Letter from Wallace Fowlie (1908-1998) at Chapel Hill to Erik France at Powelton Village, Philadelphia, Thanksgiving (November 25), 1993.
Dear Erik,
Never would I think of judging you harshly on what has happened. As you present them, . . . and your . . . make you appear a lucky man. 1992 must have been a hard year for you. You deserve your present happiness which will continue. I congratulate you and send you and . . . my love and blessings.
After all those sections of writing and research skills at Temple, your present T.A. teaching in U.S. history, and grading exams in an American Studies class must be more to your liking.
The Doors Complete was never published. Thanks to that, Frank Lisciandro has helped us get some pictures of J.M. for the book.
Since I did not teach this present semester, I have done a bit more work with my other profession which I may never have mentioned to you. I am a "lay psychiatrist" from Mass. General Hospital in Boston. Worked there 3 years (when I taught at Bennington). Then for two winters in Paris. I worked with Otto Rank. He began giving me a few Catholic patients (Since he makes nothing out of "that stuff"[)]. And here in N.C., it has continued. I work for 3 doctors, 2 in Durham and 1 in Chapel Hill, who send me (when I have time) Catholic patients. I have right now 2 hard cases: a student (boy) from Duke and a girl from UNC . . . (Rank gave me one similar case in Paris) . . .
My health is good -- and if it continues, I will give my Dante course in January: both sections are filled (130 students.) I look forward to it.
Your letter was dated a few days after my 85th birthday (Nov. 8)-- a big day in my life. Brenda Brodie had me for lunch with 3 good friends of hers and mine. The evening was a meeting (banquet) of the Duke Catholic Community: 250 students, faculty, and administrators. Coach K was to be the after-dinner speaker. I had always wanted to meet him and tell him the good work two of his players did in my classes (Mark Crow and Mark Alarie.) I saw him at the entrance of the dining room. I shook hands with him, as he said, "Wallace, I know all about you from my players." We had a good chat. At dessert time,a waiter carried to my table a huge cake: "To Wallace on his 85th" -- and they all sang "Happy Birthday." I had to cut 150 small pieces of cake for the other tables. Mike K's speech was the best I have heard at Duke: witty, highly spirited -- at the end he spoke of a few professors who were present, and then, pointing at me, said "And that man publishes a new book every year!" (not accurate!) Erik, excuse this egoism. Let's keep in better touch.
love,
Wallace
Letter from Wallace Fowlie (1908-1998) at Chapel Hill to Erik France [at Powelton Village], Philadelphia, August 27, 1993.
Dear Erik,
Beside me I have your last letter written March 26, 1992! Will this reach you? Are you still in Philadelphia? Is Liz with you? How is it I am confused about your present site and work?
When I wrote about my ms. Rimbaud and Jim Morrison: the rebel as poet, I wanted your permission to give Duke Press your name as a possible reader for a report to the Press. They held the ms. for one year -- and then accepted it a month ago. It is scheduled for publication spring 1994. (a 2 year wait!) We are choosing pictures now. How I wish you and Liz were here to help with these problems. Frank Lisciandro, the principle photographer, is difficult.
I am preparing a new lecture on the book and hope to have a few chances to help launch the book: a few requests have come in: Chapel Hill, New Mexico, Texas . . . Do you know of any group in Philadelphia? (if you are still there on Spruce Street?)
In my discussion of Rock, I limit myself to The Doors. I don't have your extensive knowledge of Punk Rock. Many new Rock bands seem to appear in Chapel Hill.
The Dean at Duke gave my classroom to someone else this fall -- and I am without a job. He has scheduled me for Dante in the spring of 1994. January seems far away.
The book on The Doors Complete (with my preface) was never published. Like your sister, I enjoyed Stone's film. I felt it accurate in depicting Jim's self-destruction. Did you know that Jim wanted to do a film on Rimbaud's life -- and planned to play Rimbaud himself (when he was at film school UCLA)[?].
I have missed you and Liz -- and hope we can have a reunion soon. If this note reaches you, please reassure me.
love
Wallace
Letter from Wallace Fowlie (1908-1998) at Chapel Hill, to Erik France at Philadelphia, July 10, 1992.
Dear Erik,
It is so good to hear from you! I had wondered how the first semester in the Ph.D. program had gone. I take it that you are pleased with the situation in Philadelphia -- and writing one more paper this summer.
Already you are helping to edit a new magazine: Quo Moto [Modo] Quarterly. "Ephrata Cloister" is a striking name. What is it exactly? Are you also working on a short story?
And Liz too is working on her master's paper. Spruce Street will remain your address through December.
My spring semester (Proust) went well. I do have less stamina and resigned at the end of the semester. Dean White replied saying my Dante course for the fall is advertised and they have enrolled 120 students for it . . . So, I said I would try it again. The 2 weeks before Commencement and the 2 weeks after it were heavy for me, It is easier to teach than to say goodby[e] to seniors and talk with their parents.
I am working on a long paper (40 pages) to be part of a big book to be published next year by the French teachers at U.Va. It's to be called: The Unfinished Revolution. (I am still not sure which revolution the editors have in mind!)
I finished the Morrison book. It's being considered by The Duke Press.
The main event for me was, in early December, a trip to U.Va. to give the newest version of my talk on Rimbaud and Jim Morrison. Five hundred students and faculty turned up! You see, Erik, Jim still brings them in!
. . . this is a poor substitute for a visit with you and Liz who have helped me and always cheered me up. I do miss you.
Yesterday, a returning old student took me to Pyewacket and then to Howard's End at the Varsity. A very beautiful film. Vanessa Redgrave is radiant -- and the young actress (from Room with a View) is fine. I fell in love with her all over again.
Stay well, Erik. love to you and Liz --
Wallace
Letter from Wallace Fowlie (1908-1998) at Chapel Hill, to me at Philadelphia, February 29, 1992.
Dear Erik, It was so good to hear from you in Philadelphia and to know all is going well.
I am enjoying my two sections on Proust more and more. Second quiz much better than the first. (They are on to me.)
Am just back from two days at the Univ. of Virginia -- where I gave my talk on R. and J. M. Thursday night to 300. (Morrison still brings them in). Lived in the Colonned [Collonade] Club -- a house designed by Jefferson. What a magnificent campus! The Univ. Press of Va. is interested in working at my ms. (I had it typed by Debbi Ferettino of the French Dept.) If they are willing to consider it, they may ask you to serve as a reader. I know very few people able to judge both parts. Denomind[?], my friend there, could check the Rimbaud section, and you the Morrison. You may not like it. Don't hesitate to say so. (I will love you still, but may not suggest as a reader of the next book[)] (which will never be written!)
I agree with you about JFK, a remarkable film. Stone is a heroic figure. Yes The Doors and JFK are related.
For 10 days I was plagued by a head cold -- cut classes one day -- but all I could do was teach and prepare the next class -- and see no one. Our spring break comes March 16. I am glad to have Liz's address. She was so good to offer help. I hope to see both of you soon. . . No word on The Doors Complete.
Thanks so much, Erik, for your interest in these literary matters. Through these past few years you have kept me informed on matters I should know about. Believe me, the interest in Morrison is still very strong in Virginia!
Frank Lentricchia took me to lunch at Tripps last Sunday. His piece on the Trappist monastery appeared in Harper's.
When things quiet down, I will try to find Flight from Eden.
Love,
Wallace
