6

April 2.1973

My trouble is, such a subject cannot be seriously looked at without intensifying itself toward a center which is beyond what I, or anyone else, is capable of writing of: the whole problem and nature of existence. Trying to write it in terms of moral problems alone is more than I can possibly do. My main hope is to state the central subject and my ignorance from the start, and to manage to indicate that no one can afford to treat any human subject more glibly or to act on any less would-be central basis: well, there's no use trying to talk about it. If I could make it what it ought to be made I would not be human.

James Agee - Aug 12.1938

from Letter to Father Hye p 95-6 (paperback) on the writing of Let us now praise famous men.

STATES

7

"When Americans went abroad in 1920 there was something romantic almost heroic in it, as compared with the perpetual ferryings of the present hour, when photography and other conveniences have annihilated surprise."

The Aspern Papers p 45 New Directions ed. - Henry James.

7.22.73

I hope I can standardize my view camera development and printing and use the rest of this book just for negative caption - identification.