VIENNA DIARY 1934

and the whole forms at once what is called a human document of rare poignancy and dramatic interest, and a book of some historical import­ance. Very few people have both money and leisure- and the will-to do this. I ve got this because of my profession. I rang up V[ictor] G[ollancz] on Monday evening, and asked if he d give me an advance on a-very hypothetical-book about it. He said he would, and I m going on that. I couldn t have otherwise. Simply as an observer I shall be some use, it s the one thing I m sure I can do well, though I don t think I m a good analyser. What I should like to do is to write a full diary every day, as truthful as it can possibly be. I shall type it on both sides of the sheet, so that it will fold small, and shall try and leave a duplicate with somebody-if I get my copy through, they can destroy theirs. But perhaps the whole thing is moonshine, perhaps there won t be anything to write down! If so, looking back on this afternoon from whenever it is in the future, I shall see myself looking a perfect fool. However, that won t be the first time ! Anyway, for what it s worth. I feel all thrilled now, screwed up like a child going to play Indians. Perhaps I shall be more grown-up by the end of it.