The Trumpet of the Swan, 1966-1970 Summary and Analysis

E.B. White completes another children's book, "The Trumpet of the Swan," negotiates with would-be film makers for the rights to produce "Charlotte's Web," and maintains a rich correspondence with family and friends in the 1966-1970 period. Katharine's health improves somewhat, after undergoing seven major surgeries and four minor surgeries.

White writes to Maine Sen. Margaret Chase Smith urging her to defeat the Dirksen amendment on voluntary prayer in school. He points out that the Constitution forbids any activity that involves establishment of religion. In practice, such an amendment would tend toward the endorsement of Christianity, since that is the predominant religion in the United States, White says. The practice would make students of other faiths uncomfortable or embarrassed.

In a 1968 letter to his stepson, Roger Angell, and his wife Carol...