Following last Thursday’s post, my friend and colleague “Jolly” Jeet Heer graciously sent me the following letter, written by Charles Schulz to Walt Kelly in 1954. I’m not sure how much light it shines on what Schulz thought about how his strips would be read when collected (at least unless we read between the lines, as I invite you all to do), but it is definitely a fascinating glimpse into his mindset at the beginning of his career, and displays well his trademark humility and understated humor.

A transcription of the letter can be found after the jump:

Dear Walt,

Many many thanks for the autographed Pogo book. Of course, I had already bought one, as I do so immediately whenever you put out a book, but this will be a copy to show off to all my friends. I’ll use my first copy as a study book, and I’ll make notes in all the margins. My book is filled with so much bad work, that I would consider it presumptuous on my part to send you one. After the first book came out, I wished that they would put out another so that my more recent work would show up. Now that the second one is out, I am just as much ashamed. Where does it all end?

Incidentally, I was over to the Minnesota book store one day last month autographing books, and had student after student come up to me saying that Charlie Brown was their favorite after Pogo. You hang over my head, Walt. In fact, right while I was sitting there I glanced upward, and there were some Pogo mobiles floating directly overhead. I knew that it was a useless struggle.

Thanks again for the book. I really appreciate it. Maybe we could visit for a few hours the next time I’m in New York. Either that, or “maybe we can all room together next semester.”

Yours,
Charles Schulz

Labels: Charles Schulz, letters, Walt Kelly