62.
1925:
Rapid City, Man. November 5,
1925
Dear Phelps,
I got the book, bought it, paying $2 for
it. I read three pages of it. 1, and I thought, just a story,
the other 2, and I thought, by Jove, that is written!
Then a clipping bureau (the price for clippings
is $40 per 1000) sent me a Dayton, Ohio, review - very favorable.
But from that review I would conclude that the book is, after
all, just a story - "a strong story", they say, "with some
remarkable character painting and analysation". Further on
it says, "a most engrossing story, though sordid at times".
By the way, that review bears the date of Oct 13.
The rest - some 200 words - is largely a
rehash of Doran's stupid ads.
What I'd like to know is: is it just a story,
a strong story, and all that.but, is it just a story?
If that is the truth - which, of course, is hidden from
me - I'd go and burn every single Ms. I have.
I'm all upset over that question.
I had lost touch with the thing. But I had thought it was
more.
Yours,
F.P.G.
