Hagerman, Idaho

January 22, 1952

Mr. Thomas Mann
Pacific Palisades, Calif.

My dear Mr. Mann:

Some ten years ago---you may not remember it---I
sent you the first volume of my Testament of Man series of novels
and in your generous way you sent me a note of encouragement which
did much to strengthen my will. Now that I am in the Old and New
Testament fields the going is not easy, book-reviewers being what
they are; and I proposed to my publisher that he try to get a few
statements from eminent people for the dust cover of the next, The
Island of the Innocent. Those we are approaching are all, except
you and Van Wyck Brooks, Old or New Testament scholars. If you
should have time to look at the unbound pages of my novel, which
should have reached you by now, and should wish to give us a brief
statement, in case you liked it, I should be doubly in your debt.
But if you are too busy or if you don't like this sort of thing
please do not bother.

Cordially,

Thomas Mann

1550 SAN REMO DRIVE
PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA

January 30, 1952

Mr. Vardis Fisher
Hagerman, Idaho

Dear Mr. Fisher:

Thanks for your note of January 22nd
and the confidence it conveys.

Unfortunately, however, I am not at
present in a position to do as you wish. In the
first place I have had to promise my publishers
not to go on deflating whatever value my name may
possess by commenting on books for propagandistic
purposes. Secondly, and even more importantly,
I find myself so overburdened with work that I could
not possibly afford to spend the necessary time on
what I feel confident would prove to be a work of
interest.

Unless advised to the contrary,
I shall take it that there is no need for me to
return the galley proofs, but shall keep them in
the hope that I may yet be able at some later time
to familiarize myself with your book. Should you
need the proofs, please say so and I shall return
them immediately.

With every good wish,