot to say by all means give Shannon bottle to Schaffners.

in the interpretation of shadows

I have talked to Dr Perham and had him examine
the June x-rays of Hilda's hips. He reports
no very marked change from the earlier prints
with which he compared them, although pointing
out the difficulty of accuracy from the use of
duplicates. However he ventured to interpret
indications of a continuing absorption of the head
and collapse of the joint, along with further
penetration of the nail and the likelihood that
an aseptic necrosis will develop. The chief
difficulties will lie in the changed vascular
situation of the head.

In view of the danger of psychotic trauma, he
would recommend going along with the present
treatment for two to three months further, meanwhile
mobilizing her further by the aid of wheel chair
or walker, and possibly with crutches so long as
this is _without_ weight bearing. At the end of this
time he would recommend the removal of the pin,
which is a comparatively simple matter lasting
thirty minutes and can be even done with local
anaesthesia. He doubts the advisability now,
because of her psychotic condition of the six-
hour operation for the replacement of the head,
pointing out that even if temporarily successful
there is no promise of permanence.

When I asked him if he recommended her coming to
this country for the removal of the pin, or the
more radical operation, he said he did not feel
this to be a wise move, or a necessary one.

Treat her spirit and general health of body first,
he urged; the hip can at best be only secondary.
Remember too, at her age, that only 30% of the
initial pinnings are successful, and of this 30%
a large further percentage collapse after a year
or more.

29 August 1957

I have talked to Dr Perham and had him examine the June x-rays of Hilda's hip. He reports no very marked change from the earlier prints with which he compared the new ones, although pointing out the difficulty of accuracy in the interpretation of shadows from the use of duplicates. However he ventured to interpret indications of a continuing absorption of the head and collapse of the joint, along with further penetration of the nail and the likelihood that an aseptic necrosis will develop. The chief dangers will lie in the changed vascular situation of the head.

In view of the danger of psychotic trauma, he would recommend going along with the present treatment for two to three months further, meanwhile mobilizing her further by the aid of wheel chair or walker, and possibly with crutches so long as this ~~without~~ weight bearing. At the end of this time he would recommend the removal of the pin, which is a comparatively simple matter lasting thirty minutes and can even be done with local anaesthesia. He doubts the advisability now, because of her psychotic condition, of the six-hour operation necessary for the replacement of the head, pointing out that even if temporarily successful there is no promise of permanence.

When I asked him if he recommended her coming to this country for the removal of the pin, or the more radical operation, he said he could not recommend this as either a necessary or a wise move.

I read her spirit and general health of body first, he urged; the hip can act best in only secondary. Remember too little in her age group, only 30% of the initial findings are successful and of this 30% a large further percentage collapse after a year or more. Then is holding & indicate she has received less than the approved and usual treatment.

YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN · CONNECTICUT

AMERICAN STUDIES

What a perceptive article on Marianne's dressmaking, Kitty
Cannell wrote. Did I tell you that we are planning a little exhibition
at the Library this fall in honor of Marianne's 70th birthday. Not so
elegantly done as for Hilda, but I hope it will be a nice one. I do
wish I could persuade Marianne to loan one or two of her own watercolors?
I hear of them, but have never seen them.

Reading Edith's letter brought her again to my mind. Shall I
wager with you that she will be the next, and first woman, poet laureate?
I am sure she will, and hope so since I think she would like it, and
certainly deserves it.

We have already started, last night, the rather exhausting round
of Labor Day weekend parties at Johnson's Point. Each family of the family
feels compelled to entertain everyone else, once, for dinner and the evening.
The hubbub is terrific, and both Susan and I are glad when they have finished.

I enclose, so that you can look at it at your leisure, the report
on sales from Pantheon. The amount you sent over earlier is sufficient to
cover what is asked for --this is really only a repeated request -- but I must
confess that I am relieved that, if you should decide to finish up THE GATE,
we shall at last be on a more straightforward and professional basis. The
rub now is, as I have said before, that the more successful a book is, the
more it costs one.

I shall be calling you by phone.

"My first religious experiences came in Egypt. I had been well grounded in Bible stories...." You might like to adjust or clarify this picayune paradox.

But I rub noses again with you in happiness with the whole.

Obedient to your instructions I did not mail the black and whites to Southampton, but do include a set of them now, and will bring the negatives down on Wednesday along with the color slides (if, of course,) they are ready. I apologize for mine. If we should go another summer, I promise to be more proficient. I have forgotten how many possibilities the Daily Mail wanted, but have chosen nine as possibilities. You may prefer others. And as possible captions, what would you think of these:

B-5. In the Arctic everyone waits, including the huskies who lie chained in the summer sun, patient for next week's feeding of fish and next winter's snow.

C-9. The white man's shacks and shekels have changed the eskimos but not the size of families.

C-6. The author stands by her tent. "If it isn't the wind it's the mosquitos." There was enough of both.

6-11. Igloos give way to summer tents, but it takes a full tent and a carabau skin to keep a family warm.

C-2. Two lead dogs and a stranger. The author is introduced to a summering husky by Dr Joseph Moody who alternates the life of a physician in the Canadian National Health Service with the leadership of the only planned tours to the East Arctic.

A-11. The Arctic's "host of golden daffodils" were blankets of ground-clinging marguerites. The tundra still blossomed with spring flowers in August.

A-31. If Canadians have their way there will be more tourists than seals on the summer ice-packs. Pictures, are the first group of a new venture in cushioned exploration.

A-23. Raw white whale meat was on the table of the cook shack, but the eskimo boy was looking for the "Chicken Dinner" of the empty carton.

A-8. Hakaluk's boy stands in the centuries-old house ruins of his ancestors' tors. But only a kabloona would canoe across the rough bay to see them.

Actually I am a little vague as to the general tone of the Mail's captions.

A number of yellow envelopes were waiting for me, and I have been reading with pleasure the copies of Dorothy R's letters. Do tell Rose Odle that it would be a good safeguard if she were to pencil in the approximate year in which each letter was written. This will be much harder for Leon Edel or anyone else to do. And what do you wish me to do about copies of your own letters from D.R.? Have them copied? Or wait until Edel is ready to use them. And when I see Edel shall I tell him what I have of yours in New Haven, or not? I have written a second publisher about the D.R. novel, and see what that evinces in the way of interest.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 HGS

5 September 1957

Dearest Fido,

A letter from you came in this morning's mail, and it was
as exciting to have the void filled as to read of the Russian satellite
whirled off into space. I do not worry obviously, it is just that silence
makes a void. I console myself by realizing that you make what headway
you can with the revision of *Gate*. How you manage anything, even now, with
all your guests, bewilders me.

I shall look at *Ballantine* as soon as the moment's exigencies
die down. But as for his biography, I don't have it; it must never have
been sent. Possibly the Yale Library has it. I did go on a little binge
and bought to two eskimo books by mail, at a dollar apiece: Ellis, *AMONG THE
ESKIMOS* (1894); and Dr *Gordon Stables*, *THE CRUISE OF THE SNOW BIRD* (1884)—
with a delightful cover in the manner of the *Hentys*; and then for 30¢ apiece,
a book on *Sir John Franklin* (1852), and *A WOMAN WHO WENT TO ALASKA* (1903).
The dealer who sold me the two, also sent along a list of others he had, which
I inclose, not knowing of course the sixty you have in your collection. If
there are any you want, let me know and I will order either for here or on
your side.

Many thanks for your decision to have color prints. I really
think you make the right decision, even at the expense of color. It is
simply impossible, with more than one being shown them, to use the viewer.
NOW, since you will be going to London on the 10th or thereabouts, would you
like me to send the prints to *Lowndes*, if they come in time, so that you can
show them to *George and Kenneth and Islay*, etc. I shall try to take in on
Monday to be developed, and it usually takes about ten days. I would send
air mail under the circumstances.

I really see no rush about the Copenhagen trip, and the truth
is you could dash up by air from Switzerland for a couple of days at any time.
Meanwhile I shall be learning more, from rereading my books, and can pile up
suggestions (at least) of what might be useful to look at. I understand by
the way the British Museum has some things, and it might be interesting to
see how far in the background they are tucked away.

I had a most friendly letter from the man at the Smithsonian
who wrote the little handbook on the *North*, telling me I must order from
Mexico, but sending me an offprint of an article by himself on Southampton.
I think (know) it would be fun when you are next over if we were to take a
little trip to Philadelphia where they have eskimo things, and then on to
Washington to talk with Collins, and see the Smithsonian. A nice chance to
see Washington at the same time.

Two packages of letters have come in, chiefly comments on your
trip (still not quite understood by your friends) and compliments on your
birthday. Actually, I thought that Herring's letter (if one can judge from

it) seemed to be rather more stable than usual, and indicated that he is
taking more care of his health. But the least little disturbance, one pre-
sumes, and he will be pushed off kilter.

I wondered when I read Margaret Pratt's letters whether it would be
worthwhile for me to see her when she reaches the states, and perhaps pick up
a few threads about Hilda's early days etc. I think she might even be pleased
at the attention.

By the way, when you do go to London, why not see about the L&L papers,
and have them sent over. I am having my secretary, in spare moments, begin
to go through all the files to put them in order. She is a wonderfully efficient
person, and although I am always busy, she manages to take the strain out by
removing the confusion. Really a godsend.

This has been a full week, with a central climax being Susan's annual
meeting of the Connecticut Garden Clubs, for which the house was filled with
visiting presidents from the other New England States. A meeting also, yester-
day, of the executive committee of the Jonathan Edwards edition which seems
to be progressing well (a book club has taken 5000 copies of the first volume,
THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. But my heart sank in the morning when the young
assistant director of International House (and the resident in charge) resigned
because of what actually does appear to be the senility of the newly appointed
director. Others seem to agree that the director, although nice, is not an
administrator, despite his work at the American Hospital in Istanbul. Now I
shall have to try to solve this mess. I could weep at the time and the agony.

As to Mary Found, I wrote her asking more specifically when she hoped
to come, for how long, and what she felt she needed in order to make the trip.
Without some more specific knowledge, one can't really know what to do or
whether or where to begin. I shall let you know what the situation turns out
to be. q

Will try to get another letter to you before London, and thereafter
write to Lowndes.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

233 H G S
YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN • CONN

11 September 1957

Dearest Fido:

Your letter of the 7th in on this afternoon's post, and although I weep to think of you on the other side of the Big Water it is good to be in touch again. I was Monday and yesterday in New York for a meeting of the Coe Foundation, which sponsors the summer programs in the teaching of American history with which Yale is indirectly involved, and my desk was mountainous when the day began. But how serene life seems when, at the end of the day, all the business mail has been answered, large stacks of documents turned over to the new secretary with the statement simply to "file them." It is almost bedrugging. But what I have done with the extra leisure time? Looked at the second batch of colored photographs from our sled ride, and wept again to think that you are not here to enjoy them with us. Oh dear, I was so much more successful with them than with the black and whites. Some even have human interest, not discounting the scenes in which the sub-human Gruener appears. There are mistakes of course; I realize that I have a tendency to stand a little too far off from the scene of action, especially when I take people's faces, and one or two close-ups are not as strictly in focus as I should have liked them to be. I shall pick and choose, but can you give me some idea of how selective you want me to be in making up your set, and what size prints you would like to have of them? Fifty examples, 100? The question is chiefly how thoroughly you want me to document it for you so that you will not quickly forget all that we saw and did together. Of course, when you come over next we can add any others that you may think you'd like. But do give me directions, so that I can hurry them off to you. I do not want to wait until I correspond with Norton and Horst about what they think they want.

Your letter from the airport came swiftly. I do rather like being a lead dog in a kennel of Fido and Kat and Pup and Rover, but if it is a lead dog then it is only in tandem. I like not being quite sure what was done by me for your pleasure or done for my own, since in the end our pleasures are so similar. Norton, I was told by Horst, was quite bewildered by us; but then he was remarkably insensitive for a Kabloona who gives away money!

Having a few extra minutes free in New York I stopped in at the Danish travel agency to ask about the Greenland excursions, only to find that although this was a vaguely projected idea, nothing would actually be done about it for several years yet. So I think, for all practical purposes, we had better proceed as though the official tour was not a possibility. Ingholt has given me your letter of introduction to the Dane at Copenhagen in charge of the Thule material -- having written him directly also -- and will write his brother when you can tell me a little more definitely when it is that you and Rita will be going there. He recommends also, not later than end of October.

I spent some time also with the man who bought the 41 Hawthorne

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

14 September 1957

Dearest Fido,

Edith will have come and gone, and perhaps the other
guests too. So that you can will begin to have settled in for a
bit. It seems almost rude to interrupt you, especially when I am
so excited to know what you are or will be doing.

Hilda wrote a nice birthday letter, and I was glad the
cable reached her. Did she get the beaded pocket book I bought for
her at Winnipeg. Not that it matters, since she did seem to like the
little basket. I was glad of course that she has been increasingly
mobile, and, as she says, that the propsect of a visit next summer
"adds a sort of direction." Obviously you have coped wonderfully.
Interesting of course that Brunner now realizes how much he has
depended on Heydt. It is just possible that it could be fixed for
E to return and stay on, but I also guess that Hydt really does like
his American experience.

Hilda's book is published, but so far no reviews. For
"poetry" that is perhaps not unusual, but I fear a little when I
found the Yale bookstore did not have the book on display but simply
among the Grove Press Evergreens, with its spine out. I made them
rearrange, but it may be that most will treat it as one of a series.

A letter from Kurt indicates that we are not likely to
have bound volumes of the Gandhara until Nov 20th, so you might
indicate when you send your list which ones you would like held up to
be sent as Christmas presents.

Finished reading the D.R. letters, and with continued
pleasure. But do tell Mrs Odle to insert bracketed dates, even when these
are most rough. I hope too she will make a checklist of D.R.'s contribution
to periddicals etc, her books and pamphlets, and also what I take to have
been some silent editing or ghosting for other writers.

This is the weekend we move back into town, and, alas, both
Susan and I have the most dreadful colds, severe coughing etc. Hard on
the nerves. But tonight I have to make two speeches of welcome to the
foreign students at Yale, and tomorrow night give a half hour address on
the radio -- something not yet written up. Pray for me, retroactively.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

18 September 1957

Dearest Fido,

No letters from you for several days, which I take to mean
that migrant eskimos have been crowding your igloo. I only hope they
have enjoyed Elsie's (certainly!) new menus of raw whale blubber and of
chopped seal's eyes.

What a rat race the last week has been, saved from complete
chaos only by the new secretary Mrs Wohlenberg (who, by the way, reads in
*Roman Wall* in the few free snatches of time). Students pour in for new
schedules of classes, visiting *Japanese bring letters of introduction, and*
one has to give talks. Already I have rearranged the cliches in a half-
hour radio talk to the freshmen on "The Meaning of the College Experience"
(God forgive me; it was not my choice of subject); and spent two hours again
with freshmen in a conversation on general topics related to their new life.
I am sure they would much prefer to be left alone.

We moved safely back to town, and are pretty well settled though
we postponed taking the books and silver back from the bank until next week,
since Susan has had to be out on Garden Club business four days this week.

Have checked with Gallup about whether it was "ertrude Stein who
first spoke of the little mags "which died to make verse free." He agrees that
it was not she who first said it, but reminded me that she quotes this in the
*Autobiography* and always liked to repeat it, which of course explains why you
connected it with her.

Did you check with Woolford about the missing pages from the last
copy of your own memoirs (7-76; 107-113). Of course they might have been
mislaid when "George had it, but he is usually most careful in these matters.
I have not sent on to the Wolves until I have this section as well.

Sidgwick & Jackson have written, saying that *Iskendar* has reached
them, and "I shall read it at home this weekend."

I was much intrigued with the enclosed clipping of a release from
the Northern Affairs Department, who are, apparently, inducing in a good deal
of self publicity, if one judges from the frequency of the eskimo's appearance
in print. The whole thing is ludicrous. Let me explain, even if somewhat
indelicately except between co-huskies, in reference to conversations with Moody
about the hygiene of the eskimos. It is too cold for an eskimo to defecate en
plein air in winter, and therefore it is done in the igloo and buried beneath
the snow. After a period of time, for this reason, they build a new igloo; and
except in dire emergency no eskimo will move into an abandoned igloo for this
reason. Does the North. Affairs Dept. think they will pick up this plastic
shell and move it a few feet further on, or don't they know the facts of northern
life? In travelling, defecation is done and left in the morning just before
renewing the trail, and again an eskimo will always build his igloo fresh for

this reason. And, of course, in any circumstance, the eskimo will be unable
to travel in winter for game if he loses the knack of igloo construction. I
do become more and more facinated with the whole problem of assimilation,
and another trip would lay a pretty solid foundation for observation. I am
also toying with the idea of getting the air force (I understand it is occa-
sionally done) to fly me to Thule in mid-winter, so that from the air I can
get an idea of what the Arctic looks like under snow. I am told, even, that
if the weather is good, they might fly me over the pole. This is done for
writers and artists who have security clearance but may write about the section.
It is an appealing idea, since I would hardly be able to get so far in winter
by dog sled. But of course this is at best only a phantasy at present.

Have been having the most wretched of colds, as has Susan, and we are
just beginning to recover. Alas, it has rather slowed down the momentum.

Oh, I forgot to tell you. One of the new graduate students (not in
American Studies) who came in for permission to take a course noticed Roman
Wall on Mrs Whalenberg's desk, spoke enthusiastically of it, and learned from
Mrs W that I knew you. So back came the student to say she had made a pilggim-
age to Urbe last summer because of the book, and wanted to show me the photo-
graphs of the mosaic. She is also an a admirer of October, and has used both
in her teaching.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

30 September 1957

Dearest Fido,

I waited until this morning's post, thinking perhaps there
might be a letter from you in it; but I am at least consoled by the
knowledge that your pen has been devoted to GATE. The first section
of that did come today, so I really should not say that I have been
incommunicado. I want to wait before reading it, however, until I have
the whole.

Have been re-reading, as I wrote you, some of the arctic
books, and making notes which might be helpful to us both. If I give
too many pleasures, things I hope you'll have time when, eventually, you
get to Copenhagen, why just tear the letters up. But two or three items
have struck me. One is that Moody was eager to get hold of a set of the
reports of the 5th Thule, published in Denmark in 1945; and if he is to
do a workmanlike job with his future cruises (if indeed there ever are
any) then I imagine it would be important for him to have. Then I noticed
that in 1922 when Rasmussen was at Chesterfield, Jacob Olsen helped him
"to record local legends." What fun it would be to fit a story or two from
these into anything one ever wrote about the Inlet. One could ask whether
these had ever been published, or where the documents are if the tales are
not in print. Conceivably I could have one of my ex-students now living in
Denmark translate some for us. One in particular is trying to save money to
come to the States to finish his graduate work at Yale, and one could help
him by the commission. Lastly, since Moody spoke of the possibility of our
concentrating next summer on Wager Bay (about which little has been written),
one might ask in Denmark what is known about Wager in their explorations, and
whether or not they have any tips as where best to go, or charts, or the like.
Artifacts from there might be of particular interest.

My efforts to get copies of *Arctic Harponer* have come to naught, since the book is out of print; but I shall have them searched for, and if not too expensive then I will try for two: one for Moody and one for Mrs Smith, since she was interested. The geography book, as I wrote, is also out of print; but I have heard about the flora and fauna volume, as well as had a list of all publications by the Canadian government on the arctic. Do you want any copies, or a copy, of the flora one for your British friends? I note too that the government puts out a set of fifty cards illustrating arctic birds, and wondered if you wanted one for Margery Nicks. By the way, the *Northern Affairs* group is putting me on their mailing list for all releases concerning the eskimos, so I can send them on to you and we should be well informed. And *flooded!*

By the way, although it is a long way off yet, would you be inter-
ested in meeting Isaac Dinnesen when you go to Denmark? Her editor, Saxe
Commins, of Random House, was with me on Saturday, and I am sure he could give
you a letter. She might have angles on the Danes, to put along side those of
Inglolt's banker brother.

11 October 1957

Dearest Fido,

Your letter of the 9th in today, and, alas, none to you
waiting for your arrival at Lowndes. Forgive me and the calendar for
being what it is. But I write now rather than on the weekend, since
tomorrow I have to go to Providence for overnight to a meeting of the
American Studies Association -- the curse of being chairman.

You speak of having sent the *Cruise of the Snowbird*, but
I have checked the collection (now fortunately close at hand in the
office) and have had Mrs Wohlberg, the secretary, check it also. But
there is nothing by Stables there. I did however find the *Wallace's*-
tinine
autobiography. Did you want me to send it back to you so that you could
read or re-read? It would be simple enough to do. You would be startled
at the success fou of the *Twenty Collection* so far as visitors to the office
go; everyone comments and is envious!

I am heartbroken that there will not be time for you to have
the color photos while in London, for the friends there to see. But I
began to fear as you have that there is not enough time. So I shall send
to Kenwin, where they can await later visits to Hilda, Rome, and London.

I was terribly sorry that Margery Hicks' recovery would be
so slow, and especially that Christine Olden was so ill. You ask about
Lizzie in the same paragraph: she finally had a furious row with her
stock-broker beau (whom I fear she tried to boss around too much) and of
course then went into a tail-spin, not getting drunk but having a nip or
two more than was necessary, and all based on what adults did or were
supposed to do. But I remonstrated on various scores, Susan had another
talk with the analyst (who does not seem overly perceptive on his own
initiative), and she has pretty well settled down, takes only an occasional
cocktail, gets to bed earlier, and starts next week on a job with a radio
station, which I hope will work out. She still keeps up her instructions
in Catholicism, and I have no idea whether it will actually last once the
original motive no longer exists. The analyst seems to think it would be
a good thing for her.

I was glad to read Merrill's note to Hilda about her poems; it
must have been one of the last he wrote, and done after he knew he was
about to die.

I had a letter from Weeks, of the *Atlantic*, yesterday, in which
he said he would like one of Hilda's poems, or rather that he bought one
of the three I sent him. I think this will please her.

Don't worry about the check for the *Canadian things*. I will
take from the account. Your own Maggerie treasures re the North sound
superb, and I shall be anxious to read them in due time. No hurry however,

since I am rather desperately trying to get back into the academic swing of things, and in addition to this weekend's jaunt, have another meeting next weekend in Springfield, and in a fortnight or so have to go to an Andover board meeting. It is also football season, and I went with Lizzie last Saturday. Yale lost by a point, which was heartbreaking, coming as it did in the last two minutes of the game.

Asiatic flu is in full swing here, and the high schools are only part full, with Yale classes affected also. But you will be surprised and I hope pleased to know that I had my prick ten days or so ago, and it would appear that I was not to be affected. Susan has been in Topeka, Kansas, all week at one of her national meetings, and I only hope she does not pick up anything there.

Oh dear, I forgot to say that the Lady Lutyens had arrived, also the very handsome volume of Edith's poems which I have looked at with considerable reverence. I bow in thanks for them both.

I have had a letter from Mary de Bachewiltz, being a little more specific about her intentions. "I am afraid I'd need around $1,500. I can't expect friends to put me up for two or three months with 2 children, however quiet or well-behaved they are, so I must think of renting a room with kitchen. I would like to leave as soon as possible, around Christmas or soon after--in the low season and until the children pay only 1/2 fare." So that seems to be the situation, and I don't know whether this appeals or not. I'm speaking only of course from the human side rather than the fact that she wants to consult Ezra about the translation of the Cantos. For I fancy that what is strong in her mind, and unquestionably in his, is the chance to show him, and for him to see, the grandchildren in which he takes such pride (you will remember the various pictures of them he has sent to Hilda). And I daresay that at his age, and under the conditions, he will never see them unless Mary is helped. I suppose I can't help feeling a little as I would have felt towards Hilda, if the grandchildren had come after her broken hip. Perhaps an equivalent to Margaret Snively. Now whether Hilda would want to do this, or whether you would (since you helped Mary into the world, but of course would do this without your name being mentioned), I don't know; nor would I know quite where to turn elsewhere, since the whole situation is a little off-beat for the formal foundations and all their red tape. Let me know what you think; if you should want to do it, even shruggingly, I can simply transfer the funds from the account and send her my check. It would not of course be a reoccuring affair.

I forgot to tell you that I have gotten more volumes of the 5th Thule Report out of the Library (I had taken only the one to which reference was made on the reading list I was given), and am quite overwhelmed by the scope and the wealth of material. There are several volumes dealing with their folk tales etc., so I suppose the only thing necessary in relation to what Rasmussen took down at Chesterfield would be to know precisely which ones he got there. And the reports may give that. But if the Danes have a set of the complete report, which is translated into English and published by them, I do urge you to get a set for yourself. It is quite without parallel, and worth reading cover to covers.

Did I tell you too that I had taken my seal club to the Peabody

Museum (where we saw the dinosaurs) to be cleaned, and will have it back eventually in such a condition as to make it housebroken.

A letter from Mrs Hodgson came in yesterday, and I enclose for you rather than to take time to copy. I have answered it, so there is no hurry in returning. I don't think anything is required at the moment -- and really shouldn't be sent lest it embarrass them -- she has been trained to write if any crisis emerges -- but we can send the same, slightly larger amount again at Christmas that we did last year.

Have had a number of cards from the Hotsons, who seem in finest fettle; they are both extraordinary beings.

How calmly one takes the satellite, but what an extraordinary thing it is for man to have done!

Give my love to the boys, and my regards to my various friends, and think of me when you get into your sleeping bag. (You brought it with you, of course!)

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

20 October 1957

Dearest Fido,

A bad week, and complicated by the fact that Susan spent
it abed, with an attack of respiratory virus, which she seems to have
picked up on her trip to Topeka--she had not had her shot, but will have
one now--. So that the evenings were spent at her bedside, or as she
came downstairs for awhile each night so as to change her position and
avoid being cramped, one looked at television. This was the first time
I have known her to go to bed for sickness since I came back from the
war. But she came down Friday and Saturday nights for dinner, and has
been up all day today, much recovered.

Knowing you will not be able to resist looking at the en-
closed, let me explain that I was interviewed Monday afternoon by the
Register at the suggestion of one of the Yale publicity staff. (You
will think I had been boiling with jealousy because of the London release.
Don't fear!) Actually she reported faithfully, except for an instance or
two which you will recognize I could not have said. I have mailed a copy
to Cat, so you need not worry about that.

I was grateful for your London communications, though when
you have finished with GATE (another installment has come) I shall hope
for a fuller report. I was sorry to learn that Kenneth wanted to relieve
himself of the new Italian homes, particularly after having so beautifully
and carefully finished them. Does he fear the worst for Europe, so that
he can make a quick getaway?

Incidentally I was accompanied to Providence last weekend
and back by a Britisher who is a friend of Churchill's and has been in
the confidence of the F.O. as well as mixed up from time to time in the
game. We had long and careful conversations, in which without reference
to him brought up the Algerian and the Swiss stories. He knew them both. The
first he said was an absolute fabrication of the French (with whom he is
also in constant contact), and as to the Swiss official, he said if anyone
had offered a gun it would also have been the French for whom the man was
working.

Malcolm Muggeridge does seem to have stirred up a storm. I have
not read the article in the SATURDAY EVENING POST, but heard him interviewed
or rather attacked with himself present in a broadcast last night on tele-
vision. Americans, as you know, are highly sentimental about the Queen,
though her visit has been pleasant rather than spectacular. Muggeridge
defended himself beautifully; I was much impressed. You may know that we
knew each other well enough to first-name one another during the way and
immediately afterwards, though I have not seen or written to him for some
time. His son went to Yale for a bit, anyway.

Knowing you were in London and returning to Switzerland, I did
not send you the name of the suggested hotel for Copenhagen which Ingholt
gave me, but for possible future use it is:

2

Hotel Cecil
Niels Hemmingsens Gade
Copenhagen

Tomorrow I shall send on a copy of the eskimo dictionary, which has finally come, and is great fun to leaf through. It is rather good, I think, although I shall now try to see if I cannot locate some sort of elementary grammar. One can, however, if we return, manage reasonably well simply with substantives. The book on flora has not yet come, and I will send when it does. A letter yesterday from Mexico says they are sending on the copies of Collins' little summarized history, one of which I shall also send.

With the dictionary I enclosed a copy of Fred Glynn's interview on his rock. He wrote in a letter which came with the account: "This year's high point was the effort to get a plaster cast. 'his was broad comedy with so many spectators, police were necessary to direct traffic. Rival selectmen each with cohorts kibitzed. 'he pay-off, the cast refused to leave the rock. 'he most high-powered hoist in the neighborhood just sank to the rock. Meanwhile (3 hours) a newspaper man with his ace photographer hopefully waited for a glimpse... Times you wish you'd never been born!

I drove to Gardner yesterday to see my mother and carry her the little souvenirs of our trip. She is very frail but in excellent spirits, and I showed her and the others the colored prints of the trip which had come Friday and which I will send off to you by Monday's air post. There were two or three hundred of them altogether, as you know; and these are both too small and too few, and are poor in comparison to the actual slides themselves which I shall be eager to put on the screen for you when you next come. But they will give you an idea, and if you want others later developed from the rest, I can fill out your group. I think you will recognize them all, although do keep your eyes open for the picture of the ptarmigan in what seems to be simply a landscape, and for the lemming in Moody's hand. Alas, the picture of the church was stuck to another and a tiny hole appeared; but it was only for your record anyhow (and a mighty poor picture) so I do not have it redone.

The copy of DOWN THE MACKENZIE and 42 YEARS AMONG THE ESKIMOS were in yesterday's mail, waiting for me this morning, and my Christmas present of the Magazines on Hudson Bay as well as your shipment of Stables from Lowndes fills me with excitement, and the bookcase in the front office will blossom as in a new season of flowering. I become like you, more and more interested in the children's books as well as these so-to-speak teen-agers.

The translation of Montaigne sounds like a superb addition to the collection. Why can't Doris bring it out with her when she comes, or is it too expensive to go through without a permit. I had the feeling they did not examine outgoings so carefully these days.

You must have been busy, with the silver and all, and I daresay it is a good thing to clear up the silver. Most (Kenneth and I must be exceptions) seem to care little for silver these days. Why not give the toilet set to Pup, or isn't it her type.

Must hurry home to dress for dinner, but all love as always.

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

22 October 1957

Dearest Fido,

Alas, I did _not_ get the photographs off yesterday as I promised, though (to my surprise this morning when I looked at the bill for postage) the eskimo dictionary went to you by airmail. I thought you would be interested in the dictionary, but not, my dear, _that_ interested!

My yesterday was devoted to students in the morning (plus a French professor from Dijon, and an American one from Santa Barbara), and in the afternoon to a meeting of the executive trustess of the Mark Twain Memorial in Hartford -- a rather sorry meeting from my point of view, in that the new president (whom I had gotten in) simply did not seem to know how--though he is a lawyer--to conduct a meeting with any efficiency of time. So I ate at a highway restaurant on the way back, and was exhausted for the rest of the evening.

The photographs come with my love; I wish they were better, but I wish my love were too. So there you are; the heart is strong in both cases anyway.

The queen has returned to England after what seems to have been a successful visit; you go back to Switzerland after what I hope was a similarly triumphant tour.

Much interested that Moody's book should have been out in paperback. Did I tell you that he said 100,000 copies of it had been sold? I found it a little flat on re-reading, but of course he himself is not a writer, and I daresay that our week at Chesterfield really gave both of us a more intimate feeling for the place than de Groot van Embden had. I agree that the photograph you mention was of our little guide, Hakkaluk's son.

I hadn't known about the Ainsworth collection, and have no doubts at all that it belongs with the others. Even my secretary's eyes sparkle when she thinks of the shelves in the glassed bookcases expanding.

Good news about the help which Osbert's new pills are giving him; if we can have similar luck with Doris when she comes, one's heart will rise. And pleasant too that the Eeresby situation seems to adjust itself within the family. As to Montegufoni, it's just possible that Sachie is relieved. (Incidentally, among the photographs was one of the Arctic Tudor rose for him)

It seems to me that the move with the trust fund for Pup is a sensible one not only from her point of view but that of the estate. I should do it. It would take care of the René matter simply and easily as well.

29 October 1957

Dearest Fido,

Your letters of the 23rd and 24th in, and I am again apologetic for not having written. But there have been too many administrative meetings, and too many demands for the evening, for me to find the free time. I always think such matters will improve; they seldom do. But enough of that.

Heydt did talk to me along the lines he discussed with you. This is a situation, of course, which we knew and had talked about before. But it is always distressing to have the matter re-opened. What I suppose is really at issue is not that of a bourgeois family being disturbed by an artist, but that of a little machine which seems to spin smoothly except when something is introduced to it, whereupon the machine has to incorporate the new element in its midst. According to Heydt, Pup felt that Hilda would drop in at her (Hilda's) convenience without much regard for the family routine. This is the sad fate of all grandmother's, especially visiting ones; Pup's difficulty is that she has never really had to accomodate herself to this sort of dual responsibility. I suspect that if faced with a faite accompli, she would behave all right. John's situation we have discussed, and there is little to be added. It is splendid to have Hilda's reputation in a mother-in-law, and to figure as an heir to what will be substantial when Hilda's own money is combined with what you are leaving to her. So far as his idea of the country (the neighborhood of New Haven) is concerned, that would be simply to put the responsibility on me as it has been on you. As it happens, this would be all right, since both you and I have our common tie extended as towards her. But I think you need not worry too much about what would happen for the periods in which Hilda came home, or more permanently if anything happened to you. These exigencies we have discussed, and we know where we stand. The young fight for their own freedom, and it is inevitable. As a matter of fact, however, Hilda in a letter which comes today speaks of the possibility of a New York appartment, possibly when Heydt comes over, and possibly with Joan as a companion. So that Heydt is not discouraging her, and Hilda is a city person not a country one as a permanent settlement. She needs the different spots to visit when the whim comes, the "satisfaction" of not seeing people who want to see her. And there are any number of such spots in New York where this would be possible. I think particularly of the Hotel Stanhope, which both Susan and I like which is just across from the Metropolitan. I strongly suggest this for the next time. They have attractive and reasonable suites.

(Back at the office at 8:p.m.) I have read over the above, having been interrupted, and I really should rewrite it I suppose. That is, the remark about the legacy ought to be struck out. I have no basis for saying it; John has never been greedy, or approached me in matters of this sort except in connection with the purchase of a summer house. The problem really lies otherwise, and in this hope to avoid responsibility John is only repeating a pattern which exists everywhere in regard to parents. And one must admit that Hilda is particularly demanding. She is an artist and genius, as you say, and you and I understand this. Oh well, we have the plans for the future--I would feel easier if Hilda had her American citizenship papers, but it is not essential-- and for the moment we have Brunner and Heydt, and might as well make the best use of both. My only comment, as lead dog, is

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

to insist that you limit your visits to Kusnacht when there, and spread them
out with a good space between. Hilda will thrive despite all. One thing,
however, what is the right advice to give about bringing Joan over with her,
instead of a Sister. In theory it is, or might be, better than practise. That
is to say, Hilda (or rather you) will then have the support of Joan in this
country pretty permanently, for the door back to England will be closed, and
with it the independent life without a subsidy. Do advise me on this point.
I ask because I do not really know Joan.

My heart rose when I heard that John had walked out on Doris, and
then sank again when I found he had returned. It also has been sinking as
Doris's letters seem to indicate a plan to go on more or less permanently with
the farm. There seems to be no solution for any of the various problems under
the present circumstance, and I can understand Philip's point about bringing
Paylis in, and settling under present circumstances. Yet I am too distant to
know all the details or possibilities. My instincts tell me to close down,
but I can be wrong.

No, the boy killed in the Alpine accident was the son of a Lewis
Curtis, on the Yale faculty. Curtis is one of those social historians who is
more Edwardian than anything England can provide. As to the queen, I fear I
agree that the tactics are wrong in respect to the publicity about the royal
family. A president can slap the back of a jockey, but a queen is a queen
(or what is she?). She was such a success in both Canada and the U.S. pre-
cisely because she was queen and not a girl friend. In England they try to
make her into the figure of that lady who lives around the corner, isn't she
nice, so friendly like!

Catholic poetry does not interest me for the moment, and certainly
not the San Francisco group of poets. But for Heydt of course it is pferrmülle.

Glad you like the clipping. Of course the photograph of me was by
you, and should have had a credit line. But I felt this got one off onto a
different line in regard to the expedition. By now the color ones should have
arrived, and will I hope have given you some pleasure.

You ask about the new Angus Wilson. It might be wise for me to know
it, and a book is always better as a key than is the memory of magazines. As for
the children's books, do send along. But no hurry of course. Perhaps when you
next go to England.

The copies of THE NEW NORTH and ACROSS THE SUB ARCTICS arrived in
todays mail, for which many thanks.

A note says that the NEW WORLD WRITING found "This August Day" too
long, and a letter from Atlantic Monthly Press was bitter about their reading
of B.R's last novel. I do not worry, but it would have been pleasant to have
reported more happily.

All love as always.

30 October 1957

Dearest Fido,

So glad that the prints arrived safely and that you enjoyed them. I suspect there may be one or two more you may want for the sake of your record, but that can wait until your mid-winter trip this side. I am thinking of course of the fact that you may decide to pop over briefly while Doris is here. I doubt though that the Waldorf is quite your kennel!

A huge packet of pamphlets from the Northern Affairs Ministry in Canada has just come in today's mail, with one superb brochure for teaching the eskimos to read English. All to curious! I rather suspect that I will have to send out to you so that we can share it.

This is Uyarah
This is a man
He is a man

Amartok takes the box off the komatik
She takes the box off the komatik
The woman takes the box off the komatik

She puts the box on the komatik

Is this not a poem on the history of the world?

I forgot to tell you that I received a catalogue from a new bookseller, with three Hentys for sale (at five dollars apiece). I rushed to the collection to check. You had two copies of each of the three. This reminds me: do you think it would be a wise plan to ask Maggs to send me over a copy of the Henty bibliography, similar to the one you have? It would be easier to check things in it, and occasionally items may appear on this side. I should advise Maggs of course whenever I filled a hole.

I had a really fine and mature note of thanks from Mary de Rachewiltz thanking for the check. I quite liked her tone, and Gallup says she is a very impressive and attractive young woman. EP does not know yet, since she wants to make all plans first, and he is meanwhile at work on his final cantos.

I gather you had a pleasant visit with the Urzidels. His look over the landscape must have been a touching experience.

All love as always,

NORMAN
HOLMES
PEARSON

2 November 1957

Dearest Fido,

Somewhat I feel very sluggish, but at least my Sunday at the office has let me clear up the accumulated mess of the past few days and make notes of the proper answers to dictate to the secretary tomorrow morning. I still thank my stars that I have her. If not I should lie buried beneath a dirty glacier.

I was delighted that you liked the color prints, and you will like the pictures even better when you see them on a screen as from the slides themselves. I really can't wait until you come over and we can spend the necessary hours in going through all of them. As I told you, there will be still others which I think you may want. Are there any you would like me to have printed up for George Plank or anyone else? I know he spoke once of wanting some, and I could send a few as of Christmas.

Speaking of that season, I was delighted (as Susan was also) to find our little pocket diaries in the mail. There is really nothing like them on this side, and we do thank you.

I was pleased too to know that you were on the last leg of "The Gate", which by this time is probably in the process of being typed. I am eager of course to see it.

Your check for five hundred dollars arrived on Friday, and I will deposit tomorrow in the savings account. Alas, I forgot to transfer the necessary 1500 from the savings account to my checking account, and Mary cashed it so promptly that a note from the bank told me I was overdrawn. This not being a usual circumstance they were most decent about it, and I shall hustle down tomorrow morning at dawn.

Susan, Liz and I spent yesterday afternoon in the rain at a football game, between Dartmouth and Yale, the former the heavy favorite, but managed to tie Yale in the last thirty seconds of the game. It was heartbreaking but exciting.

This coming week will be a busy one. Tomorrow night I have to give a talk (as yet unprepared) to the wives of law school students on Dylan Thomas's poems; and Thursday night I drive to Salem to work the next day in the Essex Institute, before going on that night for a three day meeting of the Alumni Board of Andover. Then back Sunday afternoon to New Haven, and to Gardner Monday afternoon to talk to the College Club there, coming back the next day after breakfast. Pray for me!

A polar-bear hug, a lead-dog rubbing of noses, and all love,

5 November 1957

Dearest Fido,

I shall hold this letter over until tomorrow, since I seem
to have left your last (which came yesterday) at home. I may not remember
the details of it.

Curious that you should mention Elsie, since I had wondered
how she was; you have been silent ever since you returned. I suspect
that her reactions to the flight of Adonis are orthodox, but I do feel
sorry for her.

As for Hilda's restlessness, I only beg that you be firm with
yourself and your most generous instincts, and limit your visits to reason-
able interludes. After all, as we have said before, we might as well use
"eydt's presence there so long as we can; and if you visit to often it will
only make the restlessness more acute.

I took advantage of your statement that I could use the five
hundred for a filing cabinet, and put it in the bank against the awkwardness
of having overdrawn. I'll try to make it up to the savings account when
this little crise is over; it was stupid of me to have tucked away the last
bank statement without checking it first. Not, I assure you, an ordinary
practise with me. But I think your plan to move ahead of time with the
annual gift to the Hotsons a fine one. I met Mary on the street by accident
day before yesterday, and thought she blossomed like an autumn crocus. Leslie,
it appears, had reached the stage where he needed the resources of the library,
and so they came back reluctantly. I shall hope to see them both soon. I
think I told you that I was able to arrange for him to become an associate
fellow of one of the colleges (an affinity with King's) and hope that will
give him a happier relationship with Yale.

Several packets of letters from London have come in, and will be
filed -- Mrs Wohlenberg (the secretary is busy putting the files in shape)--
for which my thanks. And volume III of Jones' *Freud* was in today's post and
I am eager to read it. This morning's *Times* carried the following note, which
will be reminiscent to you:

"Wilhelm Reich, serving a two year sentence for contempt and violating the Food and Drug Act, was found dead in bed in Lewisburg Penitentiary yesterday. His age was 60.

"Warden J.C.Taylor said Mr. Reich suffered a heart seizure.

"Prison records listed his next of kin as a daughter, Mr. Eva
Moise of Alexandria, Virginia."

Eskimo literature from the Canadian government continues to come, and I have just ordered a brochure on the eskimo language for you. A news release states that the eskimos are making excellent mine workers! It is from Rankin, where so many had gone from C hesterfield. But I was surprised at the comparative few: "The labor force on the mine is 95 whites and 75 eskimos. Everyone seemed tremendously proud.

Have just got my seal club back from the taxidermist, who has
cleaned and lacquered it beautifully. But I shall never forget the smell on
the trip down.

Love, Noman

I had meant to go on with this, but could not, and now I
leave this of course for a 3-days meeting at Andover. If
I had left it, I should have answered Sunday. I didn't mean
two later letters I sent answer Sunday. I didn't mean
Hilda was always a city girl - and infrequently had in summer
and the Schaffs suggested a year-round place in the country
(seriously away from them), while Hilda does love the films,
immunities, steps, etc. to be accessible when she wants to
out to them. My wife was N.Y. winter, a season summer -
perhaps a month's winter outing in Florida.

and books
including the
quality of copy
of Abnormal Music