COVE

June 6, 1928

Dear Robert,

Congratulations on your new home! My hope was to help you fill those lovely shelves in your living room with color and culture, and there’s nothing like thirty red books to brighten a room. I know you’ll still be traveling often, so I thought these books would make the perfect companion. They’ll fit in your pocket when they aren’t decorating your home, and that way you can always be with “A Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse–and” me!

It gives me comfort to think of you with the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám in your breast pocket while you travel. You know, of course, that is my favorite poem and I hope you won’t mind me ardently recommending that you begin with this book.

Especially as you travel and find your place in the world, I hope this book will keep you good company. A good friend reminds one to question what they want, that one might better understand oneself. I think FtizGerald can be that friend to you, dear Robert. 

In such complicated times as these, I do worry about you going abroad. But knowing that you’re venturing to the home of the Pre-Raphaelites does stir some jealousy in me! You know I adore them! In fact, I think that their style greatly influenced the art of the lovely little woodblock illustrations. You simply must tell me which is your favorite! On a quick turn through the pages, I believe that my favorite may be the one above ruba’i LXXX, on page 48. The way she looks out so strongly at the reader is quite startling! There’s such emotion in those light eyes, and I love the way the artist rendered the roses. What do you think?

With love and “sans End!”
Edith