BR TO W.W. NORTON & COMPANY, INC. / WARDER NORTON, 15 MAR. 1942
BRACERS 47411. ALS. Norton papers, Columbia U.
Proofread by K. Blackwell and A. Duncan

<letterhead>
Little Datchet Farm
Malvern R.D. 1
Pennsylvania1
March 15, 1942

Dear Warder

Thank you for your letter. I am sorry you have a cold, but I am guiltless of having brought you the germs, being in the best of health.

I have been thinking about Storer’s suggestion ever since I saw you both. I am sorry to say that, in the end, I have decided that I cannot do such a book. The Free Man’s Worship and the Conquest of Happiness said what I had to say when they were written, and I can’t think of anything further that I want to say in that line. Moreover I fear that “serenity” in a man over military age might seem cheap.

What I could do in time for autumn publication is a book of essays, some already published, some written ad hoc. I enclose a list of some of them; I could decide on the rest very soon, if you thought such a book would suit you. I am very sorry to disappoint you and Storer, but I know, when I have had time to think, what I can do, and what I can’t.

I much enjoyed our evening and morning.

Yours sincerely
Bertrand Russell

P.S. I can’t send you the list of essays today, but will send it soon if you care to have it.

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