“Little did I think … that you would be the one to avert war. Thank you.”

In 1962, Joseph Heller was 39 years old and had just published his first novel, Catch-22, a satirical anti-war story set during the Second World War but critiquing America of the 1950s and '60s. It would become one of the most famous novels of the 20th century and would coin the phrase synonymous for a contradictory choice.

Heller’s publisher, Simon and Schuster, was also the American publisher of Bertrand Russell, and Russell was sent a proof copy of Catch-22 in advance of its publication. Russell loved the book, and his secretary, Ralph Schoenman, arranged for Heller and his wife to visit Russell and his wife, Edith, at Plas Penrhyn, their home in Wales, on September 17, 1962. At that meeting, Heller inscribed a copy of Catch-22 as follows:

To Bertrand Russell,

            Who has honored me,
            and has honored all mankind.

Joseph Heller

September 17, 1962
Wales

Heller’s feeling of ‘honor’ is also evident in his follow-up letter to Russell, dated October 31, 1962. He speaks of “the full measure of my awe and gratitude” and also credits Russell with bringing about an end to the Cuban missile crisis: “Little did I think when I gave you my personal assurance there would be no crisis over Cuba that you would be the one to avert war. Thank you.” (For background on Russell’s role, see the introduction to the telegram from John F. Kennedy to Russell). In his November 29th reply, Russell tells Heller that he would like to see him again either in New York or England; however, a second meeting would never happen.

Heller also wrote to Schoenman on October 31 and enclosed a clipping from the New York Post of October 26 that contains an account of Heller’s visit with Russell (both the letter and the clipping are in the Russell archives).

Russell’s copy of Catch-22, as signed by Heller, can be viewed at the Bertrand Russell Archives (Russ Lib 2036). His proof copy of the novel can also be seen there (Russell Archives, Box 2.3).

Sources: (1) Letter from Bertrand Russell to Joseph Heller, 29 November 1962 (Bertrand Russell Archives, Box 10.48, Document 110803). (2) Letter from Joseph Heller to Ralph Schoenman, 31 October 1962 (Bertrand Russell Archives, Box 10.48, Document 110800).