BR TO W.W. NORTON & COMPANY, INC. / WARDER NORTON, 21 MAR. 1936
BRACERS 47148. ALS. Norton papers, Columbia U.
Proofread by K. Blackwell and A. Duncan

<letterhead>
Telegraph House
Harting, Petersfield.1
21.3.36

Dear Warder

I find I was mistaken in thinking I had given all rights in the memoir of my parents to the Nonesuch Press; I reserved the American rights. I can, therefore, if you so desire, give them to you, on the usual terms. I am therefore giving you some necessary information about it.

The book consists mainly of my parents’ letters and diaries, with a short introduction and explanatory notes. The picture which it gives of the 60’s is very vivid, and strangely comprehensive, from royalty to socialist leaders and exiles from the Paris Commune. The account of the election my father lost through advocating birth control is amusing and fascinating. He invented the League of Nations, in an article in 1871 sponsored by Mill. My mother spoke and wrote on votes for women. They knew all the prominent Americans of that time, and visited the Shakers and the Oneida community. Apart from the public interest, the story makes a good novel, beginning brilliantly and ending in utter gloom.

The book, as we have it at the moment, is very long — about 300,000 words. But it may be shortened in deference to advice; we have perhaps included too much. We contemplate illustrations, from old photographs, Punch, etc. (Both my parents appeared in Punch.)

If you don’t want to publish, the Nonesuch Press could let you have sheets.

The book will be completely ready on or before May 1. All is done except a little mechanical labour.

My wife has done quite half the work, and her name must also appear.

Would you mind letting me know your wishes as soon as possible?

Yrs sincerely
Bertrand Russell.

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