THE INTERNATIONAL PSYCHO‑ANALYTICAL PRESS«MDNM»

«FR»26 May 1922

«FL»Dear Professor:

«IP4,0»I received your postcard concerning the «MDUL»Sammlungen«MDNM», and also a number of heated letters from Mrs. Riviere.

It looks as if, unless the matter is grasped with a firm hand, we may drift into a condition of anarchy about it.  At present no one knows from whom to take instructions and different plans keep evolving about the arranging of the volumes, the order of printing and all sorts of technical points.  You, Rank, Mrs. Riviere, and I all have our own views, many of which are constantly changing.  It is plain that the only satisfactory way of working is to institute one definite head to be responsible for the editing and publishing, the unifying of style and terminology, and for the arrangements that make for order.  Otherwise there will reign unterminable [«MDUL»sic«MDNM»] uncertainty and delay.  We have a saying in English: "Too many cooks spoil the broth".

I had assumed that this role would fall to my part, both as editor of the Press and because I am probably in the best position to form an allround judgement in the many respects that have to be taken into account.  I should of course be grateful for any suggestions from Mrs. Riviere, and should doubtless accept most of them.  I also hoped, and have written to her to this effect, that she would be willing to undertake the reading through and correcting of the translations before I finally revise them; this I should then be able to do in a much shorter time.

She seems to be under the impression, however, that she is to replace me in this position.  If you wish this, then of course I will agree, but I cannot pretend that it will be with indifference.  I should not be able to work under her orders because of the impossible tone in which she issues them, and I also much doubt whether Hiller would consent to remain in his post under such conditions, though he works in admirable harmony with me.  For years I have dreamed, in spite of many disappointments, of being some day able to issue some of your writings in a form that would satisfy me, and this will be the last chance.

Mrs. Riviere asked me to allot her certain other articles for translation, which I have done by withdrawing them from three other people who, I hope, will not be offended.

yours always loyally  Ernest Jones