TLS signed with her uncommon full name, “Willa Sibert Cather,” one page, 6.5 x 8, The Tuesday Nine O’Clocks letterhead, July 14. Letter to Joan Hartley, in full: “I am glad that you at last followed inclination and wrote me. I am glad you like the book and that it associates itself in your mind with the operatic performances you mention. That book has grave structural faults, — I knew when I began it that it must have. I knew, too, that an artist’s relation to his work is not proper material, is not an adequate theme, for a novel. It has often been tried, and the result has never been really first rate. So, thinking I might as well fail for a cow as a calf, I permitted myself all sorts of liberty. It is a pleasure to be just as foolish as you please—once. In spite of all its faults, I like the book, and am always pleased to hear from other people who do. I liked writing it, and I still like certain things about it; though it had to be a three volume novel, or done in two entirely different and not harmonious methods,—as you doubtless know. Thank you heartily for your letter.” Under her uncommon full signature, Cather adds her mailing address. Reinforcement to reverse of central horizontal fold, scattered soiling and foxing, a couple staple holes, and light dampstaining, otherwise very good condition. Accompanied by Hartley’s copy of The Song of the Lark, with her name and incorrect date penned on the front pastedown. Book is in fair condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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