Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

March 9, 1920 – [probably mislabeled]From “A Study in Literary Temper” by A.J. Nock, “-----I also have said publicly more than most to show that the civilization of Gradgrind, Chadband, Quinion, and Pecksniff is utterly impracticable and impossible. Still, good work, classic work, can be produced in that civilization; not easily or abundantly, but it can be produced ---------- I would like therefore to suggest to our younger writers that the best answer, the final answer to the challenge of Gradgrind, Chadband, Quinion, and Pecksniff is the production of classic work, and that this can be best done, not in the spirit of perpetual expostulation, but by serene disregard of the conditions whick Gradgrind, Chadbrand, Quinion and Pecksniff pretend to impose”[sloping line indicating the next section. Marked omit on the side]; And when I think of the opportunity that is afforded me daily to watch Gradgrind, Chadband, Quinion and Pecksniff at work, I think the above is one of the best pieces of advice I ever heard. That an artist should stoop to quarrel with the four worthies (bearing such delightful names) is an affront to his art. Sometimes as I watch the antics of Gibson, Nelson, Blackburn, Carpenter, & Mullins, I cannot help but feel amazed that these men are