Letter from Sigmund Freud to Ernest Jones, July 14, 1921

14 July 1921
Vienna, IX. Berggasse 19

Dear Jones,

On the eve of my departure for Badgastein (Villa Wassing) I got hold of the Mass ψ the first copy of which I am sending you by the means of Mr. Strachey. He is bringing the English translation of the same with him and I beg you to be kind to him and his wife.

I could only go through the first half of the translation shortly before I broke off, the latter is the more difficult one. I found it absolutely correct, free of all misunderstandings and I hope the rest will prove the same. I am no judge of the style, it seemed to me plain and easy, your claims for elegance may be stronger than mine. In any case, dont be too hard on him, it is not easy for us to get efficient translators. Even Miss Hubback whom you praise so much, could not avoid errors and serious misconceptions as Hiller and Anna pointed out to me.

Strachey and his wife might become very useful to you. They are exceptionally nice and cultured people though somewhat queer and after having gone through their analysis (what is not yet the case) they may become serious analysts. Perhaps he is the man to assist you in editing the Journal and both would be fit to take an active part in the management of the Brunswick place.1 This is left to their further development, for the moment their conviction is not yet completely assured. I have to warn you that they are rather sensitive and critical. But they are not to be rebuked, they are good stuff.

I will write you more from Gastein and perhaps expect a letter of yours. The circular correspondence has evidently slain the private one.

With kind love for you and your ladies

yours as ever

Freud