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Correspondence from Montgomery Evans to Aleister Crowley
March 10, 1929
Dear Aleister:
I have delayed answering your letter in the hope there might be something definite and favorable to report to you. There isn't. I have been being put off with promises by people ever since I came back and if I succeed in raising enough money I imagine I will sail back in a month or so, since there seems nothing for me here and living is cheaper over there. I suppose I will go back to Foyot's [Hotel] when I get back to Paris, unless you know of a better place.
I have seen Miss Eaton [Cora Eaton], who seems an amiable and not terribly intelligent old maid. She had utmost faith in your integrity, but seems anxious to get the sale of the book under way. I promised to help her and Germer [Karl Germer], and they will get in touch with me when prospectuses arrive. I am not sure that Stross can dispose of as many copies as you seem to hope, and suggest that he be given a monopoly only for a definite period, say, three months.
I have no word as to the present fate of the Hag [The Confessions of Aleister Crowley], but trust something is being done with it.
Have not seen Seabrook [William Seabrook] since New Year's. His book is a best seller. I know nothing of his plans for the future, but have heard that he considers going to Africa. Bob Chandler is back and appears to be getting well. I have not seen him, but Rayner says he is much better. I have seen little of her, but mainly because she is working on another book. I am afraid that you misunderstood her situation and her ability to help you. She is very fond of you, and very anxious to help you. She has no money, however, except what she makes from her writing, and has an unconquerable complex against raising some from the rich Jews with whom her ex-fiance puts her in touch. The perfect instance is that, during a period when I was hard up in Paris last year, neither she nor Ed were willing to lend me money to tide over until some I expected came in.
I have not done much more writing, nor have I as yet much reaction from the English reviews. The Yorkshire Post got an M.P. to write a pretty good, long review. I have letters without comment from Lloyd George and Joyson-Hicks. But nothing much has happened. The book comes out here this week.
I will write to Lallouel. Farrere owes me a letter.
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