Simon Baruch to Cary T. Grayson

Title

Simon Baruch to Cary T. Grayson

Creator

Baruch, Simon, 1840-1921

Identifier

WWP22173

Date

1920 May 30

Source

Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

Language

English

Text

My Dear Doctor Grayson

May I much thank you for the article you were good enough to send me on The Therapeutic Value of Reading—It testifies to your sound clinical sense & I believe it is the first contribution on the subject.

It brought to mind my discussion with Joseph Hoffman’s (now a great pianist) manager and lawyer, whom I pronounced unfit without damage for the work he was doing as a prodigy at the age of eleven. A separate Committee of Specialists were appointed to decide on his discontinuing the profitable concerts; and I was invited to consult with them. They thought that the great prodigy would be ruined by suddenly depriving him of music—I asked them if they would advise a neurotic lawyer to take a vacation and study “Blackstone” as a recreation. The consultation broke up at 2 A—M. The experts recommended that Joseph should play at least one concert a week & I held that he needed the recreation of a boy. My opinion prevailed & was confirmed by Prof Mendel of Berlin who did not allow him to touch a piano for two years. That saved the world a great pianist.

I was extremely gratified by our dear President’s action toward my boy Bernie & I am sure that you were made happy by it too.

Lest my long letter may prove irksome I shall close with best regards to your Mrs Grayson—

Cordially Yr

S Baruch

Original Format

Letter

To

Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938

Files

http://resources.presidentwilson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/D04106.pdf

Citation

Baruch, Simon, 1840-1921, “Simon Baruch to Cary T. Grayson,” 1920 May 30, WWP22173, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.