Shadow Publishing
Evan Roth
11
Telegram Square
New York,
NY
February 3,1943
A.J.
Ayers
2944 7th Ave.
New York,NY
Mr. Ayers,
Your publisher, Mr. Weiss, a very old and
trusted friend, told me you were going to write. I understand you are
researching the circumstances surrounding the death of Perceival York for your
next book. In answer to your first question, yes, I still have all the letters he wrote me
after his move to
Vermont
as well as his last (as yet) unpublished manuscript.
Your next question: What was the cause of his death?
A: The inquest returned an official verdict of heart failure which was in my
opinion a convenient though inaccurate truth. I discovered his body. He died of
fright.
As to the rumors of his alleged insanity I can only share what I know of his
experience the year before he died. What I now believe to be true based on the
night I spent in that house. You must draw your own conclusions. I trust you are
aware that my solicitors will review the contractual agreement before I allow
full access to York's manuscript, research notes and letters? However, as a
gesture of good faith I am sending edited copies of the first letters I received
from York. If you also interested in information concerning the early years of
his career you need only ask. Remember, Ayers, I am not a fan of sensationalism and I retain the right
to edit and revise your finished work as I see fit.
Sincerely,
Evan Roth