Letter

CO-2438 Kelsey, Vera. [Carta] 1941 Sept. 10, New York, NY [para] Maria Portinari, Washington, D.C. 2 p. [inglês][datilografado] Dear Maria You were lucky to leave NY today – that is, if it is cooler in Washington – for this has been one of the hottest, stickiest days of the summer. But any way I saw Peggy Lesser, our editor and I think every thing is going to work out very well. First, about the Carnival book. She was delighted with the new picture of Maria Rosa waking up and thinks it is going to come out marvelously in reproduction. She said to tell Portinari not to worry about the size and shape and so on of the book yet as we have all made so many changes that the plan will have to be made over again and as soon as she knows the details, she will talk with us all again about the appearance. She was delighted to hear that you will be back to see Mr. Macy in late September and at that time we can go into details about the limited edition for it will take her some time to get all the information she needs first. Second, about the brincadeiras book. All is well on the subject of payments. She will give and advance of $400 to you on signing of the contract and $600 when the illustrations are completed. We’ll talk later this week or next about the contract and then send it to you. Some particular information has to be secured first because of Portinari being a Brazilian and there are several ways it seems of working out the arrangement. About all the illustrations being in color – that will depend on how many illustrations he thinks of making. We thought it would be a good idea if he would send up as soon as he has time, a list of the subjects – games, festas, and other amusements of children he wants to include – and that might help too to determine whether they could all be in color. Also on the Carnival book – she now has all the illustrations and will have them photo stated this week and next week try to rearrange the story to fit them and when that is done it will be possible to decide perhaps what will be the best shape and size for the book. We are all anxious to get it in the works for it is going to take a long time to get it ready if it is to be as perfect as we all want it to be, I also saw Luis Jardim today. He is now finished with all his shopping and eager to get on the boat and return with everything to Rio. I will feel very lonely with you all in Washington and him gone for I have enjoyed seeing you so much. However, you will be coming up often and perhaps he will be coming back so in the meantime, I’ll try to do a little work. With all my good wishes to all of you. Vera