Correspondência

CO-2439 Kelsey, Vera. [Carta] 1941 Sept. 24, New York, NY [para] Maria Portinari, Washington, D.C. 2 p. [inglês][datilografado] Dear Maria: Letters to you seem to fall into space, but I hope you will answer soon the one on the form of contract you prefer for Brincadeiras. Because something has come up just now which requires an immediate decision and as I was afraid that a letter about it might not receive an immediate answer, I have taken the responsibility with Mrs. Lesser, of deciding what to do. We do not want, however, to do anything concerning Maria Rosa without your knowing about it, so this letter is to tell you. The point is that Harper’s Bazaar having heard about Maria Rosa asked for permission to reproduce some of the illustrations in its Christmas 1941 issue. As this would mean that the December number would be on the stands in the middle of November, both Mrs. Lesser and I felt it would be most unwise to accept the offer. For one reason, Americans read very quickly and might begin asking the book stores for copies and when they were disappointed would not be interested later when the book actually comes out. For another, publicity so long in advance would be of very little value, and for our third reason, we thought that it might be possible to persuade Harper’s Bazaar to defer the article with Portinari’s illustrations until the Easter issue, which would come out in very good time to tie up with the publication of Maria Rosa. Harper’s Bazaar would, of course, have aid for the use of the illustrations, but we figure that the money gained at this time be more than lost in the end. I hope you will feel that we have made the best decision for all concerned. I know that you and Portinari and your little monkey must all be very busy, but please remember that the contract on Brincadeiras cannot be drawn up until we hear from you. Best wishes, Vera Kelsey