Arthur Mendel (1905–79) was a music scholar, editor, and conductor. He graduated from Harvard in 1925 and studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris from 1925 to 1927. He served as an editor at G. Schirmer, the American Musicological Society, and Associated Music Publishers and prepared editions of a number of baroque compositions, including Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion. He conducted the Cantata Singers in New York and taught at the Dalcroze School of Music and the Diller-Quaile School. In 1952 he was appointed professor of music at Princeton University and taught there until his retirement in 1973. RK's letter to Mendel and his wife indicates a personal friendship between them, and it is interesting to read that RK had some difficulties with Knopf with regard to publication of the Scarlatti book. Princeton University Press did publish the book, to much acclaim, and it was translated into a number of languages.

March 6, 1952

Dear Elsa & Arthur,

Thanks for the note from Mrs. Burrows. I am delighted to know she is still alive. Your note also affords me the belated occasion to congratulate you and Princeton. I am very happy about it.

Knopf has completely ditched the Scarlatti book, without much show even of responsibility. Oxford in England has paid it many compliments, including those of E. J. Dent, who read it for them, but I have no definite word from them as yet. It is very difficult for a spoiled and pampered performer at last to share the lot of the writer and composer.

When I first began to have difficulties, Oliver Strunk suggested submitting it to Princeton Press—so you may see me out there some day—that is if you have time these days to see anyone not directly involved with what must be a fantastic amount of work for you.

My best greetings,

As ever,

Ralph