Box 2

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Written from Goldwin Smith Hall, Ithaca NY, in French, responding to letter from Ergaz about her commission, expressing confusion over her statement that half her commission is due from the editor, and asking why Girodias owes her money unless it is for services rendered? Some discussion of VN's short prose works and their publication history. Markings in pen.

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Written from Goldwin Smith Hall, Ithaca NY, in English, asking that he and Ergaz assess the status of the numerous ongoing contract negotiations, requiring from E. a list of the titles she has sold or is trying to sell and to whom, and explaining that VN would like to negotiate his contracts himself. Thanks E. for "amusing" clippings.

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Written from Goldwin Smith Hall, Ithaca NY, in English, asking that Ergaz call off a deal with Steimatzki (Israeli publisher) as VN has heard they do not always live up to their obligation. Pencil note (probably Véra's) explaining what came immediately of the letter.

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Written from Goldwin Smith Hall, Ithaca NY, in English, on various contract matters, including VN's intention to negotiate the Rowohlt contract directly with Hamburg, and continued Steimatzki mess.

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Written from Goldwin Smith Hall, Ithaca NY, in English, detailing VN's various grievances re: the Steimatzki matter, including suspicions that Ergaz is either acting carelessly or in cahoots with Girodias (as indicated by the fact that G. has seen at least one of VN's letters to Ergaz), and continued irritation with Girodias. Refuses to discuss any publication matters with Ergaz until the "Steimatzki matter has been taken care of to my satisfaction."

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Written c/o Putnam's Sons, 210 Madison Avenue, New York 16, in English, complaining about the "long introduction [to the Olympia Press Traveller's Companion edition of Lolita]. Discussion of which short stories may be published, and various translation issues. VN seems to have warmed to Eric Kahane, as the latter is proposed as possible translator for all of the texts mentioned in this letter.

Scope and Contents Written from Sedona AZ, in English, dealing with various issues under headings (CHAMBRE OBSCURE, GIRODIAS etc.). Is delighted with Gallimard's presentation of Lolita, rather irritably asks whether Frs. 20.000 is the customary honorarium for a short story by "authors in my category," asserts that the afterword to Lolita is famous and ought to be paid for, and discusses a possible Portuguese translation of ...

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Written from Sedona AZ, in English, with small portion in French, concerning translation and contractual matters. Documents VN's disillusionment with Ergaz and her underhanded strategies, as he continues to assert his intention of conducting all negotiations with publishers directly, reminding Ergaz that she has no stake in negotiations even with publishers whom she had introduced to VN.

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Written from Sedona AZ, in English, dealing with the "pirated" French re-publication of Laughter in the Dark by Grasset, especially Ergaz's lapsed rights in regard to that text and her (to VN) incredible assertion that she knew nothing of Grasset's plans until the book appeared.

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Written from Sedona AZ, in English, dealing once more with the Grasset pirated edition of Laughter, expressing VN's wish to prosecute this "monstrous" act, and refusing all compromise with Grasset.