Chapter 8 December 1949

New York City 14 East Ninety-fifth Avenue December 8, 1949 to whom It May Concern: (It's unwise to keep using "you guys", and I'm aware that it's clear that the same people are at my service all the way.) Savage Lando's book arrived today, and I couldn't wait to open the "Roman Dialogue" immediately—two cities had just been destroyed by war, and the devastated people were crucified, begging the Roman soldiers who marched in procession , simply stab them to death with a halberd, so as to end this endless torture as soon as possible... Then turn to "Greek Dialogues", the situation has changed a hundred and eighty degrees: reading the eloquent words of Aesop and Rhodope Conversation, the only worry here is the fear of starving... I really like old books that have been read countless times by the predecessors.When "Hazlitt's Selected Essays" arrived last time, as soon as I opened it, I saw "I hate reading new books" written on the title page. I couldn't help shouting solemnly to the former book owner whom I had never met: "Comrade!"

Enclosed is a dollar, which Brian (the English boyfriend of the girl above Kate) says is enough to cover the eight shillings I owe you, you forgot to convert. Closer to home, Brian told me: Each of your households is only rationed to two ounces of meat per week; and each person is only allocated one egg per month!I was horrified when I heard it.He showed me a catalog. This is a British company based in the United States, which specializes in sending supplies from Denmark to the UK on behalf of people.So I'm sending a small Christmas present to Max & Cohen, hopefully enough for you all to share, because Brian told me that the bookshops on Charing Cross Road are all "very small".

I'll write on the package that it's you—FPD—who knows what your name is. happy holidays Helene Hanff New York City 14 East Ninety-fifth Avenue December 9, 1949 FPD!Oops! I've just sent the package, and it contains a six-pound ham. I think you can take it to the butcher yourself, and ask him to slice it and share it with you. But I just found out that your bills have "B. Marks, M. Cohen" stamped on them. Are they Jewish?Shall I hurry up and send some beef tongue? Let me know what to do! Helene Hanff Max and Cohen Bookstore 84 Charing Cross Road, West Central London

December 20, 1949 Miss Helene Hanff United States New York City, New York 28 14 East Ninety-fifth Avenue Dear Miss Hanff: Just to report that your gift package arrived safe and sound today and has been shared among you all.On the other hand, Mr. Max and Mr. Cohen insisted that it should only be shared equally by the employees, and there is no need to take care of the "boss".Furthermore, I want you to know that you have sent items that we have not seen for a long time, or that we only occasionally glimpse on the black market.It is very kind and generous of you to consider us in this way, and we are all grateful.

We want to thank you and wish you all the best for the year ahead. Max and Cohen Bookstore Sincerely, Frank Del