Lot 309C email save

Potter (Beatrix, afterwards Mrs Heelis

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2pp., 8vo & 142 x 142mm., Castle Cottage, Sawrey, Ambleside, 18th January 1942, discussing a proposal she has received "from Margery McKay, now Mrs Cridland... . She wants to write an article for the Hornbook about the animals in my books. Do you really think there is occasion? I hate to say 'no,' or discourage young people. I remember she wrote to me when she was a schoolgirl and I wrote some 'explains' on the margins of The Fairy Caravan. Which was a book that must have required 'explains' for American readers. She [McKay] seems to suggest bringing in the P[eter] R[abbit] series animals as well? I suppose the exception of the Caravan in America was like the Tailor's in this country. Some people - people that I cared about pleasing - like the Tailor best of all my books. It was not every body's book; compared with several others it fell flat. It does not seem as though any of the books published have sold in large numbers - of which I am not complaining. 'A.C.M.' was disposed to suggest another publisher might have turned them out in more attractive shape. I did not agree with her objection to Sister Ann (which I reread with enjoyment and detached interest, whereas I am sick of Peter Rabbit!!) I am trying to say that while wishing her well & happy I'm not sure what good Margery has for pumping off an article... P.S. On reading through again this letter sounds ungracious, I do not mean anyone to think I grudge Margery writing the article because her father did not sell many copies - I don't think anybody but myself has claim to write a full account of my animals in the Peter R. books...", folds.

***Bertha Mahoney Miller, founder of the Horn Book magazine. Beatrix Potter - see also lot 258.

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