Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2424

Carbon of letter to granddaughter Enid McConkey

October 25, 1955

 

 

 

Dear Enid,

 

I have just turned up, unopened, your letter of last February. It must have come here while I was in Florida and I did not see it until today. I am sorry that both of us could not have been here and had a nice carefree visit attending some artistic and philosophilic things and giving you that good change you were longing for. Please do not think that I take your letters too lightly. I always read and enjoy them the moment they arrive and then, most time, put off too long or altogether answering them as I would like to do.

 

About the books you asked me about: I am delighted that you are interested in poetry and philosophy. So I am sending you a very special book that is both poetry and philosophy and also very fine natural history — The Flowering Earth by Donald Culross Peattie. I think you will enjoy it. From the library, if you want a succinct and interesting review of the philosophies of the past, get Will Durant’s Story of Philosophy. But don’t stop before you have read The Age of Belief by Anne Fremantle. This last is very recent and very fine. It may not be in the library yet, but if not, you insist upon them getting it (price $2.75). Also, for poetry, or prose for that matter, get anything you can that is written by our contemporary, E. Merrill Root. He is a real poet and philosopher as well — teaches at Earlham College.

 

It is mighty nice to know you think of me often, even if I do not write faithfully the way you do. Try not to be discouraged with me.

 

Best love to you and your kiddies, not forgetting John.