In May 1940, Diarmuid Russell, partner in a newly-launched literary agency, wrote to a relatively unknown Eudora Welty, offering to become her agent. This elegant portrait traces Welty's development as a writer and Russell's encouragement of, and devotion to, her talent. Photographs. "Beyond the portrait of an admirable relationship between author and agent, this work provides insight into the publishing world, the early views and prejudices toward short stories and writers from the South, the obstacles to getting published, and the individual struggles and writing habits of Welty. An enjoyable and enlightening contribution to literary history." -Library Journal