Signed
Typed Letter Signed - July 1st, 1950
With numerous holograph corrections
TLS by Aldous Huxley, with numerous holograph insertions, corrections, and editorial markings.
In the letter, Huxley declines an invitation, citing a long-standing defect of vision that causes him to read slowly and limits his ability to undertake “extra-curricular activities” while engaged in a research-intensive project. He then turns to a matter of professional concern, discussing an unpublished anthology prepared for Encyclopaedia Britannica. Noting that the work represents “a year’s work and 30,000 words of original writing,” Huxley expresses frustration at the prospect of the project remaining unpublished and inquires whether, should Britannica decline it, permission might be granted for publication elsewhere.
Signed in full, “Aldous Huxley,” at the conclusion.
Los Angeles, CA: 1950. #10452.
Very Good.
In the letter, Huxley declines an invitation, citing a long-standing defect of vision that causes him to read slowly and limits his ability to undertake “extra-curricular activities” while engaged in a research-intensive project. He then turns to a matter of professional concern, discussing an unpublished anthology prepared for Encyclopaedia Britannica. Noting that the work represents “a year’s work and 30,000 words of original writing,” Huxley expresses frustration at the prospect of the project remaining unpublished and inquires whether, should Britannica decline it, permission might be granted for publication elsewhere.
Signed in full, “Aldous Huxley,” at the conclusion.
Los Angeles, CA: 1950. #10452.
Very Good.
Additional Details
July 1st 1950
Dear Mr. Brockway,
Thank you for your letter. Owing to the fact that a long-standing defect of vision causes me to read slowly, I regret that I must say no to your kind invitation: for I am engaged on a piece of work involving much research and permits no extra-curricular activities to be undertaken.
It was kind of you to pass on my request about the anthology for the Britannica. The person to whom it was passed has not, however, replied. I am wondering whether, if the Britannica doesn't want to publish the anthology, the firm would be willing to allow it to come out elsewhere. It seems hardly fair to an author to permit a year's work and 30,000 words of original writing to lie indefinitely on the shelf. Can you tell me who would be the person to contact in regard to this?
Sincerely,
Aldous Huxley
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