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Nile Kinnick correspondence, June-August 1942

1942-08-08: Page 02

it interesting throughout.  There is some argument as to just what its
theme is, but whether you think it a philosophical novel based on that
period of history from 1807 to 1812 and later, or whether you think
it seeks to prove a theory of history, or is just a long and complete
story of Russian life, it is magnificently done. It was so completely
human from beginning to end, presenting emotions and reactions so
familiar to us all. I marvel at the range of Tolstoy's interest and
knowledge, his incomparable gift of simple description of scene and
character. In just a few lines he could picture a scene or character
so that it was unmistakably clear. I liked the way he poked fun at
sham, pretense, and false heroics. He made some profound observations
on life and death, war and peace, love and hate, etc. as all great
authors are supposed to do and in which the real merit of their novel
lies. However, there was a little book written in the late 1800s 
which gives much more profound answers and answers that are scientifically
sound. I thought this sentence of Leo's quite good, don't you--"we should
never consider a man's greatness apart from goodness, truth, and simplicity."
Where does that leave Napoleon, Hitler, et al.
Bagatelles: The only cross country we make,mother, is so short 
that it isn't worthy of that designation, only lasts a couple of hours
or so. Note by the paper that Ernie Nevers is coming to Miami for
Officers Training School. Today is Ben's birthday, a date which I remembered with a letter to him written a few days ago. Have not yet received Churchill's Modern Contemporaries. Enclosed is a clipping about
Winston which speaks for itself. Truly he has endured much in reaching
his present place. Tough as his decisions may be, I bet he has the courage
apart from public opinion to do what he thinks best, which is more than
I can. cnfidently say in re; another prominent public figure heading
the gov't of a great country. Had a letter from Harold Heynon out in
Casper Wyoming the other day in which he wanted me to write a note of
encouragement to a young high school athlete wehom he thought had quite
a bit of merit and whom Haroldo said was an ardent admirer of mine.  It
has been some time since I have had such a request. Grandma indited
recently saying among other things that she enjoyed my reminiscing, but
that I should be careful not to look backwards very much, that forward
always should be the watchword.  Bless her heart, she is marvelous. Someday I would like to Write an article about her for the Readers Digest entitled
My Most Unforgettable Character. Also had a letter from Sid up
in Minn.--quite a surprise and quite welcome. She deserved a vacation
from all I can gather. My correspondence has kept up well, even increased since coming to Miami.  Have had letters latterly from Otto K.,
Clarke, Tait Cummins, Merle the Purl, and others. Shouldn't be surpised
if I amdelayed in KC on the way home.
In a rambling sort of way this brings everything about up to
date. Can't tell you how I am looking forward to getting home again.
How I am going to get to see all the people I want to and still spend
considerable time at home is going to present a problem.
Would sure like to hear from George again or is he back yet.
Much, much love to you all. Write whenever you have time.
Yours,
nile
PS--dear guz, I found a place last Wed. on the way back to the base
which served the best deep dish apple pie ala mode you ever put your
lip over. Wish you could have been on the stool next to me. it was
wonderful and the only thing that has really appealed to me in a good
long while, are you still a warden?

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it interesting throughout. There is some argument as to just what its theme is, but whether you think it a philosophical novel based on that period of history from 1807 to 1812 and later, or whether you think it seeks to prove a theory of history, or is just a long and complete story of Russian life, it is magnificently done. It was so completely human from beginning to end, presenting emotions and reactions so familiar to us all. I marvel at the range of Tolstoy's interest and knowledge, his incomparable gift of simple description of scene and character. In just a few lines he could picture a scene or character so that it was unmistakably clear. I liked the way he poked fun at sham, pretense, and false heroics. He made some profound observations on life and death, war and peace, love and hate, etc. as all great authors are supposed to do and in which the real merit of their novel lies. However, there was a little book written in the late 1800s which gives much more profound answers and answers that are scientifically sound. I thought this sentence of Leo's quite good, don't you--"we should never consider a man's greatness apart from goodness, truth, and simplicity." Where does that leave Napoleon, Hitler, et al. Bagatelles: The only cross country we make,mother, is so short that it isn't worthy of that designation, only lasts a couple of hours or so. Note by the paper that Ernie Nevers is coming to Miami for Officers Training School. Today is Ben's birthday, a date which I remembered with a letter to him written a few days ago. Have not yet received Churchill's Modern Contemporaries. Enclosed is a clipping about Winston which speaks for itself. Truly he has endured much in reaching his present place. Tough as his decisions may be, I bet he has the courage apart from public opinion to do what he thinks best, which is more than I can. cnfidently say in re; another prominent public figure heading the gov't of a great country. Had a letter from Harold Heynon out in Casper Wyoming the other day in which he wanted me to write a note of encouragement to a young high school athlete wehom he thought had quite a bit of merit and whom Haroldo said was an ardent admirer of mine. It has been some time since I have had such a request. Grandma indited recently saying among other things that she enjoyed my reminiscing, but that I should be careful not to look backwards very much, that forward always should be the watchword. Bless her heart, she is marvelous. Someday I would like to Write an article about her for the Readers Digest entitled My Most Unforgettable Character. Also had a letter from Sid up in Minn.--quite a surprise and quite welcome. She deserved a vacation from all I can gather. My correspondence has kept up well, even increased since coming to Miami. Have had letters latterly from Otto K., Clarke, Tait Cummins, Merle the Purl, and others. Shouldn't be surpised if I amdelayed in KC on the way home. In a rambling sort of way this brings everything about up to date. Can't tell you how I am looking forward to getting home again. How I am going to get to see all the people I want to and still spend considerable time at home is going to present a problem. Would sure like to hear from George again or is he back yet. Much, much love to you all. Write whenever you have time. Yours, nile PS--dear guz, I found a place last Wed. on the way back to the base which served the best deep dish apple pie ala mode you ever put your lip over. Wish you could have been on the stool next to me. it was wonderful and the only thing that has really appealed to me in a good long while, are you still a warden?