“By then, Stone knew that his old friend Bill Faulkner had taken Oxford international, even if it took some others awhile longer to figure it out. He knew first because he was the first person to read and realize that Bill Falkner was William Faulkner. The struggling writer made many trips up the front walk through the small yard and into the little building. Stone’s secretaries typed Faulkner’s first original manuscripts. Stone published his friend’s first works and the unknown author made many trips back down the steps after the news had not been good. The books weren’t selling. But Faulkner kept writing, and Stone kept believing in him. And then came Sanctuary.” – John Cofield
John Cofield is a HottyToddy.com writer and one of Oxford’s leading folk historians. He is the son of renowned university photographer, Jack Cofield. His grandfather, J.R. “Colonel” Cofield, was William Faulkner’s personal photographer and for decades was the Ole Miss yearbook photographer. Cofield attended Ole Miss as well.
Stay tuned for more information on Cofield’s forthcoming book: Oxford, Mississippi ~ The Cofield Collection — a pictorial history book with John’s writing on the history to go along with the photos.
Contact John at Johnbcofield@gmail.com.
