This letter appears in Anarchy Archives with the permission of the Emma Goldman Papers Project, U.C. Berkeley.

16. letter: Goldman, Emma to Dreiser, Theodore, Jun 29, 1927

Return address:
683 Spadina Ave.,
Toronto, Ont.

Delivery address:
200 West 57th St.,
New York, N.Y.

Dear Theodore Dreiser:-

They say that confession is good for the heart so I am going to confess to you that I was very disappointed and sad not having heard from you since we parted in Paris. I knew of course that you must be very busy, still I had hoped that you would drop me a line as to you success in approaching the publishers but you did not write so I concluded that you must have forgotten me. Imagine then the joy when I received a letter which you wrote to my friend Van Valkenburgh expressing such rine sentiment about my proposed autobiography and also enclosing your contribution to the fund that is not being raised.

I am not going to indulge in a lot of conventional phrases to convey my appreciation and gratitude. I hope when the memoirs will be written that you will feel rewarded for your interest and your friendship. I am hoping that other people will follow your fine example and that I may soon see my way of really starting to write.

I am not in the least surprised that six publishers refused to extend an advance on something which they were not able to see. I had expected as much. Frankly I am satisfied that no one has consented. I should have felt terribly bound and handicapped. Now when the time comes for me to begin the work I will feel free to write when the spirit moves me and not because I am driven. Thanks very much just the same for your efforts.

Is there any hope of you drifting towards Canada this summer. I should very much like to see you. Do come on a visit. Toronto is really very beautiful now and you will find a few people here who think much of you and your work and would be delighted to meet you.

Hoping that I might hear from you when you have time.

Gratefully,

G/R

Emma Goldman