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
