TLS with a 12-line handwritten postscript. (“Scotty”). 3pp. 4to. New Preston, November 22, 1978. On his professional stationery. A rich and revealing letter about his book, dealing with publishers, a friend’s book review, plus a lengthy discussion on the scientific backing of therapy, good versus bad therapists, and the discipline of psychotherapy. “One of my fellow classmates of whom I used to be in awe because he could spout off articles and their authors by the hour, and clearly had read at least ten times as much as I in the field of psychiatry; the only problem was that his patients kept committing suicide and mind didn’t… In everything we do, we are a witness for good or for bad, and in everything we do, we are a psychotherapist for good or for bad.”
TLS with a 10-line handwritten postscript. (“Scotty”). 1p. 4to. New Preston, April 1, 1979. Asking for copies of a pamphlet “Joy” to share with others and book sales that remain slow but steady. Announcing his first sermon in Buffalo and joking that he might become ordained before he’s baptized.
ALS. (“Scotty”). 1p. 4to. New Preston, November 9, 1979. “Don’t ever worry about becoming torrid at least with me”
TLS with a 10-line handwritten postscript. (“Scotty”). 2pp. 4to. New Preston, June 10 & June 16, 1980. Writing from the hospital where he is awaiting tests and discussing his medical condition and altered travel plans. Peck notes publishers’ rejection of his book People of the Lie, other works ready to be published and exploring the idea of creating his own publishing house. The June 16 postscript informs Sister Ellen of his hospital release adding that his medical situation was a “spiritual exercise.”
TLS with a 9-line postscript. (“Scotty”). 2pp. 4to. New Preston, September 15, 1980. “The Road Less Traveled went into its third printing while I was away (paperback) and there should be a fourth printing before the end of the year.” Regarding a book on evil, an exorcism in Seattle, an upcoming conference on pastoral counseling, and Sister Ellen’s book. Peck will be lecturing in Maryland on “Spirituality and Sexuality: Kissing Cousins” at a conference with speakers Ramsey Clark and Harvey Cox.
ALS. (“Scotty”). 1p. 4to. New Preston, May 10, 1982. On his professional stationery. Jocular letter about debts and Sister Ellen’s responsibilities.
ALS. (“Scotty”). 1p. 4to. N.p., July 8, 1983. “…As I said, you look well – even younger and ever more powerful. You have the power of Christ in you. Do not worry about the Order falling apart under your leadership. It is just pruning. It is a very important Order, and it will do well…”
TLS. (“Scotty”). ½p. 4to. New Preston, August 18, 1983. About attending an upcoming conference in Danbury, CT.
ALS. (“Scotty”). 1½pp. 4to. New Preston, January 12, 1985. Enclosing a copy of a fundraising letter for the Foundation for Community Encouragement described as “our real advent baby” and “his primary current interest.” Working on a draft of Community Making and Peace. With a four-page photocopied typescript. 4to., N.d., New Preston, entitled, Foundation of Community Encouragement and a two-and-one-half-page photocopied letter from Peck to The Vestry, New Preston, April 23, 1984, and a form letter. 1p. 4to. Knoxville, N.d. On Foundation of Community Encouragement, Inc. stationery with a brief holograph PS to Sister Ellen.
Form letter. 2pp. 4to. New Preston, N.d. On M. Scott Peck’s personal stationery. To Ruth, a nun of the order of St. Helena sending her a 2003 CD “Free Will,” (included). With a lengthy, 26-line handwritten signed postscript (“Scotty”) discussing the music on the CD, with his own song, Handel’s Messiah, and an upcoming biography By God Possessed.
Raised a Protestant and sent to a New York City Quaker school, Peck became interested in Buddhism as a young adult and explored a variety of religions before committing to Christianity in his 40s. While earning his medical degree, he enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War and headed the psychology department of the United States Medical Center at Okinawa before working as assistant chief of psychiatry for the Surgeon General. Returning to civilian life, he established a private psychiatry practice in Connecticut. In 1978, he published the spiritual self-help book The Road Less Traveled, which discusses the psychology of spiritual growth. To boost sales, Peck sent a copy of a review that appeared in The Washington Post to newspapers around the country and, within three years, the book became a bestseller and remained so for 13 years, selling more than 10 million copies. Peck penned several follow-up books, Further Along the Road Less Traveled and The Road Less Traveled and Beyond as well as books on other topics related to behavioral health and spirituality including People of the Lie: Toward a Psychology of Evil in 1983, What Return Can I Make? Dimensions of the Christian Experience in 1985 and Glimpses of the Devil: A Psychiatrist’s Personal Accounts of Possession, Exorcism and Redemption, published in 2005, shortly before his death. In 1984, Peck established the nonprofit Foundation for Community Encouragement and, reflecting his interest in community building, penned The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace in 1987.
Peck’s ongoing spiritual journey included frequent retreats at the Hudson Valley Convent of Saint Helena Vails Gate, New York, of which our correspondent was a member. It was there, in March 1980, that he was baptized by a North Carolina Methodist minister, which is referenced in our correspondence.
Stephen is the author of several books including Vessel of Peace: A Guide for Pilgrims of the Spirit, Together Apart and The Poet’s Eye as well as the play Hildegard: Sybil of the Rhine.
Our archive of warm and revealing letters provides a fascinating glimpse into the personal and spiritual life of this influential and controversial thinker. Normal folding and wear. In very good condition and rare.
