PRINT SOURCE: Thomas Raddall Fonds, Correspondence. From Thomas Raddall to Mr. Scott Young, 2 December 1947. MS-2-202 43.5.
Subject HeadingsJust over two years after the end of World War II, T. H. Raddall offers Scott Young, an editor with Maclean's Magazine, his short story, "The Badge of Guilt". Raddall explains that he did not try to publish the story earlier because the central theme of the stresses war placed on personal relationships was still too sensitive for many people. He ends by stating he stands behind the merits of his story and offers Maclean's the Canadian magazine rights for $300.00.
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December 2nd, 1947 Mr. Scott Young,Editorial Department, Maclean's Magazine, Toronto , Canada. Dear Mr.Young, With regard to our telephone conversation of a week or two ago, I enclose a short story of mine entitled "The Badge of Guilt".1 I have been holding it as the nucleus or keynote of a projected book of tales dealing with what I consider the greatest theme of our time -- the scenes behind the war, and especially the comedy and tragedy of men and women under long physical and emotional strain, in places far apart, in conditions of separation and longing and alternate upheaval and monotony. During the war it was impossible to touch this theme, for one thing because we were all too close to it and it was necessary to have a certain space in which to look back and consider what was important and what was not. For another thing there was the attitude of false patriotism which insisted that nothing must be said or written about the home front except what was calculated to spur the soldier on to victory. All must be sweetness and light. None of this fooled the service men, who knew the world was imperfect and wondered why anyone should suggest that it was otherwise. I know, because they used to come up to my house to see what a writer looked like and to ask why we didn't write about life as it really was. This is no apologia. "The Badge of Guilt" conveys the very best of morals; and moral or none I consider it one of the best things I have done. Nevertheless I have a feeling that it's not meat for Maclean's. If you don't want it, send it back and I won't shed a tear. If you want it the price for the Canadian magazine rights is $300. |
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