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Papers of Jesse Stuart, Accession #6904 , Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
This collection was given to the Library on November 14, 1962.
The collection contains letters from Jesse Stuart to his friend John Wilson Townsend, Kentucky author and bookseller, emphasizing the value of their friendship, as well as American policy in the Middle East and Egypt.
This collection is arranged chronologically.
Encourages him; recalls when Townsend and his wife attended lectures at the University of Kentucky; feels that the University of Kentucky should have Townsend teach a course in Kentucky history or literature; says he has a book of poems ready and a novel in the making.
Sends addresses to people interested in buying certain books.
Expresses astonishment that Townsend could have outbidded Mrs. Hugh Bullock at a book [auction] as she is known to be a multimillionaire; mentions an award he will receive in New York City November 8, speaking engagements in Florida.
Includes autograph postscript; encloses 7 page story "The Father," reprinted from Southwest Review , Summer 1961, with autograph dedication; recalls his and his wife's trip to Egypt and the time there the previous year; comments on the European countries and their people, which they visited en route; makes strong statements regarding religion and politics; comments on political decisions of the past and America's present course.
Discusses the sale of his old books by Townsend, who runs the Benegran Bookshop; announces a new book of poems for 1962 as well as a novel; feels full of ideas; says that the public likes him.
Discusses purchase and sale of [Stuart's] books.