Hydra, 15 May 1975

Typed letter signed (“Leonard”) to Marianne Ihlen, Hydra, 15 May 1975. – IHLEN, Marianne (1935-2016). Typed letter to Leonard Cohen, Oslo, 26 May 1975.

Cohen's letter: one page, 290 x 215mm, three holes punched to margin; Ihlen's letter: one page, 215 x 300.

With two young children and at work on a book, Cohen tries to negotiate a schedule with Marianne for the house in Hydra. His letter, together with Marianne's reply, reveal the nuanced complexities of their relationship even half a decade after they parted. “I’m going to be needing the house for a while. I’m in the middle of a book and I can’t think of moving. If you are thinking of coming to Hydra for a long period I suggest you rent a house on the island, or look carefully for a small house which I would buy you.” He goes on to suggest a vacant house in Montreal where she could stay. He discusses finances and comments, “The money world is collapsing and things are tough everywhere as you know. I can’t move two infants around the world and this is the only place I can work. I need at least a year or two here.” He closes: “Let me hear from you as soon as possible. Phone me collect. The mornings are best. Everything will work out alright.”

Marianne replies in part: "I have been angry, depressed, upset, sad and mad ever since I received your letter, but after a weekend in the sun I feel much better about it. When Axel read the letter he only said: 'This is not the Leonard I know.'"

By descent from Marianne Ihlen.