Steinbeck, John (1902-1968) Autograph letter signed. Addressed to Marchette Chute, February 6, 1957

File — Box: 1, Folder: 51

Staff Only

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection consists of letters and supporting documentation, books on the art of letter writing, a small miscellaneous grouping of catalogs and photographs, and issues of The Wolf Magazine of Letters from June-July 1979 to Summer Quarterly 1991. The earliest letter, from the Marquise de Sevigne, dates from 1695; while the most recent was signed by entertainer Mike Douglas in 1980. Most of the letters date from the 19th century. The collection, which now numbers 85 letters, will continue to grow; in conjunction with his gift, Mr. Lang established a gift annuity to be used for the maintenance and augmentation of the collection.

Dates

Creation: February 6, 1957

Creator

Steinbeck, John (Author, Person)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The records are in English

Restrictions on Access

There are no restrictions on access to this collection.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.26 linear feet

Additional Description

Condition

Very fine. Minor folds, small piece missing in upper left corner of page two

2 pages, 11"x 8, in pencil

Transcript

Feb 6, 1957

Dear Marchette Chute,

I have always avoided meetings and Congresses and clubs. And as far as I know I have never made a speech in my life. The very idea scares me to death. And yet I am curiously drawn by your invitation at least to explore the reasons why I cannot go. First, I have too much work to do. Second, I am leaving for Italy the last of March and will not be back until the second week in July. Then I go to Sag Harbor with my young sons who are only with me in the summer. Their school starts. This is the last week in September. Since it is my time with them I would hate to let any of it go. Last I should not like to go without my wife and I don’t think I can afford the non deductible fare.

You say this meeting is in the middle of September. You can see that for all of these reasons, I should find it difficult if not impossible. I am drawn to accept because I have never been to Japan, because in California I grew up with Japanese and also because Japan is second in foreign distribution of my work. As for the furtherance of your project, you can easily get some one much more capable.

Let us consider that I have refused and that you try to convince me that I can afford it in time and in pure currency. Believe me I am not thinking of the last except inso far as I do not have very much of it at this time because of some recent devastating drains which could not be avoided. Also will you please tell me what would be expected of me. I like to talk with people and detest speaking to them.

I hope I have made clear a reluctance and also a drawing. The compliment is very great but that I could overcome. The whole idea of spot light horrifies me. I am also worried that one acceptance would let down the bars. I have a kind of treasured virginity in these matters.

It becomes increasingly difficult for a writer to find time to write. It is considered that he should do everything else first. In the last two years I have devoted 90 percent of my time to politics of one kind or another, and to demands all of them good on my time. The only answer is to turn mean for the sake of getting my own work done. And yet I do not feel mean. Your dice, sister Abernathy. I have refused and probably will continue to refuse - but give me a little argument, will you? Always keeping the refusal in mind, of course.

Yours - John Steinbeck