A Touch of Humility

A TOUCH OF HUMILITY

June 12, 1910

Gossett, Dunlap, and Doublesday Publishers
815 Park Avenue
New York, NY

Gentlemen:

It is with great pride and yet a touch of humility, that I send you the first
two pages of my manuscript Wycliff Nevers Opinion on Everything by Wycliff
Nevers. For years I have harbored the idea of this book, and now I'm ready, and
have chosen you as my publishers that we may prosper together.

The book will cover all phases of known knowledge from current world
problems to ancient philosophy, personal hygiene to horse breeding, politics to
classical literature, mid-evil fiction writing to odds at poker. Get the idea?
Everything! And, I've started. Note the enclosed two pages on "Folk Art in
Tyrolia". I have no idea how many pages the entire manuscript will run, but I
have recently bought four reams of paper and am prepared to use them all.

I do ask one favor in return. Because I plan on having many pictures
representing each subject, I would appreciate a small advance to cover the cost
of film.

Your writer,
Wycliff A. Nevers

GOSSETT, DUNLAP, and DOUBLESDAY

July 28, 1910

Dear Mr. Nevers:

It is seldom we see anyone with the audacious effrontery and insipid
acumen which you evince. The circumstances under which we would
collaborate with this undertaking are inconceivable. Our immediate counsel is
for you to seek a true vocational engagement and to desist in the discomposure
of our establishment.

Unfeignedly,

J. Alcott
General Manager
Gossett, Dunlap, and Doublesday

August 15, 1910

Gossett, Dunlap, and Doublesday
815 Park Avenue
New York, NY

Gentlemen and Colleagues,

I was most grateful to receive your letter of July 28th. Your words of
encouragement have removed all doubts that the task I have undertaken is too
extensive. I shall throw myself body and soul into the cumulation and completion
of this epic work. It is one thing for a person to feel gifted and yet quite another
for this to be acknowledged by his peers. Do not fear. When warranted success
comes to Wycliff A. Nevers, you will be proclaimed as my commensurable
adherents.

I am enclosing page 3 of my manuscript which is the introduction to
Tyrolian toll painting. Please don't correct the spelling as I'm attempting to
replicate the Low German speech enunciations.

Your writer and collaborator,

Wycliff A. Nevers

P.S. I think you overlooked including the advance check in your most cordial
letter.

GOSSETT, DUNLAP, and DOUBLESDAY

September 8, 1910

My Dear Friend and Partner Mr. Wycliff Nevers,

We received your letter of August 15th and were deeply touched. On
behalf of management and employees, I want to thank you for selecting us to
publish your works. That you would share the glory that will one day be yours
with our humble firm, has spread like wild fire through Gossett, Dunlap, and
Doublesday. We made several copies of your page 3, "Introduction to Tyrolian
Toll Painting", as all the employees were waiting breathlessly to see what magic
you had created. It certainly caused a stir.

Do not fear any of us here making any corrections of spelling or syntax.
One must not tamper with perfection. We all wait in expectation of your finished
work.

In regard to your request for an advance check. It is against our policy
under these circumstances to issue advanced checks. However, knowing your
need and the importance to the world that your works will be, we gathered from
our office employees the sum of $1.23 for your succor.

We do request that you do not communicate further with this office until
your entire works are completed. We do not want you to take the time that
should be expended on your momentous manuscript.

Go now Wycliff A. Nevers. Give to the world your inexhaustible
knowledge. Give them, Wycliff Nevers Opinion on Everything.

Your Disciple,

J. Alcott
General Manager
Gossett, Dunlap, and Doublesday

END

Story ID:	470
Written by:	Dick Dunlap (bio, contact, other stories)
Story type:	Fiction
Location:	Port Washington Wisconsin USA
Year:	1910
Person:	Wycliff Nevers