P.W. "BILL" MANCHESTER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/28/1969 - HFSID 309283

P.W. "BILL" MANCHESTER
The dance critic writes to John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, thanking him for finding a review and expressing her dissatisfaction with Dance Encyclopedia
Typed letter signed: "PW Manchester", in blue ink, 1 page, 8½x11. March 28, 1969. New York City, New York. In part: "Dear Mr. Willis: Thank you very much for your nice letter of March 26. I am glad that the review came out at a good time for you because I myself had been feeling guilty that I had not been able to find space for it before. And believe me I understand your difficulties with the bios, having gone through torments with Dance Encyclopedia - dancers just don't write and that is all there is to it. And unfortunately the ones that do are always the least important". P.W. "Bill" Manchester (1907-1998) was a critic and writer. Named Phyllis Winifred at birth, the critic often went by P.W. or simply by "Bill", a nickname given to her by her father as a child. Her first published writings appeared in the popular Theatre World publication in 1941. She also published her first book, Vic-Wells: A Ballet Progress, shortly after. The book was the best non-fiction seller of 1942, and the writer became a popular voice in the dance scene. Manchester also wrote and edited for several publications, including Ballet Today, Dance News, and Dance Encyclopedia. In addition to writing, Manchester served as a lecturer on dance at the University of Cincinnati, a position she held for 24 years. John A. Willis (1916-2010), active in Theatre World from the beginning, became its chief editor in 1965, holding that position until 2008. Willis is regarded as one of the foremost theatre and film historians of the 20th century. While producing (and presenting) the annual Theatre World Awards, Willis also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. Theatre World, which received its own Tony for Excellence in Theatre in 2001, continues under chief editor Ben Hodges. Light surface creases. Normal mailing folds. Corners slightly worn and creased. Otherwise, fine condition.