|
Correspondence from Karl Germer to Philip Kaplan
West Point, Calif. Box 173
Feb. 4, 1961.
Dear Philip:
This came indeed as a surprise! In a way, that is. I have often thought of your wonderful collection with a tinge or worry. It is absolutely priceless, unique in the whole world, and every conceivable rational step should be taken for its safety in these troubled times. Yet, I have a feeling that some friendly genius is watching over that part of it. In a University—provided it is not a hostile one—that condition would be met.
Do I understand that you not only disposed of the Lund [Robert Lund] collection but also of the nearly complete collection of Crowleiana that you had gathered over umpteen years?
What a University does usually is make a complete catalogue of all items with full description of each, bibliography and all available data, and in print too. I would be greatly interested in getting two or three copies of this, when it is available in print, and once I know the place where it goes I can ask for it.
Do you remember that at one time Dr. Kinsey of the Kinsey Report in Bloomington, Ind., had acquired a great collection of A.C.'s books, and wanted to get more, indeed made a bid for Lund's lot. Of course, they were mostly interested in the sex angle.
Well, there is nothing else I can add at this moment, except to say that I hope you personally made a satisfactory deal.—
About the weather: we hear daily of your plight on T.V. and radio, while we are basking in the sunshine! It has been so far an exceptionally mild winter. Apart from a cold spell in October, we had an unusual drought up to January 24 when the first rain came for which we had longed.
Looking forward to good news from you, with best wishes from my wife and myself to both of you.
Sincerely,
Karl.
P.S. Incidentally, does Lund still own some MSS. and what will happen to them?
|