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4968 results in Wits University Press

Page 210 of 249

  • 1959

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 77-81

  • Summary

    Ibadan

    25 January 1959

    Dear Mrs. Barnett,

    Since replying to your letter of last September, I haven't heard from you. I wonder if you did receive my letter which I wrote almost immediately after yours arrived.

    What I should be interested to know are the titles you have succeeded in procuring. The university, which I have just joined to lecture in English literature, is developing its researchers into African subjects, literature included. I should be glad to know what bibliography you are tackling on South African writers and if they are still in print, so that I get them. I have Dhlomo's ‘Thousand Hills’ poem.

    Do write and let me know also how far you have gone in your research.

    Regards

    E. Mphahlele

    Ibadan

    16 Februrary 1959

    Dear Norah,

    Here we are again in a new place. I left secondary school and am lecturer in English to groups of workers who have not had the luck to enter university. We are here for the next 3 months and then I set up a base in a town 90 miles north of us. I visit 3 towns each week and it is most interesting to meet the ‘interior of Nigeria’. Also, it has a myriad suggestions for setting in my writing. Rebecca is still home. She left teaching as she said she was ‘sick’ of the profession after leaving it for 3 years. At the same time social services here are still very colonial and she hasn't struck a job in her line. In the meantime there is another baby on the way, and so it isn't so urgent for her to get work. I must say, Norah, that for the first time in our lives we find we don't have to split our hearts and heads trying to meet our monthly budget. Salaries here are 2½ times those for corresponding positions in S.A. But of course we have to try to cover long-standing commitments which with the passage of years in that miserable country have piled up. Still, we eat better and are spiritually prosperous. The children keep in excellent health.

    At last I am able to report progress – some progress in the Greek tragedy: Shaka. Yes, what wonderful and awe-inspiring material! It's my current big job and I'm applying myself these days better than I could ever hope to before.

  • 1987

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 453-454

  • Summary

    13 April 1987

    Dear Eskia

    How are you? Retired, like me? What does that mean? One of the penalties of retiring seems an increase in the demands made upon one's attention by good causes of various degrees of importance. I recently saw a very nice picture of you in a glossy magazine called Excellence, I think, talking about your aspirations for U.B.A. I hope it goes well. Most good causes demand so much sheer sweat – particularly at this time and in this country. I try to cheer myself up with the epitaph of a young English gentleman who died young and in prison in the 17th Century; ‘whose singular virtue it was to do the best things in the worst times, and to hope them in the most calamitous’.

    One of my burdens is to try to get the Shakespeare Society of Southern Africa established on the right lines, and I am writing to friends for help. It is essential for the society to project an image of Shakespeare as a dramatist whose appeal seems to be universal. (Red China is the latest country to establish a Shakespeare society: they had festivals last year in both Peking and Shanghai.) He is also, for many, the literary touchstone of the English language, which in South Africa should belong to all.

    What I hope you will do is to consent to be a patron of the Society. (I can hear you groan.) What does this involve? We would like to use your name on our stationery, as one of a group of eminent writers and critics, and possibly actors and producers, local and overseas) who approve of our aims, and think they are to be encouraged. So far we have got the consent of L.C. Knights and M.C. Bradbrook of Cambridge, Stanley Wells, editor of the new Oxford Shakespeare and John Styan of Northwestern, U.S.A. André Brink (who has translated two of the plays) has agreed, and I am waiting to hear from others. Patrons will not be expected to pay for anything, or do any work unless they have a particular desire to get involved! Their only reward will be free membership of the society.

  • 1982

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 448-449

  • Summary

    25 May 1982

    My dear Zik,

    I enclose some correspondence with the Poetry Society of Great Britain which may be of interest to you or people like Tim Couzens. They may have, of course, contacted you as well.

    I have not forgotten our discussion about poems in English dealing with African Folklore, and will try to do something about it soon.

    This evening we are having a seminar led by a young lecturer from the University of the Transkei, Dr. P.N. Thuynsma, on your desire to introduce African mythology into contemporary writing. I find this most interesting and exciting.

    With every good wish,

    Professor F.G. Butler

    Cape Town

    12 November

    Dear Zeke,

    I have been meaning to write for months, first of all to thank you for inviting me to attend the conference of the Institute of Black Studies in Jo'burg which I was very glad indeed not to have missed. While your brief return must in many ways have been sad for you, I am sure you must have derived satisfaction from your reception, showing as it did that you have not been forgotten and that all you have said and written was not in vain as far as the people most involved are concerned.

    Could you please let me have a copy of your paper? I promised Bernth Lindfors an article on the conference. I know it's going to be difficult getting copies of papers from the Institute, but I hope to get at least a few. I'll deal only with the Literary side.

    The biography is due out next month and they've promised me a copy by air and the rest of my copies by sea, but I'll ask them to send one to you. I won't say ‘I hope you will like it’. There are parts I am sure you will, and others with which you will not agree, but I hope I have got across the spirit of what you stand for, so that readers can share with me what your writing has meant to me. Once again my very best thanks for all your cooperation.

  • 1954

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 46-54

  • Summary

    Johannesburg

    3 July 1954

    My dear Pat,

    Sorry I couldn't send this earlier: as soon as I arrived home I was seized by almost incurable laziness. I feel triumphant about having got over it.

    The deaf and dumb post isn't going so well because the Dept. insist on having someone with a social work diploma, my experience with the deaf and dumb notwithstanding. Still, I am looking around for something: as long as it will be something permanent, more or less. This shifting about I've been doing for the last 2 years must come to a stop. But I can't think of coming back to Basutoland without my family, which is out of the question at present.

    I hope you will find this satisfactory (the translation). If I may say so, I find it a little on the ‘intellectual’ side, Still, perhaps it is as it should be, being an introductory number. My impulsive reaction tells me the man-in-the-street wouldn't care tuppence whether or not the Liberals won or lost in the provincial council elections: the Liberals couldn't be that important!

    Best regards to you and the family, especially to Mrs Duncan

    Yours sincerely,

    Ezeke

    Johannesburg

    5 August 1954

    Dear Pat

    I received a long letter from Sir Allen1, replying to mine. He accepts almost the whole scheme as I have explained. He thinks however that it would be best for me

  • (a) to trade on my own account in order to avoid the possible accusation that I am poaching on the preserves of other booksellers locally;

  • (b) to hire a van for a trial period of 6 months instead of expending capital at this stage – he is prepared to finance such hire provided it is not unduly high;

  • (c) to work on a return or sale basis to save me capital outlay, which means he would supply me with books and I would be responsible for the payment of only those I shall have sold. (I expect my gain would be from the sale per book, I don't know much about these things.)

    • I think myself it would be an admirable basis to work on. I have two worries: where to hire such a van and the procuring of a commercial licence, although I don't know if the latter is really indispensable – what do you think about these two points?

  • 1961

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 94-103

  • Summary

    Offa

    14 January 1961

    Dear Langston,

    Thanks immensely for the records. These are superb recordings and are a worthy monument to your versatile capabilities. I shall treasure them, like your written work, till the end of my days. I keep thinking all the time what I've done to be placed at the receiving end of so much goodness, a thing my folk are so remote from.

    I'm happy you have sounded out a friend about Fisk [University]. It has become an obsession with me and my wife now to come and work in the U.S. By June this year, I must be able to let my College know what my plans are. And then, as I'm thinking in terms of Oct. and Nov., immigration red-tape must be got over as early as possible. Then, there is a boat passage to book in good time.

    Did I tell you what I'm offering? I forgot. Just in case: M. A. English Literature doing a doctorate thesis on Contemporary African Writing, Poetics, Practical Criticism, Victorian Literature, Contemporary African Writing, African Affairs are an extra interest for my junior degree.

    So, whatever you can do for us by way for contacts, we shall be grateful.

    The very best wishes for 1961.

    Yours sincerely,

    Zeke

    Offa

    22 January 1961

    Dear Richard,

    Your story about the woman and the rain is really good. Not so the fantasy. Ulli Beïer, my co-editor, thinks the same too. May I keep the fantasy – I'll tell you why later. The other will be published.

    I notice you still tackle the story with the emphasis on atmosphere – a small incident with a slight plot built into something big-sounding through the echo of atmosphere. It's an interesting technique. One is almost inclined to think that if you tried the slow-moving big story, it wouldn't come off. But what the hell – you could try it – who am I to say this or that about a writer's capabilities!

    I've been asked by Penguin to compile an anthology of contemporary African writing – fiction and sketches and essays. For its price, it can sell like hell in Africa, and we have a sure market already.

  • 1962

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 104-117

  • Summary

    Nigeria

    4 January 1962

    My dear Langston,

    Bon ante! This is to ask you on behalf of Mbari in Ibadan to be one of the three judges of their literary contest which congress is sponsoring. I am one judge myself. The idea is to have the MSS elected by local persons in East and Central West and South Africa before we get them. Only English MSS.

    Could you please help us, and can I have your reply in quick time so that we are able to put our notices in the African poems!

    In haste.

    Yours very sincerely,

    Zeke

    New York

    Dear Zeke,

    I'm just back from Nigeria to find your letter among a mountain of mail. Of course, I'll be happy to be a judge for the Mbari literary Contest.

    With cordial regards,

    Hastily but Sincerely,

    Langston Hughes

    Paris

    25 January 1962

    Dear Richard,

    Thanks for your letter in which you indicate your project and future plans. We shall consider this and I shall let you know in due time whether we can undertake to sponsor you for a whole year or for part of a year.

    We are having a writers’ conference at Makerere, Uganda. This is scheduled for the first week of August. Is it possible, in any case, for you to attend this conference? You will be the guest of Mbari Writers’ and Artists’ Club in Ibadan, who are calling the conference under our sponsorship. Have you ever received any literature or information about Mbari? In case you have not, I am asking Mr Ulli Beier to send you a few things. We plan to have 22 writers at this conference from different parts of Africa, for the main purpose of giving them an opportunity to meet and know one another. I am working out a programme and if you think you would like to go to Makerere, I shall let you know what exactly we plan to do for that week. It would be very good to have someone from South Africa direct as well as exiles. I am also inviting Alex la Guma.

    Best wishes,

    Yours sincerely,

    Zeke

    P.S. Whatever you decide to do, when you write to me, would you also at the same time write to Ulli Beier, P. O. Box 68, Oshogbo, Nigeria.

  • 1943

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 29-31

  • Summary

    Roodepoort

    10 November 1943

    Dear Madam,

    For quite a number of years now I have taken keen interest in dramatic art. I have acted in several plays at school including ‘Merchant of Venice’ (Shylock), besides writing and producing a few sketches and musical comedies. I am at present trying to recruit actors for a short musical comedy written by myself – a copy of which I should gladly send you if you were willing to give me some comments on it – such as only a person of your experience and training in this art can give.

    All these, of course, come to naught, considering how much there is to be done yet, and that they are but poor amateurish attempts.

    It would certainly be extremely difficult, even if you would be willing to do so, to have me as one of your students, firstly, as an African, secondly as a worker, and so would be a part-time pupil. As the latter I wonder if you would think it worth while having one pupil on, in the light of the fact that it would in the evenings, when you are undoubtedly too tired from the days work.

    I could, however, get more interested people to attend, even if it be only a Saturday afternoon. If I am alone, I shall have to be content with the theoretical aspect of it; in this you would certainly be of much help, on the understanding that I shall pay for it.

    Your suggestions and advice will be most welcome.

    Thanking you in anticipation,

    I am,

    Yours faithfully,

    Ezekiel Mphahlele

    Roodepoort

    20 December 1943

    Dear Miss Taylor,

    I thank you sincerely for your criticism of the musical comedy, which I read very carefully. When I read the play over again for reference the whole thing became clear to me – the faults which only your professional insight could bring into relief and thus help me to go carefully in my subsequent attempts. The criticism is very constructive because of its frankness, and, rather than be discouraged, I feel the long way I still have to go is intriguing and I thrill at the prospect of the adventure. Thanks for the encouragement.

    I hope you will not wait long before you read my next attempt.

  • 1980

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 413-440

  • Summary

    California

    11 January 1980

    Dearest Pasha and Ribs,

    Mon dieu: I've been waiting for what seems like years now for word from you. You promised to send me your new address … eh? Anyhow, I called Charles Larson the other day, and he said to try this address, so here goes. I do hope that you receive this. If not, it has been an exercise in typing: You have been on my mind ever since you bade farewell to these western shores, and if winds can speak, you have heard my thoughts. So much news. I don't know where to start. First off, I am still at Chico State teaching more and more Freshman composition, as is everyone. Are we really raising a generation of illiterates? Anyhow, don't ask me how I like it, ‘cuz I don't particularly. Once in a while, I get to teach a graduate course in Comp. Lit., or in African lit, and that suits me just fine. Palmer and I had a little boy in September of 1978 … adorable, I might add. His name is John Edward, and he's literally ‘all over the place’. Imagine me chasing a little one around the house: I shall send a picture if I hear from you so I know that this is the right address. I saw Anne Fuller last summer; she is still ‘deaning’ at Scripps, but has resigned effective June 1980. We spent an evening reminiscing, and, of course, you shared most of our conversation. She sends her love. I haven't talked with anyone else from Denver recently. I think Boklund is chairman now; and Chambers is editing the Denver Quarterly and, from my point of view, is doing a fine job of it. I know that Jerry had a Guggenheim fellowship and spent some time in England researching materials for a biography on Burke, but that's about it. Oh, unless, that is, you remember Mike Holland. I also saw him last summer at a meeting, and he is still teaching at Fullerton. Looks o.k., but was drinking a bit too much at the time. Anyhow, he, too, sends love.

  • 1970

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 182-204

  • Summary

    Lusaka

    3 January 1970

    Dear Sonia,

    I am sending you the material for mimeographing – all for the Summer School & the Fall course. So, could you have a big number of copies made?

    I am sending you at the same time, in one of the two packets of the stuff, a handwritten Contents sheet as a guide. This should not be typed. It merely shows that I have arranged the stuff in ‘volumes’: 1–7.

    There is an Introductory Note which goes separately – marked ‘To be done separately: no volume one.’ Then follows vol. 1 – The Wisdom of Africa … etc. Some volumes have a single essay, others have a number of essays. The Contents sheet indicates e.g for Vol. 2. three essays. Two are extracts from a book Race & Colour etc which I'm trying to Photostat or the whole book with the extracts indicated, plus Essay 3.

    Where a volume has more than one essay, these should be pinned or stapled together to look like a single volume. The vol. no. indicated, and the pages should be numbered progressively, so that each essay does not have pages 1 – n.

    The titles of the volume are all indicated on the Contents guide i.e the general title for the volume plus the titles of the individual essays.

    Apart from the Race & Colour book that I have (for vol. 2), the paperback edition of Senghor: Prose & Poetry is the only book I am sending. All the other material comes from the journal Africa Today (orange cover), typescripts and off prints. All indicated in the Contents guide.

    Footnotes: Footnotes in Senghor should appear

    Footnotes in Africa Today should appear

    Footnotes in typescripts should appear

    Footnotes in Race & Colour should appear

    and therefore index nos. not.

    I do hope sincerely there will be good enough time for all this to be done by the Summer. We are of course needless to say all anxious to be back in Denver. Are you laying on a big party? All we are waiting with trepidation for are an order from Washington for visas to be given us, so keep your fingers crossed.

  • 1975

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 245-276

  • Summary

    15 January 1975

    Dear Dr. Mphahlele:

    Upon recommendation of Dean Edward Lindell, I accept with regret your resignation as Professor of the Department of English at the University of Denver effective June 1, 1975.

    On behalf of the University may I express appreciation for your unique contributions to the University, and wish you all success and happiness at the University of Pennsylvania.

    Sincerely,

    William H. Key

    Acting Vice Chancellor

    Austin

    5 February 1975

    Dear Zeke

    As I promised, I presented your views and those of the other writers I talked to (Pieterse, Kgositsile and Serote) on the question of white South African participation, and specifically the participation of Nadine Gordimer as a featured speaker, in our Symposium.

    I should explain that initially I conceived an event which was to be solely a Poetry Reading on the anniversary of Sharpeville and that the participants were to be South Africans currently in the United States – i.e. Mphahlele, Kgositsile, Pieterse, Brutus, Mtshali, Serote and Kunene. It was on that basis that I approached the writers and persuaded them to come to Austin, probably with no more than their expenses paid and with no assurance of an honorarium. This was the proposal which I submitted in a memorandum to Dr John Warfield, Chairman of the African and Afro-American Studies and Research Center, and which he approved.

    Prior to traveling to Chicago for a meeting of the ASA, the African Studies Association, I discussed with my colleagues here the possibility of (a) the formation of an African Literature Association in the course of the ASA conference, (b) the possibility of inviting a conference of the to-be-formed ALA to Austin and (c) the possibility of combining this with the Sharpeville Day commemoration.

    As a result of the confluence of these plans, which are now about to be realized, the original concept for Sharpeville Day slipped somewhat out of focus but remained in my own mind, and, I am sure, in the minds of those I had invited.

    After some discussion, the following resolutions were adopted:

  • The Committee was not prepared to exclude anyone from participation in the Symposium.

  • The Committee considered the invitation to Ms Gordimer to participate as a featured speaker as unwise and resolved to cancel it.

  • 1965

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 128-135

  • Summary

    London

    28 June 1965

    My dear Zeke

    Our friendship is too firm, and too precious for any beating around the bush – it is naturally a disappointment to me that you were not able to write the sort of foreword the publishers hoped for, but I am not altogether surprised – however, I do hope you will share your misgivings with me because your thoughts are always helpful.

    R.D. sorry this morning to say they can wait no longer. Having decided on October 18 for publication they apparently worked out deadline for every stage, that involved sending the page proofs back to the printers last week.

    I wonder whether Ruth First's 117 Days has reached Nairobi, and what do you think about such publication. The Times surprised us by giving it a subleader which ended by saying that if the book is not stark truth, it is up to the South African Government to tell the world what are the facts! Of course besides such writing my effort is kindergarten!

    I did not go to the Freedom Day rally in Trafalgar Square yesterday because I was star preacher in the evening at a Salonika 1915 landing reunion service. Solomon Ngakane, who lives near here, told me the turn out was less than usual which is surprising because Ruth was one of the speakers – actually I think it only goes to show how that the mind of the public can be over nauseated. The only member of any of the delegations to the Commonwealth meeting I met was Herbert Chitepo who came over with the Tanzanian team, he took the trouble to come and see me so we had an all too short chat.

    My grapevine tells me the Zambian University project is still undecided, have you heard from them?

    I must not keep you longer from your mountain of work!

    Nomsa has gone down to the launderette but if she were here I know she would add her usual affectionate greeting to Rebecca and with love to all the family, including Locksley.

  • 2000

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 455-458

  • Summary

    27 June 2000

    Dear Stephen [Gray],

    Good to receive your heart-warming postcard. The pleasure was also ours when you & Henk visited.

    You suggested that I compile a volume of stories and other narrative modes. I agree that it would be a task worthwhile undertaking. Problem: I'm too close to the writing to avoid a squinted take of it. It occurred to me that Stephen Gray would be the best person for the project. Would you have the time? Would it consume too much of your time, every minute of which you need for remunerative work, now that you're not on a leash any longer?

    As I said, I was charmed by your anthology and critical essays (Southern Africa lit.), both of which I prescribed as class texts for my course in Columbia, SC. I should very much like for you to tackle the compilation. I would help by digging out possible entries, incl. the Tribute stuff, the narrative prose published in Drum & a bilingual journal published at Stellenbosch in the late forties, etc. Among the Drum stuff are a series called ‘Lesane’ as well as more serious pieces.

    Incidentally, have you ever seen the latest novella, Crossing Over, same length as ‘Mrs Plum’ which it replaces in Ramogale's To Kill a Man's Pride (publ. 1999). Ravan thought ‘Mrs Plum’ diminishes its chances of being prescribed as a school text: their thinking is that it contains scenes suggesting bestiality (sic) – a view communicated to them by a few teachers.

    Do you think you would find the time? The full number of the Lesane stories came out in a collection in the seventies or eighties (I forget the compilereditor). The introduction to the volume would carry an imprint of a fine critic who I know for sure would place my work in proper perspective. What say you, mon amis? Let me say at once that I shall not be surprised nor think less of you if your answer is ‘No’. I shall understand, in spite of my disappointment.

    I know you are not enamoured of these new-fangled gadgets eg computers etc. But for any later use, my e-mail address is:eskimph@mweb.co.za

    Warmest regards from us both

    Zeke

    Johannesburg

    3 July 2000

    Dear Zeke,

    Thanks for your very welcome letter.

  • 1953

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 41-46

  • Summary

    Orlando West

    15 February 1953

    Dear Miss Taylor,

    Thank you for your card and address.

    Since you went to the coast I have been trying to contact more commercial colleges. I approached Regis College and Damelin College. The principal of the latter felt employment and opportunities for such technically trained Africans did not warrant commercial training. The principal of Regis was interested, but wanted to make sure of the available pupils. I've since realized that academic subjects for definite certificates like J.C. and Matric are an ‘honest bait’ – for employment prospects. Then commercial subjects toward these certificates can be worked into the curriculum, so that later a commercial department can be gradually built up.

    In the meantime I have a few teachers on afternoons for Matric. Also, a friend approached me recently about a number of pupils in the township who have not been admitted to local high schools because of lack of space and those who have not gone back to boarding institutions because of higher school fees. Again there were many teachers who could not be employed owing to the fact that the government has not increased education facilities for a number of years, and, several teachers are without work. So I immediately got the teachers together and we started with 13 pupils in a church hall – Standards VII & VIII. The number is now 50 and they go up to Matric.

    Our problem, naturally, is finance and we are sending out circulars of appeal for money for blackboards, desks, etc and to pay the teachers, because the pupils pay £2 a year each. We should like this to remain a private school (not under the Education Dept.) where we can carry out educational experiments without fear of intimidation. A hard road but a necessary one in our set-up.

    Thanks for all you have done and are doing for me and my family. I do hope you are well now.

    Yours with best wishes,

    E. Mphahlele

    Orlando West

    19 March 1953

    Dear Miss Gordimer,

    Thanks for your letter which gives me courage. I am glad you have been able to get the story as far as that, and cannot thank you enough. Thinking of it now, I appreciate your agent's remarks about the first page – i.e. as far as a publisher must avoid material that may prejudice a writer's audience.

  • 1948

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 32-34

  • Summary

    Orlando West

    24 October 1948

    Dear Miss Taylor,

    The case of Mrs. Malele pains me greatly because it is one of those things one cannot do much about. You have done a great deal, I have reason to know, indeed more than she herself can estimate, to help her.

    There is, unfortunately, no chronic sick home for Africans in this country. In fact the state hardly even mentions anything about the African chronic sick. I do not know of any mission home that accepts such cases. Admittedly, she needs change of climate and such a home would have to be where it suits her condition. The only mission institutions out in the country districts are hospitals or clinics or schools and not for such cases as Mrs. Malele's. Yes, it is very hard.

    As far as external help is concerned I suggest you write to Mrs Henderson, Non-European Affairs Dept., His Majesty's Buildings, JHB, who is the senior welfare officer in that dept. She has, I know, a list of such cases which have no institution to care for them. She may not do something straightaway, but she will know about it.

    I have known asthma to be incurable, but recently a man who had had it for over 30 years was cured completely by a Dr Mandelstam at the Benoni location. He has proven a wizard with a number of cases declared ‘impossible’. This was the first time for me to see this ailment cured – I know the man personally who was cured. Have you ever tried him? If you have not and would like to try him, I shall let you know how to get to him.

    As far as her own behaviour is concerned, I may say this: I know how asthma can beat one up and weaken the moral courage one may have. I was attacked by asthma in 1940 in Natal and such days and nights of agony I endured are almost unimaginable. I am perfectly alright at any place on the Reef, but I dare not go to Pretoria or the coast or any other place that is lower than the Reef. I gave up all hope for medical cure and it taught me to exercise, open air, good diet, constant movement on my legs help one to resist it.

  • 1972

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 209-215

  • Summary

    Denver

    31 January 1972

    Dear Martin [Jarrett-Kerr],

    I have not written in a long time. Time contracts so. One tumbles from one block of time to another so and yet there's little to show for it. The novel I began last time has been nagging me and I could scream to take time off to continue; but one must earn one's keep. Must wait for the next summer.

    I enjoyed the Faulkner monograph. I find it so stimulating, so balanced, so sane, so economically done, yet with so much intellectual toughness. I always wondered what to make of Faulkner's religious beliefs and moral stand. Now I think I see. Thanks for the illumination. I am sending you an article by a colleague of mine here on WF. He is working on a book about Faulkner. A very warm person.

    Whatever happened about Roger? You mentioned some time ago that he was very ill. It was sad of course to hear of Arthur Blaxall.

    Life is still good to us here, such as it is. So many things make one angry, and that is ironically elevating: Pakistan and Bangladesh, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), the lot.

    Macmillan in London has sent me a copy of the edition of their The Wanderers. Their publication date is February 24th. A neat little product. Lots of things changed regarding ‘Cecil Sprite’ etc, which verge on libel, their lawyer said. Also, it is much freer of errors. As soon as the essays come out this Spring, I'll send you a copy. Macmillan will bring out that too. Fontana Books bought the paperback rights of The Wanderers. Give my very best to Arthur Ravenscroft. Had a letter from a friend in Cape Town (incidentally) who has finished her Ph.D. thesis and graduated, but cannot let any library keep a copy because she has quoted and discussed banned writers, like me!! Ca c'est le comble!

    Denver

    24 February 1972

    Dear Martin,

    I am concluding a seminar on Blake, Wordsworth and Coleridge and the 18th Century Background. I try whenever I teach these guys to emphasize that they are a product of the 18th Century philosophy and poetic practice and 17th and 18th Century science, even while they use their heritage to explore further the psychology of perception, both in writer and reader and the imagination as the writer's equipment.

  • 1963

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 118-124

  • Summary

    Paris

    5 February 1963

    Dear Dennis [Duerden],

    It was good to be able to take part in your ICA programme. Dipoko was particularly excellent and it was worth bringing him along. Maybe the problem was we tried to cover too wide a field such as the questions represented.

    What I am writing about mainly is on a different matter altogether. I was very angry the day we talked about the bulletin – the three of us in the car. And I felt so depressed that I went to your house to collect my bags.

    The thing that depressed me so much was the way you insisted that Lewis should not do the Bulletin even in his free time because not only did you ‘control’ his out-of-office hours but you think he will serve you better if he does creative writing during that time. And this, after Lewis had offered to do it in his free time. Inasmuch as I am the last person ever to want Lewis to do a job like the Bulletin for peanuts, you are the last person I ever expected would have it in him to take on someone as a protégé. Frankly, it reminded me of the ghastly liberals of S.A. who love to protect their ‘natives’ and to think for them. An unfair image? Maybe; but there it is. And Lewis's silence made me wonder if you had thought it all out together before. But how could he then offer his services for £50? More important still, Lewis, on his own account, does articles for the press and this is what would have to be postponed if he did the Bulletin, not creative writing, although you say it would help you if he did this during his free time.

    I should imagine Lewis is perfectly able to decide what is good for him. That's his own affair. I shall not represent his demand for £50 to John Hunt as I thought I would: not because I think he is worth less, but because you are both arguing on different premises and the spirit of the whole Bulletin has been muddied by this and I shall, without detracting in any way from Lewis's greater ability to do the Bulletin, take it back to edit it myself.

  • 1960

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 82-93

  • Summary

    As usual

    5 January 1960

    Dear N.T.,

    Thank you for your letter. It came when I had intended putting a stop to my procrastination, since coming back, of writing to you. And now I've been caught up with this new book which Fabers have commissioned, my mind and mood sway between moments of exertion and loneliness. Believe it or not, Rebecca and the kids are not back yet! She has been going through a trying period, looking for a house to buy for the mother so that she leaves the house at 8280 and so get out of the position where the threat of ejection hung over her night and day. I've been anxious myself and only today I received a letter from her saying she has found the house and is trying to raise the money for it. I'm not surprised you had no letter from her as this is the first letter I get from her since the first week in December.

    And then she says her passport is still at Union Buildings so that the name of the baby is included. It takes all that age to do a small thing like that. After having been separated for 8 months now, I feel poignantly why it is absurd for one to go back to that country – but for the fact that one has a mother to attend to.

    She is a poor correspondent anyhow, Norah and she might at least have dropped you a postcard. It is an inspiring note, the one you sent me, out of Race Relations News. A novel is slowly taking shape in my mind now as I write the present book, which contains a hotch-potch of introspective essays, including part of that thesis in South African literature. You once mentioned, after reading the thesis, the name of a South African lady who wrote a few things – who was it, and what titles can you think of of hers?

    The visit to Britain was both enlightening, stimulating and depressing. I saw among 10 plays, West Side Story and My Fair Lady. I made it a point to see musicals as you suggested, but I'm afraid I still cannot embark on one myself – my impressions are still too muddled. If Shaka Zulu doesn't see the stage in its present form, it seems it will have to go into the waste-paper basket.

  • 2005

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 459-460

  • Summary

    Johannesburg

    12 March 2005

    My Dear Stephen,

    But of course: let's sock it to ‘em. Am sending 5 copies. If you know someone in these circles, too, who can plug the idea of making Afr. Lit a teaching subject, we can get on to him. This would encourage more kids to take Afr. Lit – ie if it were to become a teaching subject. Wits does not print inaugural lectures any longer: stupid petty economies! A friend of mine who was at the lecture & works for SA Breweries as community projects adviser persuaded his boss that making copies & binding the paper was a community service! So there! I may yet become a beer guzzler (I & it don't agree) in order to keep community services going.

    Best

    Zeke

    Johannesburg

    22 March 2005

    My dear Steph;

    Thanks v.m. for the exciting news – wow! Who'd have thought that this dude could attract the attention of Olympia! May the gods be praised: that they are even prepared to defend a mortal like me! If I may sound a little vain: this marks the beginning of the Enlightenment in SA., two centuries after the European era. The idea of a schools edition & a gaudier cover & annotations & intro is an excellent one. David Ph … has been on to me – ‘came thro’ two days ago actually, to let me in on the news from you. So be it.

    Thought you might be interested in the enclosed which is our publicity puff. Shd you want a few copies … nay, why don't I just put in the few – for what they're worth.

    Muchas gracias una vez más,

    Zeke

    Chuenespoort

    5 May 2005

    Dear Stephen,

    Thanks for your letter keeping me abreast of the progress on your side & Penguin's. I'm well aware of your expeditions & thorough habit of work – intimidating for me, alas! Let the wheels keep grinding, the good times rolling …. Sure, keep the booklet as long as you want. The contents page looks quite impressive. I'm amazed you were able to fit in both ‘Mrs Plum’ & ‘Coming Over’, the two being such long stories.

  • 1944

  • Edited by N. Chabani Manganyi, David Attwell, University of York
  • Book:
    Bury Me at the Marketplace
    Published by:
    Wits University Press
    Published online:
    04 June 2019
    Print publication:
    01 November 2009, pp 31-32

  • Summary

    Dear Miss Taylor,

    Thanks very much for your very nice and encouraging letter.

    I conveyed to Mr Sehloho your best wishes and we are both all anxiety to attend the rehearsal on the 22nd June and help during the performances – this will certainly earn us invaluable and thrilling experience.

    I am glad that you appreciate my feeble effort at essay-writing and it gives me renewed courage to hear that I have good descriptive powers. I did once try short-story writing at college and won some first prizes, and I have been turning over in my mind the possibilities of success in this line.

    Two outstanding difficulties at once became evident: tuition – especially, who would undertake the task of teaching me, even if only the rudiments of the art; secondly, the commercial aspect of the art. The latter problem is made all the more acute because there is limited scope of short-story-writing (if any) in our weekly papers and what European magazines there are do not entertain publication of an African's efforts! There is undoubtedly quantities of material in African life for story-writing or play-writing, as you know, but, however much I crave to be able to put into writing, with all the passion of one who desires to tell a story, I feel my efforts crippled by the above factors – a grim situation, isn't it? I shall always welcome any advice from you.

    I was reading the other day a dramatisation by Virginia Church of Tolstoi's story, which I found immensely interesting, but I shall not hesitate to read Miles Malleson's play when you have found it. I shall also be trying (scour) the bookshelves for it.

    I am glad to inform you that a collection of plays has arrived at our library from the Public Library and so we have much to keep us busy.

    The verse will reach you under separate cover.

    Again thanking you,

    I am,

    Yours sincerely

    Ezekiel Mphahlele

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