December

27th

1938

Mr. Bennett Cerf

Random House, Inc.

20 East 57th Street

New York, New York

Dear Bennett Cerf:

I learned from Madden that you are waiting for the last minute corrections of “Pastor Hall”. There is a mistake. If there are alterations, they will be only slight ones, as are usually made in proofs by the author. There will not be any alterations which will augment the costs of correction unreasonably. I therefore think you ought to print the two plays as quickly as possible.

There are reasons which make it advisable that the book be published during the early winter. Perhaps you don’t know that even if my plays are not done in New York, they are done all over the country by repertory groups, amateur groups, universities and high schools. When do you think is the earliest date of publication?

I would like to see you some time to discuss with you the work I have in mind and that which is prepared. With all good wishes for 1939,

Yours sincerely,

Ernst Toller

ET: ws

Encl.