Offa

14 January 1961

Dear Langston,

Thanks immensely for the records. These are superb recordings and are a worthy monument to your versatile capabilities. I shall treasure them, like your written work, till the end of my days. I keep thinking all the time what I've done to be placed at the receiving end of so much goodness, a thing my folk are so remote from.

I'm happy you have sounded out a friend about Fisk [University]. It has become an obsession with me and my wife now to come and work in the U.S. By June this year, I must be able to let my College know what my plans are. And then, as I'm thinking in terms of Oct. and Nov., immigration red-tape must be got over as early as possible. Then, there is a boat passage to book in good time.

Did I tell you what I'm offering? I forgot. Just in case: M. A. English Literature doing a doctorate thesis on Contemporary African Writing, Poetics, Practical Criticism, Victorian Literature, Contemporary African Writing, African Affairs are an extra interest for my junior degree.

So, whatever you can do for us by way for contacts, we shall be grateful.

The very best wishes for 1961.

Yours sincerely,

Zeke

Offa

22 January 1961

Dear Richard,

Your story about the woman and the rain is really good. Not so the fantasy. Ulli Beïer, my co-editor, thinks the same too. May I keep the fantasy – I'll tell you why later. The other will be published.

I notice you still tackle the story with the emphasis on atmosphere – a small incident with a slight plot built into something big-sounding through the echo of atmosphere. It's an interesting technique. One is almost inclined to think that if you tried the slow-moving big story, it wouldn't come off. But what the hell – you could try it – who am I to say this or that about a writer's capabilities!

I've been asked by Penguin to compile an anthology of contemporary African writing – fiction and sketches and essays. For its price, it can sell like hell in Africa, and we have a sure market already.