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Correspondence from Karl Germer to Philip Kaplan
West Point, Calif.
Dec. 10, 1960.
Dear Philip:
Thanks for your last. I have written Weiser to get a copy of Eddy's book and send me. Of course, I knew the instant you mentioned the name, who he was: wasn't I a witness at the trial? He was not very forceful and could not match his opposite numbers. Of course, the trial was pre-judged, A.C. could never expect even 1% fairness.
I trust your wife's health has further improved after your return to the city. I also hope the scheme that you had mentioned in an earlier letter has materialized and that it will bear fruit. It is always a pleasure to hear from you that you are well.
As for The Book of Lies, I think I have given you a formal O.K. for a reprint, if not consider this as such. All those books of A.C.'s from that period were not copyrighted at all, so I can only welcome if somebody is doing it who would do a noble job. I wish you much luck!
I am sorry to hear of Sam Jacob's [Samuel Jacobs] illness, he has always had a strange fascination for me; I would have liked to look behind his exterior, for I sensed great depths. But it is not my nature to commune with others in words. Give him my greetings and good wishes when you see him.
As to myself, I will be 76 in January and should feel like an old man, but I don't. I still swing the axe and the sledge hammer, and work with a big saw, it may well be that this sort of life plus the near 4,000 feet altitude with the good climate keeps one fitter than life in smog and dense air. Of course, there are health troubles, mine especially is bad circulation, so I am liable to get cold feet and inflamed toes. In Europe we had very thick felt slippers, wide and comfortable for heavy woolen socks, which I could wear evenings etc. But what they sell here is light, tight, elegant, it is true, but they squeeze the toes together. I have written to Europe for it.—
Do you read German? I have been corresponding with a German scholar for quite some time who is writing a book on A.C. I have supplied him with material. and he himself has done research. Besides he had most of A.C.'s works, and met him in 1931 in Berlin. I don't know yet whether he can get it published. If he succeeds, I'll let you know. It would be an altogether superior book to Symonds' [John Symonds] or Cammell's [Charles Cammell], because he knows the subject.
The Solstice and the New Year are approaching and I want to take this opportunity to send you and yours my Greetings and best of Wishes, to which my wife joins.
Sincerely,
Karl.
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