193. Wright, Frank Lloyd . Typed Letter Signed "F. LL. W" to Edgar Tafel written in response to Tafel's request for a recommendation, offers a rare glimpse of Wright's personal opinions and views on the current political situation. 8vo, 2 pages written on single side of Taliesin stationary; light wear, first page stained, creased at folds.Tafel was Wright's former apprentice and worked with Wright on such important designs as Fallingwater, the Johnson Wax Building, and several "Usonian" houses.

Spring Green, Wisconsin, November 30, 1942 [400/600]

"Dear Edgar:Somehow I regard the advent of another Tafel in the world as of inferior consequence compared to a Tafel able to carry on a work in the world with loyalty based upon right-minded ideas -- instead of selfishness. And violence. I can understand why you should be pleased however -- as you would be at getting something to build, for yourself.It is probably ungracious and maybe a little ungrateful to say that there are too many babies already and too many parents who are "let us then be up and doing" for us. And too many architects wanting to build something for themselves with no greater capacity to see anything as greater than themselves.From my standpoint of course that is where you choose to be and I can only wish you (as I wish the others in your same case) a pleasant time at it -- knowing it is not of much consequence anyway."And I have met the housing Crat as he exists. He is drinking of the vanity of office -- blessed with a little brief authority. What the Crat is best seen in what he does -- a thorough inferiority. But it is good enough for him because he is inferior.I will be glad to write a recommendation for you, however, to become [sic] one of them if you choose. I guess you can't feed yourself and Sal now not to speak of a baby unless you do get your feet into a public trough somewhere, somehow.It was nice of you to take an interest in the camp. We will send Hans there presently.And nice to send us a letter even though you were prompted to do it because you wanted something from us. I don't know if anything more than a recommendation for a job and the gal Sal ever got to you in your ten years at Taliesin. Only Time will tell -- and Time is not telling yet? Meantime it looks as though you and all the others must go to fight to preserve the capitalist system as actual fascism (whatever the name it is given by Roosevelt) and as a conscript. I understand all restrictions -- wives, babies, defense work or no defense work are all off.So I expect to eventually hear from you all in the armed forces before anther year is out and the "freedom to produce" is either stalemate or briefly triumphant. Meantime I hope you make the most of the pennys-worth [sic] of freedom still left to you -- on the tires that you now own.The money matter won't save you nor save anyone else, much longer. the more permanent the position now the worse, really, for the future.Why don't you and Sal go to Russia and enlist to fight the Germans on the only front that seems to matter?Affection"