To:-
Herbert Van Thal, Esq.,
Home & Van Thal, Ltd.,
36, Great Russell Street,
London, W.C.1.

Myrtle Cottage,
Staplehurst,
Kent.

16th March, 1949.

Dear Sir,

"Reading with & an eye."
(Good Housekeeping, February, 1949.)
by Herbert Van Thal

I was more than interested in the above mentioned article regarding women writers. You put into words *exactly* what I have felt for a very long time. Thank you for your honesty and unbiased criticism. I hope one day to write something worthwhile.

I like my own sex, but feel that the standard of present-day literature is deplorably low. I'm for a revolt against the 'Peg's Paper' mentality <u>and</u> the 'jingo-realist' school!

Now I wonder, should a writer continue to fight against the stream of 'popular' taste, and risk remaining unpublished for ever and ever amen? Will not some books be rejected because they are that little too good for the mob? - and can a publisher afford to touch a book of this kind?

A friend of mine, at present at Oxford, has written his first novel. We are both anxious to see it published, but feel it may fail as it is a trifle above the popular-light class.

I should be very glad if we might send you this novel, and enclose stamped envelope for your kind reply.

1 enc.