Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2347

Letter to Heath, The Science of Society, 11 Waverly Place East, New York City 3, from Crane Brinton, 98 Widener Library, Department of History, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

November 23, 1953

Dear Mr. Heath:

It was a pleasure to hear from you again. I am looking forward to reading your demolition of Progress and Poverty.  Unfortunately your letter comes at the time of year when I am most busy. In fact, because of the inability of a collaborator to come through, in a textbook three of us are writing, I have had to try to “work up” the whole field of nineteenth-century imperialism. I should much prefer intellectual history.

 I found your definition of history most interesting and will accept nine-tenths of it certainly, and indeed accept ten-tenths if I have to choose between it and a purely mechanical conception of history.

 My one cavil is your concept of “waste material.” I suppose some people would argue that in this sense Napoleon was “waste material” and yet? But of course I can’t do justice to your letter at the moment. Perhaps you will remind me once more if I let too long a period go without replying. And of course if you are in these parts do come and see me. I am still in Widener Library.

Sincerely yours,

(signed)  Crane Brinton