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Yes. But Liveright told him he'd have to put some money in the business if he came. The reason I remember this so vividly is that his mother heard that I had been at Liveright, so she called me up to ask me could she trust this organization. I said, “It would be wonderful experience for Donald, but I would not recommend putting money in because you'll have a tough time ever getting it back.” I said, “I was lucky because I got the Modern Library.”
Well, she thanked me--but then called up my uncle in Wall Street to check up on me. She called him up about five minutes to three one busy afternoon. This is just before the market closes--you know, when all eyes are glued to the tape. My uncle was indignant. And what she wanted to say over the phone was: “Your nephew, Bennett, told me all these things. Do you think I can trust him?”
My uncle cried, “You damn fool! What are you calling me just before the close to ask me this? Of course, you can trust my nephew, and I don't know why he's wasting his time with you,” and he slammed down the telephone.
Anyway, Don Friede did put the money in.
Did Donald Friede finally leave when the Depression hit Liveright?
I've forgotten when he left. I think he got bored or Liveright got bored with him. By now Liveright was going down hill very rapidly. I think I told you that while I was
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