Then, there’s this Mr. Theodore Dreiser. As we say in this neck of the woods, in our uncouth manner, “He must be a bear-cat.” (By the way, I’d give a lot to know what “demiurge” means in the sense in which it is applied to him. Mr. Masters used it in The New York Times some weeks ago, and now I find it again in Mr. Powys’ appreciation. I don’t know what they mean.) Well, I’ve had his book, The “Genius,” for sometime, and mean to read it all as soon as I can get round to it. Perhaps I’ll know what “demiurge” means then—but I doubt it.
For all that I have said I would not have you think that I am wholly lacking in soul. I have some things in common with these fellows, for I have no religion or morals, and I enjoy getting drunk, riotously, gloriously drunk, once or twice a year.
And now, after telling you at more length than any decent person should what has puzzled me in your Review, permit me to say what I like. The first part of your own contribution, “Life Itself,” strikes me as the real thing. I understand all that, being a common person. For the last part, as I’ve said, I know nothing of art, and life doesn’t mean those things to me, naturally. But I like it. I can, after a fashion, see how it might mean them. The review of Dreiser by Mr. Powys that I have mentioned already is good writing and good sense. How true it is, I am not yet in a position to guess. Then, Mr. Edgar Masters always writes vividly, deeply. I am glad to add “So We Grew Together” to what I know of his stuff. It is almost as good a portrait and short story as some of the best of the Anthology.
That fellow Ben Hecht can write. Personally, I have a sort of leaning toward the dregs, but, as a general thing, I don’t know that there’s much use in writing about them just so. But he’s certainly good. He can write. I never heard of him before, but I shall look out for him in future.
For the sake of what I find good I’m willing to put up with what I fail to grasp, and so I look forward to much pleasure and instruction from The Little Review. Luck to it. As long as you, Miss Lowell, Mr. Masters, and Mr. Hecht contribute, so long will it be cheap at any price. And, who knows? I may yet learn from my friend Mr. Kaun the hidden beauties of a singular subject with a plural verb.
The January-February Issue
On account of having no funds during January we have been forced to combine the two issues. Subscriptions will be extended accordingly.
FINE ARTS THEATRE
For TWO WEEKS, Beginning
January 17, 1916