Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1953 Dear Dr. Federn: I just finished reading your letter. It quieted me down, because I was afraid not hearing from you so long, and knowing that you starve yourself already for years. But I have only a respite in my fear for you, because you declared yourself a moribund and do everything to shorten your existence, though you are afraid to face the consequences. Still I admire you that in such circumstances you have been more productive than many others, myself included: you published mother’s poetry; you published father’s book; you translated it; and knowing your manner of work, I know how painfully exacting you have been; and no wonder that you see errors or omissions where other do not see them. I wish you could come and spend time with us. My wife would certainly prepare for you the most delicious meals, still not overstepping your prescriptions concerning “allowed” and “not allowed.” The only difficulty is the staircase from the living quarters in our house to the bed rooms. If you could manage these ca. fifteen steps, you would certainly enjoy a little change. We can heat the house to your own preference of temperature, so you would not freeze. The fall is beautiful here. And you would find interest in many things you would hear and read here. The library is very good. It could mean a resurrection for your spirit and body. If you have not enough will power to come over (your brother could drive you here, it is one hour from Washington Bridge), and you could use some help through encouragement, my wife and myself would come to you and spend an hour to bolster your decision to spend a vacation with us. For your mind’s sake you need a change, and also a contact with human beings who understand you. If God helps, it can happen that three books will be ready for 1954 publication: (“Earth in Upheaval,” “Stargazers,” “Ages II”) And besides, The Orbit, and Saturn and Jupiter, are partly written. Leaves of Akhnaton and Oedipus, and a few others to follow. I am invited by the Graduate Students Forum of Princeton to read before them (guests admitted) on Wedn., Oct. 14, in an auditorium that takes up to 300 people. I intend to read: “Worlds in Collision in the light of new finds in Archaeology, Geology, and Astronomy.” I wished to add also: “Refuted or verified?”, but the title will be too long. I look forward to this occasion and I have certainly a lot to say. Then there will be a question or debate period. Now, think over our proposition—think of the quaker-oats that my wife made so good to your taste—and write a positive answer. Cordially yours, Immanuel Velikovsky