LETTERS: Muriel Spark-William Shawn Correspondence.
Muriel Spark:
Correspondence With William Shawn
1962-1982
Spark, Muriel. Correspondence with William Shawn, 1962 – 1982.
A collection of seven letters from Muriel Spark to William Shawn – together with five of his responses – that spans twenty years (1962-1982). Spark’s letters are short, but convey a sense of warmth and respect for Shawn, often expressing a desire to see him when his schedule permits.
Spark regularly sent Shawn pieces of writing to be considered for publication in The New Yorker, which she enclosed with her letters (not present here) – a “Letter from Rome”; the manuscript for her novel Territorial Rights; another work, titled “Loitering With Intent”; and another piece whose title she doesn’t mention. In regards to the “Letter From Rome,” she writes, “I have all the background material – copies of documents and typed records of my interview – and can send them over quickly if you need them.” Territorial Rights and Loitering With Intent were both published by Coward in New York, in 1979 and 1981, respectively.
None of her submitted works are present here. Shawn, despite his enjoyment of Spark’s writing and encouragement that she continue to send him more work, is unable to accept any of the pieces for publication.
Spark’s letters also illustrate how The New Yorker cared for its writers. In the first two letters – November 30, 1962 and September 10, 1965 – she mentions an office that The New Yorker made available to her; and, in a later letter, writes, “The bundle of typing paper has arrived safely. This is really invaluable to me as it’s so nice to have good paper for my work and it’s very difficult to find, and the paper in Italy is a millimeter short all round. I hope I can do some good stories for you on it. What a good friend you are” (June 16, 1979).
Also included are two typed letters from Dorothy Olding, who worked for Spark’s literary agent, Harold Ober.
Inventory:
Typed letter signed, “Muriel (Spark)” to “Mr. Shawn,” November 20, 1962; one leaf of Beaux Arts Hotel letterhead, creased. Thanks him for providing her with a room at The New Yorker Hotel but explaining she won’t need it any longer because she prefers to work at home. Also expresses interest in meeting him for a drink when he is free.
Autograph note signed, “Muriel Spark” to “Mr. Shawn,” November 10, 1965; one leaf of plain paper, creased. Explains she is glad to have use of a New Yorker office.
Autograph letter signed, “Muriel” to “Mr. Shawn,” February 6, 1973; one leaf of stationary with her Rome address; recto and verso. Encloses her “Letter from Rome” (not present here) that she wrote for The New Yorker.
Typed telegram from “Bill Shawn” to “Mrs. Muriel Spark,” February 12, 1973; one leaf of RCA Global Telegram stationary. Informs Spark that her Rome letter was not accepted for publication but tells her the expenses she incurred will be reimbursed by the magazine.
Typed letter carbon, “William Shawn,” to “Miss Olding,” February 13, 1973; one leaf of paper. Informs Olding that he has cabled Spark.
Typed letter signed, “Dorothy Olding” to “Mr. Shawn,” July 10, 1978; one leaf of Harold Ober Associates letterhead. Encloses a manuscript for Spark’s Territorial Rights (not present here).
Typed letter carbon, “William Shawn” to “Miss Olding,” July 28, 1978; one leaf of paper. Informs Olding that The New Yorker could not divide sections of Territorial Rights for publication, nor could they publish the whole novel, but he enjoys Sparks “lovely, stylish writing.”
Typed letter signed, “Muriel” to “William Shawn,” June 16, 1979; one leaf of paper. Thanks Shawn for sending her a bundle of typing paper.
Typed letter signed, “Muriel Spark” to “William Shawn,” September 15, 1980; one leaf of paper, creased; torn at right edge. Hopes that her new work, “Loitering With Intent,” pleases Shawn and is considered for publication in The New Yorker.
Typed letter carbon, “William Shaw
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