Whispers across the Green

It goes without saying that given the attention Foote devoted to the the topography and correspondence of the civil war it is reasonable to assume that he could've written ten or more novels about the conflict all on par with Shiloh. I am not sure about the significance of that qualification. I also tend to think he wouldn't have produced a tome of the rank of The Sound and The Fury (who has, I ponder). The interviews with Foote reveal this arduous struggle to not only share with Faulkner but to supercede him. They met, of course, spending a few afternoons togethers, visiting bootleggers (for Bill's thirst) and haphazard attempts at tennis.

I discussed with Joel that Foote hasn't publsihed any new material since the last volume of the Narrative was published in 1973. Joel remarked that once those ideas are crystallized it isn't momentum which will result in subsequent production. He also related how a peer was at publishing cocktail party and met this elderly lady, whom she felt was important but couldn't identify her. The pleasant lady told Joel's friend that all was well and that her new book was coming out soon. A short time later the friend asked one of the hosts about the lady of importance. It was, in fact, Harper Lee and he quipped, she had been saying that spiel about her next book for 30 years now.