BENJAMIN DISRAELI--THOMAS CARLYLE--AND OTHERS
Me. Disraeli's earliest appearance as an author had been with the novel
of "Vivian Grey," published after a brief visit to Germany while he was
still in his eighteenth year. Two volumes were published in 1826, and a
third volume, or continuation, in the following year. The work brought
the author some notoriety, but, as already noticed, it contained matter
which gave offence in Albemarle Street. After the publication of the
first part, which was contemporaneous with the calamitous affair of the
_Representative_, Mr. Murray saw but little of the Disraeli family, but
at the commencement of 1830, Mr. Benjamin Disraeli once more applied to
him for an interview. Mr. Murray, however, in whose mind the former
episode was still fresh, was unwilling to accede to this request, and
replied in the third person.
_John Murray to Mr. B. Disraeli_.
"Mr. Murray is obliged to decline at present any personal interview; but
if Mr. Benjamin Disraeli is disposed to confide his MS. to Mr. Murray as
a man of business, Mr. Disraeli is assured that the proposal will be
entertained in every respect with the strictest honour and
impartiality."
_Mr. B. Disraeli to John Murray_.
UNION HOTEL, COCKSPUR STREET, 1830.
The object of my interview with you is _purely literary_. It has always
been my wish, if it ever were my fate to write anything calculated to
arrest public attention, that you should be the organ of introducing it
to public notice. A letter I received this morning from my elected
critic was the reason of my addressing myself to you.
I am sorry that Mr. Mitchell is out of town, because he is a person in
whom you rightly have confidence; but from some observations he made to
me the other day it is perhaps not to be regretted that he does not
interfere in this business. As he has overrated some juvenile
indiscretions of mine, I fear he is too friendly a critic.
I am thus explicit because I think that candour, for all reasons, is
highly desirable. If you feel any inclination to pursue this affair, act
as you like, and fix upon any critic you please. I have no objection to
Mr. Lockhart, who is certainly an able one, and is, I believe,
influenced by no undue partiality towards me.
At all events, this is an affair of no great importance--and whatever
may be your determination, it will not change the feelings which, on my
part, influenced this application. I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
BENJ. DISRAELI.
P.S.--I think it proper to observe that I cannot crudely deliver my MS.
to any one. I must have the honour of seeing you or your critic. I shall
keep this negotiation open for a couple of days--that is, I shall wait
for your answer till Tuesday morning, although, from particular
circumstances, time is important to me.
Mr. Disraeli was about to make a prolonged journey abroad. Before he set
out he again wrote to Mr. Murray:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
BRADENHAM, BERKS, _May_ 27, 1830.
SIR,
I am unwilling to leave England, which I do on Saturday, without
noticing your last communication, because I should regret very much if
you were to misconceive the motives which actuated me in not complying
with the suggestion therein contained. I can assure you I leave in
perfect confidence both in your "honour" and your "impartiality," for
the first I have never doubted, and the second it is your interest to
exercise.
The truth is, my friend and myself differed in the estimate of the MS.
alluded to, and while I felt justified, from his opinion, in submitting
it to your judgment, I felt it due to my own to explain verbally the
contending views of the case, for reasons which must be obvious.
As you forced me to decide, I decided as I thought most prudently. The
work is one which, I dare say, would neither disgrace you to publish,
nor me to write; but it is not the kind of production which should
recommence our connection, or be introduced to the world by the
publisher of Byron and Anastasius.
I am now about to leave England for an indefinite, perhaps a long
period. When I return, if I do return, I trust it will be in my power
for the _third time_ to endeavour that you should be the means of
submitting my works to the public. For this I shall be ever ready to
make great sacrifices, and let me therefore hope that when I next offer
my volumes to your examination, like the Sibylline books, their
inspiration may at length be recognised.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
B. DISRAELI.
_John Murray to Mr. Disraeli_.
_May_ 29, 1830.
Mr. Murray acknowledges the receipt of Mr. Benjamin Disraeli's polite
letter of the 27th. Mr. Murray will be ready at all times to receive any
MS. which Mr. B. Disraeli may think proper to confide to him. Mr. Murray
hopes the result of Mr. Disraeli's travels will complete the restoration
of his health, and the gratification of his expectations."
Nearly two years passed before Mr. Disraeli returned to England from
those travels in Spain, the Mediterranean and the Levant, which are so
admirably described in his "Home Letters," [Footnote: "Home Letters,"
written by the late Earl of Beaconsfield in 1830 and 1831. London,
1885.] and which appear to have exercised so powerful an influence on
his own character, and his subsequent career. Shortly after his return,
he wrote to Mr. Murray:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
BRADENHAM HOUSE, WYCOMBE,
_February_ 10, 1832.
Sir,
I have at length completed a work which I wish to submit to your
consideration. In so doing, I am influenced by the feelings I have
already communicated to you.
If you retain the wish expressed in a note which I received at Athens in
the autumn of 1830, I shall have the honour of forwarding the MS, to
you. Believe me, Sir, whatever may be the result,
Very cordially yours,
BENJ. DISRAELI.
The MS. of the work was at once forwarded to Mr. Murray, who was,
however, averse to publishing it without taking the advice of his
friends. He first sent it to Mr. Lockhart, requesting him to read it and
pronounce his opinion.
_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
_March_ 3, 1832.
"I can't say what ought to be done with this book. To me, knowing whose
it is, it is full of interest; but the affectations and absurdities are
such that I can't but think they would disgust others more than the life
and brilliancy of many of the descriptions would please them. You should
send it to Milman without saying who is the author.--J.G.L."
The MS. was accordingly sent to Mr. Milman, but as he was very ill at
the time, and could not read it himself, but transferred it to his wife,
much delay occurred in its perusal. Meanwhile, Mr. Disraeli became very
impatient about the publication, and again wrote:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
_March_ 4, 1832.
MY DEAR SIR,
I wish that I could simplify our arrangements by a stroke by making you
a present of "The Psychological Romance"; but at present you must indeed
take the will for the deed, although I hope the future will allow us to
get on more swimmingly. That work has, in all probability, cost me more
than I shall ever obtain by it, and indeed I may truly say that to write
that work I have thrown to the winds all the obvious worldly prospects
of life.
I am ready to make every possible sacrifice on my part to range myself
under your colours. I will willingly give up the immediate and positive
receipt of a large sum of money for the copyright, and by publishing the
work anonymously renounce that certain sale which, as a successful,
although I confess not very worthy author, I can command. But in
quitting my present publisher, I incur, from the terms of our last
agreement, a _virtual penalty_, which I have no means to pay excepting
from the proceeds of my pen. Have you, therefore, any objection to
advance me a sum on the anticipated profits of the edition, not
exceeding two hundred pounds?
It grieves me much to appear exacting to you, but I frankly tell you the
reason, and, as it will enable me to place myself at your disposal, I
hope you will not consider me mercenary, when I am indeed influenced by
the most sincere desire to meet your views.
If this modification of your arrangement will suit you, as I fervently
trust it will, I shall be delighted to accede to your wishes. In that
case let me know without loss of time, and pray let us meet to talk over
minor points, as to the mode of publication, etc. I shall be at home all
the morning; my time is very much occupied, and on Thursday or Friday I
must run down, for a day or two, to Wycombe to attend a public meeting.
[Footnote: Mr. Disraeli was then a candidate, on the Radical side, for
the borough of Wycombe.]
Fervently trusting that this arrangement will meet your wishes,
Believe me, yours,
BENJ. DISRAELI.
While the MS. was still in Mr. Milman's hands, Mr. Disraeli followed
this up with another letter:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_
35 DUKE STREET, ST. JAMES'S.
MY DEAR SIR, I am very sensible that you have conducted yourself, with
regard to my MS., in the most honourable, kind, and judicious manner;
and I very much regret the result of your exertions, which neither of us
deserve.
I can wait no longer. The delay is most injurious to me, and in every
respect very annoying. I am therefore under the painful necessity of
requesting you to require from your friend the return of my work without
a moment's delay, but I shall not deny myself the gratification of
thanking you for your kindness and subscribing myself, with regard,
Your faithful Servant,
BENJ. DISRAELI.
At length Mr. Milman's letter arrived, expressing his judgment on the
work, which was much more satisfactory than that of Mr. Lockhart.
_The Rev. H.H. Milman to John Murray_.
READING, _March_ 5, 1832.
MY DEAR SIR,
I have been utterly inefficient for the last week, in a state of almost
complete blindness; but am now, I trust, nearly restored. Mrs. Milman,
however, has read to me the whole of the MS. It is a very remarkable
production--very wild, very extravagant, very German, very powerful,
very poetical. It will, I think, be much read--as far as one dare
predict anything of the capricious taste of the day--much admired, and
much abused. It is much more in the Macaulay than in the Croker line,
and the former is evidently in the ascendant. Some passages will startle
the rigidly orthodox; the phrenologists will be in rapture. I tell you
all this, that you may judge for yourself. One thing insist upon, if you
publish it-that the title be changed. The whole beauty, of the latter
part especially, is its truth. It is a rapid volume of travels, a
"Childe Harold" in prose; therefore do not let it be called "a Romance"
on any account. Let those who will, believe it to be a real history, and
those who are not taken in, dispute whether it is truth or fiction. If
it makes any sensation, this will add to its notoriety. "A Psychological
Auto-Biography" would be too sesquipedalian a title; but "My Life
Psychologically Related," or "The Psychology of my Life," or some such
title, might be substituted.
H.H. MILMAN.
Before Mr. Milman's communication had been received, another pressing
letter arrived from Mr. Disraeli.
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
MY DEAR SIR,
It is with deep regret and some mortification that I appear to press
you. It is of the highest importance to me that the "P.R." should
appear without loss of time. I have an impending election in the
country, which a single and not improbable event may precipitate. It is
a great object with me, that my work should be published before that
election.
Its rejection by you will only cause me sorrow. I have no desire that
you should become its publisher, unless you conceive it may be the first
of a series of works, which may support your name, and sustain your
fortunes. There is no question of pecuniary matters between us; I leave
all these with you, with illimitable trust.
Pray, pray, my dear Sir, do not let me repent the feelings which impel
me to seek this renewal of our connection. I entreat therefore your
attention to this subject, and request that you will communicate your
decision.
Believe me, as I have already said, that whatever that decision may be,
I shall not the less consider myself,
Very cordially yours,
B. DISRAELI.
And again, in a subsequent letter, Mr. Disraeli said:
"There is no work of fiction on whose character I could not decide in
four-and-twenty hours, and your critic ought not to be less able than
your author. Pray, therefore, to communicate without loss of time to
your obedient faithful servant.
"B.D."
On receiving Mr. Milman's approval, Mr. Murray immediately made up his
mind to publish the work. He wrote to Mr. Disraeli:
_John Murray to Mr. Disraeli_.
_March_ 6, 1832.
MY DEAR SIR,
Your MS. has this moment been returned to me, accompanied by a
commendation which enables me to say that I should be proud of being its
publisher. But in these times I am obliged to refrain from speculation,
and I cannot offer any sum for it that is likely to be equal to its
probable value.
I would, however, if it so please you, print at my expense an edition of
1,200 or 1,500 copies, and give you half the profits; and after the sale
of this edition, the copyright shall be entirely your own; so that if
the work prove as successful as I anticipate, you will ensure all the
advantages of it without incurring any risque. If this proposal should
not suit you, I beg to add that I shall, for the handsome offer of your
work in the first instance, still remain,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN MURRAY.
Some further correspondence took place as to the title of the work.
"What do you think," said Mr. Disraeli, "of the 'Psychological Memoir'?
I hesitate between this and 'Narrative,' but discard 'History' or
'Biography.' On survey, I conceive the MS. will make four Byronic tomes,
according to the pattern you were kind enough to show me." The work was
at length published in 4 vols., foolscap 8vo, with the title of
"Contarini Fleming: a Psychological Biography."
Before the appearance of the work, Mr. Disraeli wrote to Mr. Murray as
follows:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
BRADENHAM HOUSE, _May_ 6, 1832.
DEAR SIR,
From the notice of "C.F." in the _Literary Gazette_, which I received
this morning, I imagine that Jerdan has either bribed the printer, or
purloined some sheets. It is evident that he has only seen the last
volume. It is unnecessary for me to observe that such premature notice,
written in such complete ignorance of the work, can do no good. I think
that he should be reprimanded, and his petty larceny arrested. I shall
be in town on Tuesday.
Yours, B.D.
The work, when it appeared in 1833, excited considerable sensation, and
was very popular at the time of its publication. It is now included in
the uniform edition of Lord Beaconsfield's works.
During his travels in the East, Mr. Disraeli was attended by Lord
Byron's faithful gondolier, who had accompanied his master to
Missolonghi, and remained with him till his death.
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
DUKE STREET, _July 5_, 1832.
DEAR SIR,
I have just returned to town, and will call in Albemarle Street as soon
as I can. Tita, Lord Byron's faithful servant, and [Footnote: See note,
p. 259.] who was also my travelling companion in the East, called upon
me this morning. I thought you might wish to see one so intimately
connected with the lost bard, and who is himself one of the most
deserving creatures in the world.
Yours faithfully,
B. DISRAELI.
At the same time that Mr. Disraeli was engaged on his novel, he was busy
with another, but this time a political work entitled "England and
France: a Cure for the Ministerial Gallomania," dedicated to Lord Grey.
The first letter on the subject--after Mr. Murray had agreed to publish
the work--appears to have been the following, from Bradenham, Monday
night, but without date:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
DEAR SIR,
By to-morrow's coach, at your desire, I send you one-half of the volume,
which, however, is not in the finished state I could have wished. I have
materials for any length, but it is desirable to get out without a
moment's loss of time. It has been suggested to publish a volume
periodically, and let this come out as No. 1; so as to establish a
journal of general foreign politics, for which there are ample means of
first-rate information. I have not been able even to revise what is
sent, but it will sufficiently indicate the work.
I am to meet a personage on Thursday evening in town, and read over the
whole to him. It is therefore absolutely necessary that the MS. should
be returned to you on Thursday morning, and I will call in Albemarle
Street the moment of my arrival, which will be about four o'clock. If in
time, acknowledge the receipt by return of post.
The remaining portion of the volume consists of several more dramatic
scenes in Paris, a view of the character and career of L.P., [Footnote:
Louis Philippe.] a most curious chapter on the conduct of the
Diplomatists, and a general view of the state of Europe at the moment of
publication. Pray be cautious, and above all let me depend upon your
having the MS. on Thursday, otherwise, as Liston says in "Love, Law and
Physic," "_we shall get all shot_."
B.D.
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_,
_Friday_, 11 o'clock.
MY DEAR SIR,
I much regret that I missed you yesterday, but I called upon you the
instant I arrived. I very much wish to talk over the "Gallomania," and
will come on to you, if it be really impossible for you to pay me a
visit. I have so much at this moment on my hands, that I should esteem
such an incident, not only an honour, but a convenience.
B.D.
There seems to have been a difference of opinion between the author and
the publisher respecting the title of the book:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
DEAR SIR,
I have a great respect for your judgment, especially on the subject of
titles, as I have shown in another instance, one which I shall ever
regret. In the present, I shall be happy to receive from you any
suggestion, but I can offer none. To me the _Gallomania_ (or _mania_ for
what is French) appears to be one of the most felicitous titles ever
devised. It is comprehensive, it is explicit, it is poignant and
intelligible, as I should suppose, to learned and unlearned. The word
_Anglomania_ is one of the commonest on the other side of the channel,
is repeated daily in almost every newspaper; has been the title of one
or two works; and of the best farce in the French language. It is here
also common and intelligible.
There is no objection to erasing the epithet "New," if you think it
loads the title.
Yours truly,
B.D.
The three following letters were written on the same day:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_. DUKE STREET, _March_ 30, 1832.
DEAR SIR,
I am going to dine with Baron D'Haussez, Baron de Haber, _et hoc genus_,
today, and must report progress, otherwise they will think I am trifling
with them. Have you determined on a title? What think you of "A Cure for
the Ministerial Gallomania," and advertise, dedicated to Lord Grey? Pray
decide. You are aware I have not yet received a proof. Affairs look
awkward in France. Beware lest we are a day after the fair, and only
annalists instead of prophets.
Your very faithful Servant, B. DISRAELI.
_March_ 30.
DEAR SIR,
I think it does very well, and I hope you are also satisfied. I shall
send you the rest of the MS. tomorrow morning. There is a very
remarkable chapter on Louis Philippe which is at present with Baron
D'Haussez; and this is the reason I have not forwarded it to you. I keep
the advertisement to show them.
B.D.
MY DEAR SIR,
In further answer to your note received this evening, I think it proper
to observe that I entirely agree with you that I "am bound to make as
few alterations as possible," coming as they do from such a quarter; and
I have acted throughout in such a spirit. All alterations and omissions
of consequence are in this first sheet, and I have retained in the
others many things of which I do not approve, merely on account of my
respect for the source from whence they are derived.
While you remind me of what I observed to your son, let me also remind
you of the condition with which my permission was accompanied, viz.:
that everything was to be submitted to my approval, and subject to my
satisfaction. On this condition I have placed the proofs in the hands of
several persons not less distinguished than your friend, [Footnote: Mr.
Croker, with Mr. B. Disraeli's knowledge, revised the proofs.] and
superior even in rank and recent office. Their papers are on my table,
and I shall be happy to show them to you. I will mention one: the
chapter on Belgium was originally written by the Plenipotentiary of the
King of Holland to the Conference, Baron Van Zuylen. Scarcely a line of
the original composition remains, although a very able one, because it
did not accord with the main design of the book.
With regard to the omission, pp. 12, 13, I acknowledge its felicity; but
it is totally at variance with every other notice of M. de Talleyrand in
the work, and entirely dissonant with the elaborate mention of him in
the last chapter. When the reviser introduced this pungent remark, he
had never even read the work he was revising.
With regard to the authorship of this work, I should never be ashamed of
being considered the author, I should be _proud to be_; but I am not. It
is written by Legion, but I am one of them, and I bear the
responsibility. If it be supposed to be written by a Frenchman, all its
good effects must be marred, as it seeks to command attention and
interest by its purely British spirit.
I have no desire to thrust my acquaintance on your critic. More than
once, I have had an opportunity to form that acquaintance, and more than
once I have declined it, but I am ready to bear the _brunt of
explanation_, if you desire me.
It is quite impossible that anything adverse to the general measure of
Reform can issue from my pen or from anything to which I contribute.
Within these four months I have declined being returned for a Tory
borough, and almost within these four hours, to mention slight affairs,
I have refused to inscribe myself a member of "The Conservative Club." I
cannot believe that you will place your critic's feelings for a few
erased passages against my permanent interest.
But in fact these have nothing to do with the question. To convenience
you, I have no objection to wash my hands of the whole business, and put
you in direct communication with my coadjutors. I can assure you that it
is from no regard for my situation that Reform was omitted, but because
they are of opinion that its notice would be unwise and injurious. For
myself, I am ready to do anything that you can desire, except entirely
change my position in life.
I will see your critic, if you please, or you can give up the
publication and be reimbursed, which shall make no difference in our
other affairs. All I ask in this and all other affairs, are candour and
decision.
The present business is most pressing. At present I am writing a chapter
on Poland from intelligence just received, and it will be ready for the
printer tomorrow morning, as I shall finish it before I retire. I await
your answer with anxiety.
Yours truly,
B.D.
Mr. Disraeli was evidently intent upon the immediate publication of his
work. On the following day he wrote again to Mr. Murray:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
_March_ 31, 1832.
MY DEAR SIR,
We shall have an opportunity of submitting the work to Count Orloff
tomorrow morning, in case you can let me have a set of the proofs
tonight, I mean as far as we have gone. I do not like to send mine,
which are covered with corrections.
Yours truly, B.D.
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_. _Monday morning_, 9 _o'clock [April_ 2].
DEAR SIR,
Since I had the honour of addressing you the note of last night, I have
seen the Baron. Our interview was intended to have been a final one, and
it was therefore absolutely necessary that I should apprize him of all
that had happened, of course concealing the name of your friend. The
Baron says that the insertion of the obnoxious passages is fatal to all
his combinations; that he has devoted two months of the most valuable
time to this affair, and that he must hold me personally responsible for
the immediate fulfilment of my agreement, viz.: to ensure its
publication when finished.
We dine at the same house today, and I have pledged myself to give him a
categorical reply at that time, and to ensure its publication by some
mode or other.
Under these principal circumstances, my dear sir, I can only state that
the work must be published at once, and with the omission of all
passages hostile to Reform; and that if you are unwilling to introduce
it in that way, I request from your friendliness such assistance as you
can afford me about the printer, etc., to occasion its immediate
publication in some other quarter.
After what took place between myself and my coadjutor last night, I
really can have for him only one answer or one alternative, and as I
wish to give him the first, and ever avoid the second, I look forward
with confidence to your answer.
B.D.
Mr. Disraeli next desires to have a set of the proofs to put into the
hands of the Duke of Wellington:
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_,
_April_ 6, 1832.
MY DEAR SIR,
I have just received a note, that if I can get a set of clean proofs by
Sunday, they will be put in the Duke's hands preliminary to the debate.
I thought you would like to know this. Do you think it impossible? Let
this be between us. I am sorry to give you all this trouble, but I know
your zeal, and the interest you take in these affairs. I myself will
never keep the printer, and engage when the proofs are sent me to
prepare them for the press within an hour.
Yours,
B.D.
_Mr. Disraeli to John Murray_.
MY DEAR SIR,
I am very glad to receive the copy. I think that one should be sent to
the editor of the _Times_ as quickly as possible; that at least he
should not be anticipated in the receipt, even if in the _notice_, by a
Sunday paper. But I leave all this to your better judgment. You will
send copies to Duke Street as soon as you have them.
B.D.
After the article in the _Times_ had appeared, Baron de Haber, a
mysterious German gentleman of Jewish extraction, who had taken part in
the production of "Gallomania," wrote to Mr. Murray:
_Baron de Haber to John Murray_.
2 _Mai_, 1832.
MON CHER MONSIEUR,
J'espère que vous serez content de l'article de _Times_ sur la
"Gallomania." C'est un grand pas de fait. Il serait utile que le
_Standard_ et le _Morning Post_ le copie en entier, avec des
observations dans son sens. C'est a vous, mon cher Monsieur Murray, de
soigner cet objet. J'ai infiniment regrette de ne m'etre pas trouve chez
moi hier, lorsque vous etes venu me voir, avec l'aimable Mr. Lockhart.
Tout a vous,
DE H.
_Baron de Haber to John Murray_.
_Vendredi_.
MON CHER MONSIEUR MURRAY,
Vous desirez dans l'intèrêt de l'ouvrage faire mentionner dans le
_Standard_ que le _Times_ d'aujourd'hui paroît etre assez d'accord avec
l'auteur de la "Gallomania" sur M. Thiers, espérant que de jour en jour
il reviendra aux idees de cet auteur.
Il seroit aussi convenable de dire que la _prophétie_ dans la lettre à
_My Lord Grey_ était assez juste: Allusion--"In less than a month we
shall no doubt hear of their _warm_ reception in the Provinces, and of
some gratifying, perhaps startling, demonstrations of national
gratitude." Voyez, mon cher Monsieur, comme depuis 8 jours ces pauvres
Députés qui ont voté pour le Ministre sont traités, Si vous étes à la
maison ce soir, dites-le-moi, je désire vous parler. Dinez-vous
chez-vous?
Votre dévoué,
DE H.
The following announcement was published by Mr. Disraeli in reply to
certain criticisms of his work:
"I cannot allow myself to omit certain observations of my able critic
without remarking that those omissions are occasioned by no
insensibility to their acuteness.
"Circumstances of paramount necessity render it quite impossible that
anything can proceed from my pen hostile to the general question of
_Reform_.
"Independent however of all personal considerations, and viewing the
question of Reform for a moment in the light in which my critic
evidently speculates, I would humbly suggest that the cause which he
advocates would perhaps be more united in the present pages by being
passed over _in silence_. It is important that this work should be a
work not of _party_ but of national interest, and I am induced to
believe that a large class in this country, who think themselves bound
to support the present administration from a superficial sympathy with
their domestic measures, have long viewed their foreign policy with
distrust and alarm.
"If the public are at length convinced that Foreign Policy, instead of
being an abstract and isolated division of the national interests, is in
fact the basis of our empire and present order, and that this basis
shakes under the unskilful government of the Cabinet, the public may be
induced to withdraw their confidence from that Cabinet altogether.
"With this exception, I have adopted all the additions and alterations
that I have yet had the pleasure of seeing without reserve, and I seize
this opportunity of expressing my sense of their justness and their
value.
"_The Author of 'Gallomania_.'" [Footnote: Several references are made
to "Contarini Fleming" and "Gallomania" in "Lord Beaconsfield's Letters
to his Sister," published in 1887.]
The next person whom we shall introduce to the reader was one who had
but little in common with Mr. Benjamin Disraeli, except that, like him,
he had at that time won little of that world-wide renown which he was
afterwards to achieve. This "writer of books," as he described himself,
was no other than Thomas Carlyle, who, when he made the acquaintance of
Mr. Murray, had translated Goethe's "Wilhelm Meister," written the "Life
of Schiller," and several articles in the Reviews; but was not yet known
as a literary man of mark. He was living among the bleak, bare moors of
Dumfriesshire at Craigenputtock, where he was consoled at times by
visits from Jeffrey and Emerson, and by letters from Goethe, and where
he wrote that strange and rhapsodical book "Sartor Resartus," containing
a considerable portion of his own experience. After the MS. was nearly
finished, he wrapt it in a piece of paper, put in it his pocket, and
started for Dumfries, on his way to London.
Mr. Francis Jeffrey, then Lord Advocate, recommended Carlyle to try
Murray, because, "in spite of its radicalism, he would be the better
publisher." Jeffrey wrote to Mr. Murray on the subject, without
mentioning Carlyle's name:
_Mr. Jeffrey to John Murray_. _May_ I, 1831.
"Lord Jeffrey [Footnote: Jeffrey writes thus, although he did not become
a Lord of Session till 1834.] understands that the earlier chapters of
this work (which is the production of a friend of his) were shown some
months ago to Mr. Murray (or his reader), and were formally judged of;
though, from its incomplete state, no proposal for its publication could
then be entertained. What is now sent completes it; the earlier chapters
being now under the final perusal of the author.
"Lord Jeffrey, who thinks highly of the author's abilities, ventures to
beg Mr. Murray to look at the MS. now left with him, and to give him, as
soon as possible, his opinion as to its probable success on publication;
and also to say whether he is willing to undertake it, and on what
terms."
Carlyle, who was himself at the time in London, called upon Mr. Murray,
and left with him a portion of the manuscript, and an outline of the
proposed volume.
_Mr. Carlyle to John Murray_.
6 WOBURN BUILDINGS, TAVISTOCK SQUARE,
_Wednesday, August_ 10, 1831.
DEAR SIR,
I here send you the MS. concerning which I have, for the present, only
to repeat my urgent request that no time may be lost in deciding on it.
At latest, next Wednesday I shall wait upon you, to see what further, or
whether anything further is to be done.
In the meanwhile, it is perhaps unnecessary to say, that the whole
business is strictly confidential; the rather, as I wish to publish
anonymously.
I remain, dear Sir, yours truly,
THOMAS CARLYLE.
Be so kind as to write, by the bearer, these two words, "MS. received."
When Carlyle called a second time Murray was not at home, but he found
that the parcel containing the MS. had not been opened. He again wrote
to the publisher on the following Friday:
_Mr. Carlyle to John Murray_.
DEAR SIR,
As I am naturally very anxious to have this little business that lies
between us off my hands--and, perhaps, a few minutes' conversation would
suffice to settle it all--I will again request, in case I should be so
unlucky as to miss you in Albemarle Street, that you would have the
goodness to appoint me a short meeting at any, the earliest, hour that
suits your convenience.
I remain, dear Sir, yours truly,
THOMAS CARLYLE.
This was followed up by a letter from Mr. Jeffrey:
_Mr. Jeffrey to John Murray_.
_Sunday, August_ 28, 1831.
MY DEAR SIR,
Will you favour me with a few minutes' conversation, any morning of this
week (the early part of it, if possible), on the subject of my friend
Carlyle's projected publication. I have looked a little into the MS. and
can tell you something about it. Believe me, always, very faithfully
yours,
F. JEFFREY.
The interview between Jeffrey and Murray led to an offer for the MS.
_Mr. Carlyle to John Murray_.
TUESDAY.
DEAR SIR,
I have seen the Lord Advocate [Jeffrey], who informs me that you are
willing to print an edition of 750 copies of my MS., at your own cost,
on the principle of what is called "half profits"; the copyright of the
book after that to belong to myself. I came down at present to say
that, being very anxious to have you as a publisher, and to see my book
put forth soon, I am ready to accede to these terms; and I should like
much to meet you, or hear from you, at your earliest convenience, that
the business might be actually put in motion. I much incline to think,
in contrasting the character of my little speculation with the character
of the times, that _now_ (even in these months, say in November) were
the best season for emitting it. Hoping soon to see all this pleasantly
settled,
I remain, dear Sir, yours truly,
THOMAS CARLYLE.
Mr. Murray was willing to undertake the risk of publishing 750 copies,
and thus to allow the author to exhibit his literary wares to the
public. Even if the whole edition had sold, the pecuniary results to
both author and publisher would have been comparatively trifling, but as
the copyright was to remain in the author's possession, and he would
have been able to make a much better bargain with the future editions,
the terms may be considered very liberal, having regard to the
exceptional nature of the work. Mr. Carlyle, however, who did not know
the usual custom of publishers, had in the meantime taken away his MS.
and offered it to other publishers in London, evidently to try whether
he could not get a better bid for his book. Even Jeffrey thought it "was
too much of the nature of a rhapsody, to command success or respectful
attention." The publishers thought the same. Carlyle took the MS. to
Fraser of Regent Street, who offered to publish it if Carlyle would
_give him_ a sum not exceeding £150 sterling. He had already been to
Longmans & Co., offering them his "German Literary History," but they
declined to publish the work, and he now offered them his "Sartor
Resartus," with a similar result. He also tried Colburn and Bentley, but
without success. When Murray, then at Ramsgate, heard that Carlyle had
been offering his book to other publishers, he wrote to him:
_John Murray to Mr. Carlyle_.
_September_ 17, 1831.
DEAR SIR,
Your conversation with me respecting the publication of your MS. led me
to infer that you had given me the preference, and certainly not that
you had already submitted it to the greatest publishers in London, who
had declined to engage in it. Under these circumstances it will be
necessary for me also to get it read by some literary friend, before I
can, in justice to myself, engage in the printing of it.
I am, dear Sir, your faithful servant,
JOHN MURRAY.
To this Mr. Carlyle replied:
_September_ 19, 1831
SIR,
I am this moment favoured with your note of the 17th, and beg to say, in
reply,:
_First_.--That your idea, derived from conversation with me, of my
giving you the preference to all other Publishers, was perfectly
correct. I had heard you described as a man of honour, frankness, and
even generosity, and knew you to have the best and widest connexions; on
which grounds, I might well say, and can still well say, that a
transaction with you would please me better than a similar one with any
other member of the Trade.
_Secondly_.--That your information, of my having submitted my MS. to the
greatest publishers in London, if you mean that, after coming out of
your hands, it lay two days in those of Messrs. Longman & Rees, and was
from them delivered over to the Lord Advocate, is also perfectly
correct: if you mean anything else, incorrect.
_Thirdly_.--That if you wish the Bargain, which I had understood myself
to have made with you, unmade, you have only to cause your Printer, who
is now working on my MS., to return the same, without damage or delay,
and consider the business as finished. I remain, Sir, your obedient
servant,
THOMAS CARLYLE.
In the meantime Murray submitted the MS. to one of his literary
advisers, probably Lockhart, whose report was not very encouraging.
Later, as Mr. Carlyle was unwilling to entertain the idea of taking his
manuscript home with him, and none of the other publishers would accept
it, he urgently requested Mr. Murray again to examine it, and come to
some further decision. "While I, with great readiness," he said, "admit
your views, and shall cheerfully release you from all engagement, or
shadow of engagement, with me in regard to it: the rather, as it seems
reasonable for me to expect some higher remuneration for a work that has
cost me so much effort, were it once fairly examined, such remuneration
as was talked of between _us_ can, I believe, at all times, be
procured." He then proposed "a quite new negotiation, if you incline to
enter on such"; and requested his decision. "If not, pray have the
goodness to cause my papers to be returned with the least possible
delay." The MS. was at once returned; and Carlyle acknowledged its
receipt:
_Mr. Carlyle to John Murray_.
_October_ 6, 1831.
MY DEAR SIR,
I have received the MS., with your note and your friend's criticism, and
I find it all safe and right. In conclusion, allow me to thank you for
your punctuality and courtesy in this part of the business; and to join
cordially in the hope you express that, in some fitter case, a closer
relation may arise between us. I remain, my dear Sir, faithfully yours,
T. CARLYLE.
Mr. Carlyle returned to Craigenputtock with his manuscript in his
pocket; very much annoyed and disgusted by the treatment of the London
publishers. Shortly after his arrival at home, he wrote to Mr. Macvey
Napier, then editor of the _Edinburgh Review_:
"All manner of perplexities have occurred in the publishing of my poor
book, which perplexities I could only cut asunder, not unloose; so the
MS., like an unhappy ghost, still lingers on the wrong side of Styx: the
Charon of Albemarle Street durst not risk it in his _sutilis cymba_, so
it leaped ashore again. Better days are coming, and new trials will end
more happily."
A little later (February 6, 1832) he said:
"I have given up the notion of hawking my little manuscript book about
any further. For a long time it has lain quiet in its drawer, waiting
for a better day. The bookselling trade seems on the edge of
dissolution; the force of puffing can go no further; yet bankruptcy
clamours at every door: sad fate! to serve the Devil, and get no wages
even from him! The poor bookseller Guild, I often predict to myself,
will ere long be found unfit for the strange part it now plays in our
European World; and give place to new and higher arrangements, of which
the coming shadows are already becoming visible."
The "Sartor Resartus" was not, however, lost. Two years after Carlyle's
visit to London, it came out, bit by bit, in _Fraser's Magazine_.
Through the influence of Emerson, it was issued, as a book, at Boston,
in the United States, and Carlyle got some money for his production. It
was eventually published in England, and, strange to say, has had the
largest sale in the "People's Edition of Carlyle's Works." Carlyle,
himself, created the taste to appreciate "Sartor Resartus."