Romain GARY is preparing the publication of his novel The Roots of Heaven.

Romain Gary (1914.1980)

Typed letter to her friend and agent, Odette Arnaud.

One and a half pages, quarto. New York. April 19, 1954

"I have big plans for this book."

Gary is preparing the publication of his novel The Roots of Heaven.

“My dear Odette, Two things. I will send you the first part of “ROGUE” shortly. The second part is still in its first draft and will undoubtedly take many weeks. I suggest you discreetly mention to Gallimard, in passing, that this first part is in your hands—as soon as it is. If they insist on seeing it, hesitate for a moment and then give it to them. Michel is, of course, the man for the job. Secondly, regarding the short story. I think that if “Table Ronde” is still considering it, it should be withdrawn. “Harpers,” rather surprisingly, seems ready to publish it in English (they are hesitating too!). On the other hand, if “Table Ronde” does publish it, I would like to: 1) change the names in the story (I would like to Germanize them a bit); 2) make sure they know that I am requesting proofreading. I cannot express how much I appreciated the care you took with this trifle.” I am delighted at the thought that "ROGUE" will be entirely in your hands. I have grand plans for this book. Above all, I want to avoid its being published first in French, but simultaneously in America, as the subject is a goldmine for cinema, and I allow myself, once again, to have high hopes for it. (John Masters has just sold his latest novel about India to Hollywood for $100,000). Give Monica my love. Yours very best, Romain Gary. (Dictated but unsigned).

We are attaching a carbon copy of a letter from Odette Arnaud to Gary, dated March 13, 1962, relating to an action by Gary against the Society of Dramatic Authors.

We are also including a letter signed by Monique Guibert to Odette Arnaud, dated February 6, 1962, on Gallimard letterhead, concerning Gary's contracts for The Roots of Heaven, The Talent Scout, Promise at Dawn and Lady L.

Novelist Odette Arnaud published several novels, including * Mer Caraïbe* in 1934 and *Pêcheurs de rêves* in 1936. She also wrote a biography of the painter Pierre Subleyras (1699-1749). She later became Romain Gary's press agent.