American writer and poet (1904–1979) best known for his Studs Lonigan trilogy. Interesting collection of three TLSs by Farrell, totaling eight pages, 8.5 x 11, all dated November 19, 1944, comprising a six-page hand-corrected letter to the editor of the New York Times on "The Future of Books," plus two cover letters. The letter to the editor, in part: "This last week, I attended a symposium, conducted under your auspices, on The Future of Books. The persons participating in it are all well known in the book trade. First of all, let me state that I was rather shocked at the lack of preparation which these men revealed. I feel that any person who knows that a number of others will spend an evening coming to a hall to hear what he has to say on any subject should accept it as a duty to prepare himself systematically…At the same time that the book publishers spoke of the merchandising of books, most of the critics these days talk only of spirituality, of spiritual regeneration. The publishers—judging from this symposium—seem to think that the health of the book trade is dependent on sales: the critics seem to think that its health is to be found in the real or alleged spirituality of many of the books which are now being printed. This contradiction is so sharp and clear that it should be mentioned in public…It seems to me that the most important developments in the book trade of today were not discussed at this symposium. The book business had expanded enormously during the War…At this symposium, one of the most important questions of all was not really adverted to. That is the question of freedom, the freedom of the author to express himself, to say honestly what he feels and what he thinks about life. By the year 1944, I think that no one should be blind to the fact that the question of freedom relates to economy as well as to morals and spirituality…The realistic writers who have, up to now, formed the major tradition of American letters are being continuously attacked as men who believe that no human being anywhere has any freedom. And yet, it is these authors who have fought, who have struggled, who have maintained their freedom, who have set out to write in the face of opposition, and who wrote with the idea in mind that books were not mere merchandise. It is these men who have consistently tried to say that we must look at life, look at it with eyes that never blink…I think that the time is now here for some serious and all-sided discussions of these questions. And in conclusion, I do trust that the next time I attend a public discussion of this character, that those who speak will come systematically prepared. This is only fair to those who spend an evening listening…If they are to mean anything, let the speakers really prepare themselves. This, of course, is something elementary. It relates neither to merchandising, nor to spirituality. However, the elementary, the truism needs now and then to be stated in public." In one of the cover letters, addressed to "The Editor, New York Times," Farrell writes, in part: "The enclosed letter is self-explanatory. Needless to say, I write it because I think it includes criticisms and raises questions which should be considered seriously and objectively by the public, especially by the public interested in books." In the other, addressed to Robert Van Gelder, editor of The New York Times Book Review, Farrell writes, in full: "I addressed a long letter on that symposium The Future of Books to the editor of The Times. It is a critical one raising questions which I think need to be raised now. In my covering the letter, I stated that I was calling your attention to this letter because I thought that it might interest you." In overall very good to fine condition, with some creasing, wrinkling, and toning.Format: Letters