Plzeň, 26 Nov. 1942
Dear Dr. Kopecký,
I immediately sensed when I saw in the Sunday issue of the daily Lidové noviny Martínek’s review of Lesař’s book that this was something that had a reasonable explanation and was due to problems of the editorial office, divided into two if not more places. Although I had already read the novel, I still hadn’t started the review, and so I didn’t even have to regret the time lost. Anyways, I would have had the review published in your magazine. No harm was done, so don’t worry about me.
I’ve also read Horst’s Silent Crimes; it’s nothing great, and worse than his earlier books, especially the first one. I could send you a review after Sunday; just so that no one else writes it again. If not, you don’t have to let me know; I will regard your silence as an invitation for me to send the manuscript. (Wouldn’t it be crazy if you had to spend time writing letters regarding every literary contribution to your magazine!)
However, I consider the task of writing about Schulz’s novel as (illegible) unnecessary; just reading that thick book is a challenge, especially in terms of the time it will take. But I would like to accept your invitation; though if someone else is particularly eager for

the job, please give it to him. Even so, I will read the book out of my own interest. You don’t even have to send it as I have it here in the library. Again: if you insist on your invitation, that’s enough for me. But if you decide otherwise, please let me know!
Cordially yours,
B. Polan