Elizabeth Nowell, the editor of these letters, was Thomas Wolfe's agent. She knew him throughout his career; they had a close working relationship. "During the early years of their association [c.1934], Miss Nowell would go across the Brooklyn Bridge to Wolfe's apartment on Columbia Heights at night, bringing with her a tin of Lucky Strikes--'flat fifties' they were called in those days--which she and Wolfe would finish off while they worked."

Nowell had a wonderful sense of humor; she worked hard for her authors and she knew Wolfe and his work well. If you are a Thomas Wolfe fan, don't miss this edition of his letters. ( )