DAVID HOCKNEY

F: a letter from Norman Mailer

23 June 1989

Dear Stephen,

The idea for the book sounds like a lot of fun but I can’t join you. I’m working on a novel and it’s acting like most such creatures – insists upon being a wife. You poets don’t know how lucky you are with your one-night stands. This novel is a most possessive matrimonial partner and won’t let me out of her sight for even two days to let me have some fun with the letter F. Incidentally, I am sure you are aware what a compliment you are paying me with that letter – ahhh, the fonts of fucking. Ah, well, some pleasures one must wave to from afar. Give my best to Marguerite Littman when you talk to her next.

Cheers, Norman Mailer