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Special Collections, University of Virginia Library
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library© 2009 By the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. All rights reserved.
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Letters to Elfy Stoeger Joseph, 9773-i, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
This collection was purchased from Doris Harris Manuscripts on March 16, 1988.
In a series of friendly letters Wilder mentions his health and poor eyesight, Joseph's aspirations to be a singer and her marriage to Rudolph Joseph. He also mentions work on "Alcestiad" [A life in the sun], the Berlin Festival of 1954, and a trip to Vienna. Of interest is a letter commenting on Max Perkin's editorial work with Hemingway and Wolfe.
These letters are arranged chronologically.
Wilder writes that his health has improved and that Miss Stoeger should continue to prepare herself to be a great singer of great music.
Wilder sends congratulations upon Stoeger's marriage to Rudolph Joseph.
Wilder agrees that the world is full of alarming threats but says that the best each one of us can do is to "work in some discipline, replace hate with love, and despair with creativity." He also states that he is finishing up the "Alcestiad."
Wilder thanks Joseph for the birthday greeting and mentions the Berlin Festival.
Wilder thanks Joseph for her letter and mentions his deteriorating eyesight.
Wilder writes, "I was eager to give a good account of you to Max Perkins and he wrote me that he had accorded you the rights. Delighted. I've never understood the important part that he's played in Hemingway's and Wolfe's literary life- an author should have no need of a Literary Old Nurse to guide 'em and cut 'em and warn 'em." He also inquires about her music.