This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 20th day of June, 1942, before the Eleventh Annual Congress of the Association, in accordance with request made by those present.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Marion Wolfe, Lucy A. Cooney, Beulah H. Emmet, Ruth LeNoir, Beatrice & Richmond Seay, Eula Allen, Mildred Tansey, Lois Godfrey, Evelyn R. Gimbert, Mae Verhoeven, Gladys & Charles Dillman, and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the work of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., in studying and presenting the work of Edgar Cayce, especially as it relates to the publication of the book on his life and work THERE IS A RIVER, by Thomas Sugrue. You will discuss at this time the place of this book in relation to the growth of our work and the opportunity offered through it for greater service; answering the questions that may be asked.
2. EC: Yes - this discussion we have had before.
3. At this time, these as we find would be the indications of the manner in which a greater distribution of the book may be accomplished.
4. As has been indicated, there should be sent the announcement of the book, with a special letter to each individual who has at ANY time evinced an interest in the work of Edgar Cayce.
5. To each individual who accepts, or orders a book, there should go then the request that such an individual in his own community - if he finds the book to be worthy of consideration, and in keeping with his own ideals - ask his local book dealers and book clubs to give consideration to the regular edition of the book.
6. This should - and will, if it is conducted properly - insure that there be quite a demand for the book.
7. THEN may the members of the Association expect a lot of disturbing conditions! For, all will not accept same at its face value. Here and there, but not as much as may be expected, there will be criticisms.
8. Let especially the Christian Science Monitor be asked to write a review! This will have more influence, if it is published, - whether it be a scathing denouncement or a boost, - than all other of the reviews.
9. Let it be especially reviewed, of course, in the cosmopolitan papers.
10. But every individual ask that it be reviewed even in the school papers, or the county paper published once a week, once a month, or three times a year! For if the members of the Association - as persons interested in the Work - have found it good, don't be afraid to speak of it! If they have found same confusing, look it over again! If they have found it disappointing, think about it. If they have found it to be discouraging, forget it!
11. But try and forget it when it's being talked about!
12. Ready for questions.
13. (Q) First, the special edition to be published Nov. 12th. It is planned to send the personal letter, as directed, with the descriptive pamphlet. Give the basic thoughts which should be expressed in this letter.
    (A) This is the whole basic thought: Here is something to think about! You can expand on that all you want, and you have the whole thing!
14. (Q) Just what efforts should be made by members of the Association in securing a wide circulation for this special edition. Give suggestions for methods.
    (A) As indicated, - naturally, - as there is the presentation of this book to book clubs, book dealers, in every section of the country, this will increase the numbers of the special edition. Though it may delay, it still adds to and will make the greater contribution toward the sale of the book. But let none do it that are not personally convinced they would like to have their neighbor read it!
15. (Q) Are there any suggestions which may be given now relative to the choice of a color for the binding of the special edition and the design, if any, on it?
    (A) Let there be, at this special meeting of the Board, three appointed to select and make suggestions to Mr. Manager!
16. (Q) Are there any suggestions now through this channel relative to the color and design of the jacket for this special edition?
    (A) Leave this to the committee of three.
17. (Q) Are there any other efforts which should be made by members of The Board of Trustees or by members of the Association, in connection with this special edition?
    (A) Only as has been outlined.
18. (Q) Second, Trade edition of THERE IS A RIVER. Please comment on the following methods of assisting in the distribution of the trade edition, indicating the relative value and importance of these activities.
    (A) (Interrupting) These have been indicated in that outline given, as to where, who and what is the manner of the reviewing of same. The more that is said - good or bad - the more books you'll sell! That's what the publishers wish!
19. (Q) Should a personal contact be established with each reviewer, if possible, or the book sent and left on its merit?
    (A) From the very indication as given, that it should be given from the school paper to the better publications, let it stand on its merits! That which is good does not fail. That which is bad has no place in man's experience at this time.
20. (Q) Reviews in regular publications. Contacts of personal nature through members and friends wherever possible, - or should the book be left without any personal pushing in these directions?
    (A) These have all been indicated. Don't try to make other than - It'll cause ENOUGH stir, when there's even the first one sent out!
21. (Q) Just how far should we go in assisting the publishers with direct mail lists for circulars? What lists besides those of the Association would be most important?
    (A) Give all that you can find! Scrape 'em up from the basest heaps, and let the publisher stand on 'em!
22. (Q) What would be the best approach to secure reviews in publications of various groups and cults?
    (A) As indicated, ask those who have a book to have it reviewed, not only by his own book club and his own groups of every nature but others. And let it stand with them. If they are afraid, you be afraid. If they're not afraid, don't you be afraid. The book will speak for itself.
23. (Q) Would the plan of having members present book reviews before various groups in their cities be of help? Would it be wise to have some member of the Board organize and handle this phase of the work?
    (A) Hasn't it just been indicated, that this should be from the school to the Capitol? Don't be afraid of any of 'em! It must stand on its own! Let anyone who cares to review it, but don't try to put the words into their mouths! Let the book and the individual reaction speak for itself! Many will say it can't be true, but they'll try to find out!
24. (Q) What should be most stressed in discussions with the publisher regarding distribution and publicizing of the trade edition?
    (A) As has been indicated, if there is the response to the special edition, the publishers will try to find out what to do about the numbers being called for!
25. We are through with this Reading.

REPORTS

1. 7/29/42 GD's sample letter to members informing them that the book THERE IS A RIVER was published:
   Mr. James R. Ashley Evandale Road, Fort Hill Estates, Scarsdale, N.Y.
   Dear Mr. Ashley:
   At last our dream has been realized!
   The story of Mr. Cayce's life and work has been completed. We can now quote or refer to this book in attempting to explain to others the place the "readings" have filled in our experience.
   As you know, all phases of life - physical, mental and spiritual - are covered in this work. Many of those even who have had readings have only touched the surface. The book THERE IS A RIVER will enable every individual to get a true picture of the whole.
   When we asked in a reading how the special edition should be presented, the answer was given that the whole basic thought should be:
   HERE IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT! [See 254-113, Par. 13-A.]
   It was also indicated that the later trade edition will find ready reception because of the interest we, as members, will have aroused by this special edition in so many portions of the country, - "Not because of any special merits to the character depicted but because of the purpose that is told of. For, it is the season, the time when men ... everywhere ... are seeking to know the relationships to the Creative Forces, God; to the hereafter, and to much of that which is touched upon in the book itself." [254-112]
   The enclosed leaflet describes this book, the manuscript of which I have read. I feel it is destined to be one of the important books of all time.
   Sincerely, [Signed] Gladys Davis, Secretary Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated.
2. 2/12/43 See 341-50, Par. 9-A--11-A in re publication program.
3. 3/29/43 Milton W. Harrison's letter to HLC: "I have had a fine talk with William Sloane. He met me at luncheon several days ago and I think it is very resultful. He is an excellent fellow and I made a few suggestions for extending his appeal on the book consistent with his policy. It is indeed a great volume."
4. 4/01/43 HLC's answer to MWH: "I appreciate your following through on the idea of meeting and talking with William Sloane. I feel sure that your conversation with him will be helpful in stimulating his interest in the work. The reviews are continuing to beam in on the book. Outside of the N.Y. papers most of them have been quite favorable. Letters indicate that considerable radio publicity is also being given it. I go to Richmond Friday for my final physical examination. If I pass this I will be inducted into the Army one week later. This is a rather bad time for me to have to be away. I will keep you advised of what happens."
5. 4/07/43 EC's letter to [779]: "The representative of the Christian Century [Margueritte H. Bro] was here last week. That review will soon be out. Also an article in the same paper, so am told. Possibly you can get the local paper to print one of those with a bit of local color."
6. 9/29/43 Thomas Sugrue's letter to David E. Kahn re good points in THERE IS A RIVER for a movie:
   Dear Dave:-
   It occurs to me that if and when you talk with movie men (I didn't expect that to rhyme) about the Starling job, you could ask them about THERE IS A RIVER. They may not have heard about it, in which case I beg you to immediately act as my agent and tell them they are overlooking a book that is more naturally a movie story than any I have seen for a long time.
   This is not because I wrote it; I have written other books and did not feel this way. It was something I could not escape: as I wrote the chapters, the incidents shaped themselves into scenes, and I got in the habit of seeing Spencer Tracy in the role. I'm not movie-struck; I can't attend movies, as you know, except upon rare occasions. It is just that Edgar Cayce's life cries out for screen treatment in every one of its aspects, and it has many aspects.
   Consider what the reviewers said - that it is an "American Protestant miracle story." Is that not enough? Why go to Lourdes, when the same story is here, in terms of Kentucky farms, Texas plains, and the Atlantic tides?
   Edgar Cayce's life is the story of Everyman, magnified and projected against a backdrop of America. This is why I thought Hollywood's readers would seize upon it as a natural. The life of a saint or a martyr is thrilling enough in itself, but here is a saint and a martyr who is just an American guy, a Protestant, a married man - it is an ideal mixture of the American success story matched with the SPIRITUAL success stories of the saints. See what I mean? It is a love story, too, and in all of love's manifestations and nuances: love of a good woman, love of home and family, love of country, love of God, love of truth, love of integrity.
   So used have I grown to seeing it in terms of a motion picture that it is hard for me to believe that this is not to be - not to be in our time, I mean. The Cayce story will live, and be written and photographed a thousand times, after we are dead.
   Think of the scene when young Edgar rides in from the fields on a horse which has never been ridden: the consternation on the faces of the men - then, as the horse's owner mounts him and is thrown, the fear, the suspicion, the Devil-hatred. And the frightened boy, packing his things to go to the town, sick at heart for his "queerness".
   Think what the camera could do with a reading: as the words of diagnosis come from the sleeping man the camera can envision them - showing the scene of the fall from the carriage whereby Aime Dietrich was hurt, etc. If the scenario wants to take into account reincarnation the camera can trace a Life Reading as it is given.
   But I would think that reincarnation could be left aside and a simple, homespun document of a man serving God in a way not familiar to the people, could be made of this heart-breaking story. In Hopkinsville, before the bearded doctors in Bowling Green, in Selma, in Texas, in Dayton, at Virginia Beach - readings are given, and the pitiful things: the lame, the halt, the blind - see, walk, and live. Yet the eyes of the multitude are turned away, unbelieving.
   It is, you see, a great PARABLE, a great ALLEGORY, for our times: our age of skepticism, rejecting faith, rejecting God, rejecting miracles, rejecting His Sign.
   I am reading the lives of some saints now. It is amazing how many of them achieved their ends with the CHURCH in opposition to them as well as the people... St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Rose of Lima, St. Theresa of Avila...because saints are always different, and call men from accustomed ways that have become coruscated with earthiness and are no longer holy.
   Well, why should I have to pep YOU up about Cayce? But aren't you a little bewildered that the sharp-eyed folks in Hollywood haven't seen its possibilities?
   Always, Tom
7. 9/43 See CORONET article by Margueritte H. Bro, "Miracle Man of Virginia Beach," in 294-1, Par. R4.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation