66.
1925:
Rapid City, Man. [November
1925]
Dear Phelps,
I've reread the Settlers; and I am
quite despondent about the way it swarms with mistakes and
misprints which are out in the proofs: I read those proofs
twice, Mrs. Grove once, slowly, carefully, syllable for syllable.
And, in spite of the note " No Italics " the Doran - proof
reader has reintroduced them: there were none in the proofs.
I'm bothering you with a lot of letters. But to whom shall
I talk?
What the [hell] is a man to do to get a
book out in decent shape in this continent? It was the same
with the Drives.
I don't know whether I should otherwise have enjoyed the
reading. As it is, I am quite upset: I can't find the book
I thought I had written.
However, thanks for the review. Mrs. Grove
has filed it. Allison's is not out yet I suppose? (I mean
the Tribune).
I have not yet received my copies. I wrote
to Ryerson's and Dorans, & they are bandying the obligation
back and forth. Dorans say, it seems, that the Ryersons must
give them, the Ryersons, that Dorans. Over that I find that
the point was overlooked in my contract - made by Pierce.
So I have none unless I buy them - which I can't do. I've
bought one, that is all, paying $2 cash for it: $2 cash!
Don't laugh.
(Whole sentences are left out; lines are
missing: pg 68, bottom, 2 whole lines!)
I am back at work on the Daily Bread.
And, as I try to get Part 1 into shape, I find myself re-introducing
the parts omitted in the version you know - the contemplative
parts: take Elliot's dreams and thoughts, and omitting the
action-scenes which that version retained.
.....
Re picture, I don't know what you have.
However, am sending you what I find, and absolutely all I
find - I have never encouraged that photographer's business
- have not once in my life since I have been able to defend
myself - stood or sat for a photographer. There are snaps
Mrs. Grove took.
Well, yours,
F.P.G.
