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Correspondence from Karl Germer to Gerald Yorke
Palm, Pa,
August 9, 1948.
Dear Yorke,
I enclose copy of a letter to Louis Wilkinson, of which I will also send on to John Symonds. I am dispatching to you either to-day, or to-morrow a parcel by ordinary mail containing the galley proofs of The Golden Twigs, and the old galley proofs with A.C.'s corrections remaining from the Mandrake Press. I am sending them to you as I thought somebody in England should read—and correct—the proofs too, as I may have left mistakes. I would much like that K. Grant [Kenneth Grant] should do this. But I'm writing you as I would like your views which I value, as you also have had some experience with the printing of books. I also enclose copies of letters from the printer, together with a piece of sample paper, that he sent me. I'll mention certain factors which have occurred to me.
Do you think the paper decent enough? I would have thought that A.C. had provided especially for Liber Aleph a better quality. Do you know whether a better quality can be procured for both books; at the least I would like about 50 copies of each book printed on handmade paper and special binding.
I do not like the quality of the print, but I cannot do much about this. The old Mandrake Press proof was clearer, wider spaced, more legible. I think they should—same as was provided in the Mandrake proof—leave a blank page after every chapter of The Golden Twigs.
Can you check on the Greek in one or two of the stories? Also, in one of the Greek passages they have merged the four lines into one continuous whole. This should be improved, or corrected.
All such passages or quotations should be properly spaced. There should be greater intervals between the chapters I, II, III, etc.
I was in doubt on some English words: for instance "scathless"; is it not scatheless? I have no dictionary available and cannot check at the moment.
Has the Hastings printer the know-how to finish the book, such as proper Title Page, as well as the other texts on the pages preceding the first chapter? Does he have this from A.C.?
I think he has to procure the French letters with accents' and cedilles where they occur, such as Francois, which occurs once or twice Frontispiece: I know nothing about this; John Symonds—the printer writes—suggested one. Could you find out?—He also writes that Lady Harris [Frieda Harris] gave them a drawing for the dust jacket of Liber Aleph. So far I know nothing else about it.
I wish the printer would complete The Golden Twigs as quickly as possible to start with, as this will give me a little breathing space, financially.
I am rather inclined not to send the books over in sheets to U.S.A., but to have the binding done in Hastings. I would like the printer to send me a sample binding. Does he by 'full cloth' mean buckram, or a cheap grade of cloth?
The important thing is that he complete the printing quickly; to give me a little more time for the rest. I will send corrected proofs for Liber Aleph shortly.
Must he do the binding for the whole 500 copies at once, or can he start with, say 100 each for the British market, and 100 for U.S.A., while the remainder can wait in sheets for further instructions?
Storage: will the printer agree to store half of the editions of both books in Hastings; and mail to any bookseller that sends in orders? I would take at least 100 copies of the bound books at once to New York and send shipping instructions for the remaining 400 copies of each book within a reasonable time. If the printer would agree to this I would greatly appreciate it.
Do you think that in view of the author's death, there should be a note as an Introduction written by an associate, or friend, or literary executor?
Finally: what about an Export License for those books which will have to be shipped to N.Y.? Is this necessary? What are the requirements? Who can procure it? Would Van Oppen be able to procure this?
This is a tall order of questions which should demand my being on the spot. The thought back of my mind has been that I would like Kenneth Grant to occupy himself with most of the details of my questions. As you are better equipped with the knowledge, however, I decided to write to you and contact Mr. Grant. He would be probably the best to read the proofs, and then, if he has the knack, to go to Hastings after making an appointment with Mr. Jones, and discuss the open questions with him personally, see the situation for himself, and make the best arrangements that can be made only by personal interview.
I agree to pay the expenses. He can promise to Mr. Jones that I am willing to pay the balance of the cost of the first book that is completed as soon as he sends in his bill; and that I will do my best to help speed up the second book. I will go to the limit to ratify any arrangements that seem reasonable, assuming that Mr. Jones discards the delaying tactics of his firm, and acts in a businesslike manner.
Should it prove that F.A. Guy Ltd. Are not going to live up to the agreements made with Mr. Crowley, I am just as ready to go to Court and protect out interests. Mr. Mellinger [Frederic Mellinger] has notified that it is impossible for him to get away now; I would have liked to have him, as a member of the Order, to have taken a hand. But I practically consider Kenneth Grant as a member, and this would give him a chance to assist the work.
I am sending a copy of this to John Symonds, as he has been in touch with the printer. If you agree to my course of action, and if Kenneth Grant is willing to take a hand, please have him see Mr. Symonds, get his views on mine, and his advice on the practical side.
Yours,
Karl Germer
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