_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
_January_ 19, 1829.
"I am heartily rejoiced that this 'Johnson,' of which we had so often
talked, is in such hands at whatever cost. Pray ask Croker whether
Boswell's account of the Hebridean Tour ought not to be melted into the
book. Sir Walter has many MS. annotations in his 'Boswell,' both 'Life'
and 'Tour,' and will, I am sure, give them with hearty good will.... He
will write down all that he has heard about Johnson when in Scotland;
and, in particular, about the amusing intercourse between him and Lord
Auchinleck--Boswell's father--if Croker considers it worth his while."
Sir Walter Scott's offer of information, [Footnote: Sir Walter's letter
to Croker on the subject will be found in the "Croker Correspondence,"
ii. 28.] to a certain extent, delayed Croker's progress with the work.
He wrote to Mr. Murray (November 17, 1829): "The reference to Sir
Walter Scott delays us a little as to the revises, but his name is well
worth the delay. My share of the next volume (the 2nd) is quite done;
and I could complete the other two in a fortnight."
While the work was passing through the press Lockhart again wrote:
_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
"I am reading the new 'Boswell' with great pleasure, though, I think,
the editor is often wrong. A prodigious flood of light is thrown on the
book assuredly; and the incorporation of the 'Tour' is a great
advantage. Now, do have a really good Index. That to the former edition
I have continually found inadequate and faulty. The book is a dictionary
of wisdom and wit, and one should know exactly where to find the _dictum
magistri_. Many of Croker's own remarks and little disquisitions will
also be hereafter among the choicest of _quotabilia_."
Croker carried out the work with great industry and vigour, and it
appeared in 1831. It contained numerous additions, notes, explanations,
and memoranda, and, as the first attempt to explain the difficulties and
enigmas which lapse of time had created, it may not unfairly be said to
have been admirably edited; and though Macaulay, according to his own
account, "smashed" it in the _Edinburgh_, [Footnote: The correspondence
on the subject, and the criticism on the work by Macaulay, will be found
in the "Croker Correspondence," vol. ii. pp. 24-49.] some fifty thousand
of the "Life" have been sold.
It has been the fashion with certain recent editors of "Boswell's
Johnson" to depreciate Croker's edition; but to any one who has taken
the pains to make himself familiar with that work, and to study the vast
amount of information there collected, such criticism cannot but appear
most ungenerous. Croker was acquainted with, or sought out, all the
distinguished survivors of Dr. Johnson's own generation, and by his
indefatigable efforts was enabled to add to the results of his own
literary research, oral traditions and personal reminiscences, which but
for him would have been irrevocably lost.
The additions of subsequent editors are but of trifling value compared
with the information collected by Mr. Croker, and one of his successors
at least has not hesitated slightly to transpose or alter many of Mr.
Croker's notes, and mark them as his own.
Mrs. Shelley, widow of the poet, on receiving a present of Croker's
"Boswell," from Mr. Murray, said:
_Mrs. Shelley to John Murray_.
"I have read 'Boswell's Journal' ten times: I hope to read it many more.
It is the most amusing book in the world. Beside that, I do love the
kind-hearted, wise, and gentle Bear, and think him as lovable and kind a
friend as a profound philosopher."
Mr. Henry Taylor submitted his play of "Isaac Comnenus"--his first
work--to Mr. Murray, in February 1827. Lockhart was consulted, and,
after perusing the play, he wrote to Mr. Murray:
_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
"There can be no sort of doubt that this play is everyway worthy of
coming out from Albemarle Street. That the author might greatly improve
it by shortening its dialogue often, and, once at least, leaving out a
scene, and by dramatizing the scene at the Synod, instead of narrating
it, I think sufficiently clear: but, probably, the author has followed
his own course, upon deliberation, in all these matters. I am of
opinion, certainly, that _no poem_ has been lately published of anything
like the power or promise of this."
Lockhart's suggestion was submitted to Mr. Taylor, who gratefully
acknowledged his criticism, and amended his play.
Mr. Taylor made a very unusual request. He proposed to divide the loss
on his drama with the publisher! He wrote to Mr. Murray:
"I have been pretty well convinced, for some time past, that my book
will never sell, and, under these circumstances, I cannot think it
proper that you should be the sole sufferer. Whenever, therefore, you
are of opinion that the book has had a fair trial, I beg you to
understand that I shall be ready to divide the loss equally with you,
that being, I conceive, the just arrangement in the case."
Though Mr. Lockhart gave an interesting review of "Isaac Comnenus" in
the _Quarterly_, it still hung fire, and did not sell. A few years
later, however, Henry Taylor showed what he could do, as a poet, by his
"Philip van Artevelde," which raised his reputation to the highest
point. Moore, after the publication of this drama, wrote in his "Diary":
"I breakfasted in the morning at Rogers's, to meet the new poet, Mr.
Taylor, author of 'Philip van Artevelde': our company, besides, being
Sydney Smith and Southey. 'Van Artevelde' is a tall, handsome young
fellow. Conversation chiefly about the profits booksellers make of us
scribblers. I remember Peter Pindar saying, one of the few times I ever
met him, that the booksellers drank their wine in the manner of the
heroes in the hall of Odin, out of authors' skulls." This was a sharp
saying; but Rogers, if he had chosen to relate his own experiences when
he negotiated with Mr. Murray about the sale of Crabbe's works, and the
result of that negotiation, might have proved that the rule was not of
universal application.
"The Family Library" has already been mentioned. Mr. Murray had long
contemplated a serial publication, by means of which good literature and
copyright works might be rendered cheaper and accessible to a wider
circle of readers than they had hitherto been.
The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge was established in
1828, with Henry Brougham as Chairman. Mr. Murray subscribed ВЈ10 to this
society, and agreed to publish their "Library of Entertaining
Knowledge." Shortly afterwards, however, he withdrew from this
undertaking, which was transferred to Mr. Knight, and reverted to his
own proposed publication of cheap works.
The first volume of "The Family Library" appeared in April 1829. Murray
sent a copy to Charles Knight, who returned him the first volume of the
"Library of Entertaining Knowledge."
_Mr. Charles Knight to John Murray_.
"We each launch our vessels on the same day, and I most earnestly hope
that both will succeed, for good must come of that success. We have
plenty of sea-room and need never run foul of each other. My belief is
that, in a very few years, scarcely any other description of books will
be published, and in that case we that are first in the field may hope
to win the race."
Mr. Murray's intention was to include in the Library works on a variety
of subjects, including History, Biography, Voyages and Travels, Natural
History, Science, and general literature. They were to be written by the
best-known authors of the day--Sir Walter Scott, Southey, Milman,
Lockhart, Washington Irving, Barrow, Allan Cunningham, Dr. Brewster,
Captain Head, G.R. Gleig, Palgrave, and others. The collection was
headed by an admirable "Life of Napoleon," by J.G. Lockhart, partly
condensed from Scott's "Life of Napoleon Bonaparte," and illustrated by
George Cruikshank. When Lockhart was first invited to undertake this
biography he consulted Sir Walter Scott as to the propriety of his doing
so. Sir Walter replied:
_Sir W. Scott to Mr. Lockhart_.
_October_ 30, 1828.
"Your scruples about doing an epitome of the 'Life of Boney' for the
Family Library that is to be, are a great deal over delicate. My book in
nine thick volumes can never fill the place which our friend Murray
wants you to fill, and which if you don't some one else will right soon.
Moreover, you took much pains in helping me when I was beginning my
task, and I afterwards greatly regretted that Constable had no means of
remunerating you, as no doubt he intended when you were giving him so
much good advice in laying down his grand plans about the Miscellany. By
all means do what the Emperor [Footnote: From the time of his removal to
Albemarle Street, Mr. Murray was universally known among "the Trade" as
"The Emperor of the West."] asks. He is what the Emperor Napoleon was
not, much a gentleman, and knowing our footing in all things, would not
have proposed anything that ought to have excited scruples on your
side." [Footnote: Lockhart's "Life of Scott."]
The book met with a warm reception from the public, and went through
many editions.
Among other works published in "The Family Library" was the Rev. H.H.
Milman's "History of the Jews," in three vols., which occasioned much
adverse criticism and controversy. It is difficult for us who live in
such different times to understand or account for the tempest of
disapprobation with which a work, which now appears so innocent, was
greeted, or the obloquy with which its author was assailed. The "History
of the Jews" was pronounced _unsound_; it was alleged that the miracles
had been too summarily disposed of; Abraham was referred to as an Arab
sheik, and Jewish history was too sacred to be submitted to the laws of
ordinary investigation. Hence Milman was preached against, from Sunday
to Sunday, from the University and other pulpits. Even Mr. Sharon Turner
expostulated with Mr. Murray as to the publication of the book. He said
he had seen it in the window of Carlile, the infidel bookseller, "as if
he thought it suited his purpose." The following letter is interesting
as indicating what the Jews themselves thought of the history.
_Mr. Magnus to John Murray_. _March_ 17, 1834.
Sir,
Will you have the goodness to inform me of the Christian name of the
Rev. Mr. Milman, and the correct manner of spelling his name; as a
subscription is about to be opened by individuals of the Jewish nation
for the purpose of presenting him with a piece of plate for the liberal
manner in which he has written their history.
The piece of plate was duly subscribed for and presented, with every
demonstration of acknowledgment and thanks. Milman's "History of the
Jews" did not prevent his preferment, as he was promoted from the
vicarage of St. Mary's, Reading, to the rectorship of St. Margaret's,
Westminster, and a canonry in the Collegiate Church of St. Peter; after
which, in 1849, he was made Dean of St. Paul's.
CHAPTER XXVIII
MOORE'S "LIFE OF BYRON"
In 1827 or 1828 Mr. Hanson, the late Lord Byron's solicitor, wrote to
Murray, enquiring, on behalf of the executors, whether he would be
willing to dispose of his interest in the first five cantos of "Don
Juan." Mr. Murray, however, had long been desirous of publishing a
complete edition of the works of Lord Byron, "for the public," he wrote,
"are absolutely indignant at not being able to obtain a complete edition
of Lord Byron's works in this country; and at least 15,000 copies have
been brought here from France." Murray proposed that those copyrights of
Lord Byron, which were the property of his executors, should be valued
by three respectable publishers, and that he should purchase them at
their valuation. Mr. Hobhouse, to whom as one of the executors this
proposal was made, was anxious that the complete edition should be
published in England with as little delay as possible, but he stated
that "some obstacles have arisen in consequence of the Messrs. Hunt
having upon hand some hundred copies of their two volumes, which they
have asked a little time to get rid of, and for which they are now
accounting to the executors."
Murray requested Mr. Hanson to apply to the executors, and inform him
what sum they required for the works of Lord Byron, the copyrights of
which were in their possession. This they refused to state, but after
considerable delay, during which the Hunts were disposing of the two
volumes, the whole of the works of Lord Byron which were not in Mr.
Murray's possession were put up to auction, and bought by him for the
sum of ВЈ3,885. These included the "Hours of Idleness," eleven cantos of
"Don Juan," the "Age of Bronze," and other works--all of which had
already been published.
Notwithstanding the destruction of Lord Byron's Memoirs, described in a
previous chapter, Murray had never abandoned the intention of bringing
out a Biography of his old friend the poet, for which he possessed
plenteous materials in the mass of correspondence which had passed
between them. Although his arrangement with Thomas Moore had been
cancelled by that event, his eye rested on him as the fittest person,
from his long intimacy with the poet, to be entrusted with the task, for
which, indeed, Lord Byron had himself selected him.
Accordingly in 1826 author and publisher seem to have drawn together
again, and begun the collection of materials, which was carried on in a
leisurely way, until Leigh Hunt's scandalous attack on his old patron
and benefactor [Footnote: "Recollections of Lord Byron and some of his
Contemporaries," 1828. 4to.] roused Murray's ardour into immediate
action.
It was eventually resolved to publish the Life and Correspondence
together; and many letters passed between Murray and Moore on the
subject.
From the voluminous correspondence we retain the following extract from
a letter from Moore to Murray:
"One of my great objects, as you will see in reading me, is to keep my
style down to as much simplicity as I am capable of; for nothing could
be imagined more discordant than the mixture of any of our
Asiatico-Hibernian eloquence with the simple English diction of Byron's
letters."
Murray showed the early part of "Byron's Life" to Lockhart, who replied
to him at once:
_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
_February_ 23, 1829.
"I can't wait till tomorrow to say that I think the beginning of 'Byron'
quite perfect in every way--the style simple, and unaffected, as the
materials are rich, and how sad. It will be Moore's greatest work--at
least, next to the 'Melodies,' and will be a fortune to you. My wife
says it is divine. By all means engrave the early miniature. Never was
anything so drearily satisfactory to the imagination as the whole
picture of the lame boy's start in life."
Moore was greatly touched by this letter. He wrote from Sloperton:
_Mr. Moore to John Murray_.
"Lockhart's praise has given me great pleasure, and his wife's even
still greater; but, after all, the merit is in my subject--in the man,
not in me. He must be a sad bungler who would spoil such a story."
As the work advanced, Sir Walter Scott's opinion also was asked.
_Mr. Lockhart to John Murray_.
_September_ 29, 1829.
"Sir Walter has read the first 120 pages of Moore's 'Life of Byron'; and
he says they are charming, and not a syllable _de trop_. He is now busy
at a grand rummage among his papers, and has already found one of Lord
Byron's letters which shall be at Mr. Moore's service forthwith. He
expects to find more of them. This is curious, as being the first of
'Byron' to Scott."
The first volume of "Lord Byron's Life and Letters," published on
January 1, 1830, was read with enthusiasm, and met with a very
favourable reception. Moore says in his Diary that "Lady Byron was
highly pleased with the 'Life,'" but among the letters received by Mr.
Murray, one of the most interesting was from Mrs. Shelley, to whom a
presentation copy had been sent.
_Mrs. Shelley to John Murray_.
_January_ 19, 1830.
Except the occupation of one or two annoyances, I have done nothing but
read, since I got "Lord Byron's Life." I have no pretensions to being a
critic, yet I know infinitely well what pleases me. Not to mention the
judicious arrangement and happy _tact_ displayed by Mr. Moore, which
distinguish the book, I must say a word concerning the style, which is
elegant and forcible. I was particularly struck by the observations on
Lord Byron's character before his departure to Greece, and on his
return. There is strength and richness, as well as sweetness.
The great charm of the work to me, and it will have the same to you, is
that the Lord Byron I find there is _our_ Lord Byron--the fascinating,
faulty, philosophical being--daring the world, docile to a private
circle, impetuous and indolent, gloomy, and yet more gay than any other.
I live with him again in these pages--getting reconciled (as I used in
his lifetime) to those waywardnesses which annoyed me when he was away,
through the delightful tone of his conversation and manners.
His own letters and journals mirror himself as he was, and are
invaluable. There is something cruelly kind in this single volume. When
will the next come? Impatient before, how tenfold more so am I now.
Among its many other virtues, this book is accurate to a miracle. I have
not stumbled on one mistake with regard either to time, place, or
feeling.
I am, dear Sir,
Your obedient and obliged Servant,
MARY SHELLEY.
The preparation of the second volume proceeded more rapidly than the
first, for Lord Byron's letters to Murray and Moore during the later
years of his life covered the whole period, and gave to the record an
almost autobiographical character. It appeared in January 1831, and
amongst many other readers of it Mrs. Somerville, to whom Mr. Murray
sent a present of the book, was full of unstinted praise.
_Mrs. Somerville to John Murray_.
_January_ 13, 1831.
You have kindly afforded me a source of very great interest and pleasure
in the perusal of the second volume of Moore's "Life of Byron." In my
opinion, it is very superior to the first; there is less repetition of
the letters; they are better written, abound more in criticism and
observation, and make the reader better acquainted with Lord Byron's
principles and character. His morality was certainly more suited to the
meridian of Italy than England; but with all his faults there is a charm
about him that excites the deepest interest and admiration. His letter
to Lady Byron is more affecting and beautiful than anything I have read;
it must ever be a subject of regret that it was not sent; it seems
impossible that it should not have made a lasting impression, and might
possibly have changed the destinies of both. With kind remembrances to
Mrs. Murray and the young people,
Believe me, truly yours,
MARY SOMERVILLE.
Mr. Croker's opinion was as follows:
"As to what you say of Byron's volume, no doubt there are _longueurs_,
but really not many. The most teasing part is the blanks, which perplex
without concealing. I also think that Moore went on a wrong principle,
when, publishing _any_ personality, he did not publish _all_. It is like
a suppression of evidence. When such horrors are published of Sir S.
Romilly, it would have been justice to his memory to show that, on the
_slightest_ provocation, Byron would treat his dearest friend in the
same style. When his sneers against Lady Byron and her mother are
recorded, it would lessen their effect if it were shown that he sneered
at all man and womankind in turn; and that the friend of his choicest
selection, or the mistress of his maddest love, were served no better,
when the maggot (selfishness) bit, than his wife or his mother-in-law."
The appearance of the Life induced Captain Medwin to publish his
"Conversations with Lord Byron," a work now chiefly remembered as having
called forth from Murray, who was attacked in it, a reply which, as a
crashing refutation of personal charges, has seldom been surpassed.
[Footnote: Mr. Murray's answer to Medwin's fabrications is published in
the Appendix to the 8vo edition of "Lord Byron's Poems."]
Amongst the reviews of the biography was one by Lockhart in the
_Quarterly_ (No. 87), which was very favourable; but an article, by Mr.
Croker in No. 91, on another of Moore's works--the "Life of Lord Edward
Fitzgerald"--was of a very different character. Murray told Moore of the
approaching appearance of the article in the next number, and Moore
enters in his Diary, "Saw my 'Lord Edward Fitzgerald' announced as one
of the articles in the _Quarterly_, to be abused of course; and this too
immediately after my dinings and junketings with both author and
publisher."
_Mr. Moore to John Murray_.
_October_ 25, 1831.
... I see that what I took for a joke of yours is true, and that you are
_at_ me in this number of the _Quarterly_. I have desired Power to send
you back my copy when it comes, not liking to read it just now for
reasons. In the meantime, here's some _good_-humoured doggerel for you:
THOUGHTS ON EDITORS.
_Editur et edit_.
No! Editors don't care a button,
What false and faithless things they do;
They'll let you come and cut their mutton,
And then, they'll have a cut at you.
With Barnes I oft my dinner took,
Nay, met e'en Horace Twiss to please him:
Yet Mister Barnes traduc'd my Book,
For which may his own devils seize him!
With Doctor Bowring I drank tea,
Nor of his cakes consumed a particle;
And yet th' ungrateful LL.D.
Let fly at me, next week, an article!
John Wilson gave me suppers hot,
With bards of fame, like Hogg and Packwood;
A dose of black-strap then I got,
And after a still worse of Blackwood.
Alas! and must I close the list
With thee, my Lockhart of the _Quarterly?_
So kind, with bumper in thy fist,--
With pen, so very gruff and tartarly.
Now in thy parlour feasting me,
Now scribbling at me from your garret,--
Till, 'twixt the two, in doubt I be,
Which sourest is, thy wit or claret?
Should you again see the Noble Scott before he goes, remember me most
affectionately to him. Ever yours,
Thomas Moore.
Mr. Murray now found himself at liberty to proceed with his cherished
scheme of a complete edition of Lord Byron's works.
_John Murray to Mr. Moore._
February 28, 1832.
When I commenced this complete edition of Byron's works I was so out of
heart by the loss upon the first edition of the "Life," and by the
simultaneous losses from the failure of three booksellers very largely
in my debt, that I had little if any hopes of its success, and I felt
myself under the necessity of declining your kind offer to edit it,
because I did not think that I should have had it in my power to offer
you an adequate remuneration. But now that the success of this
speculation is established, if you will do me the favour to do what you
propose, I shall have great satisfaction in giving you 500 guineas for
your labours.
Most sincerely yours,
John Murray.
In 1837, the year in which the work now in contemplation was published,
the Countess Guiccioli was in London, and received much kindness from
Mr. Murray. After her return to Rome, she wrote to him a long letter,
acknowledging the beautifully bound volume of the landscape and portrait
illustrations of Lord Byron's works. She complained, however, of
Brockedon's portrait of herself.
_Countess Guiccioli to John Murray_.
"It is not resembling, and to tell you the truth, my dear Mr. Murray, I
wish it was so; not on account of the ugliness of features (which is
also remarkable), but particularly for having this portrait an
expression of _stupidity_, and for its being _molto antipatico_, as we
say in our language. But perhaps it is not the fault of the painter, but
of the original, and I am sorry for that. What is certain is that
towards such a creature nobody may feel inclined to be indulgent; and if
she has faults and errors to be pardoned for, she will never be so on
account of her _antipatia_! But pray don't say that to Mr. Brockedon."
A copy was likewise sent to Sir R. Peel with the following letter:
ALBEMARLE STREET, _April_ 17, 1837.
DEAR SIR,
As the invaluable instructions which you addressed to the students of
the University of Glasgow have as completely associated your name with
the literature of this country, as your political conduct has with its
greatest statesmen, I trust that I shall be pardoned for having
inscribed to you (without soliciting permission) the present edition of
the works of one of our greatest poets, "your own school-and
form-fellow," _Byron_.
I have the honour to be, etc.,
JOHN MURRAY.
_The Right Hon. Sir R. Peel to John Murray_.
WHITEHALL, _April_ 18, 1837.
MY DEAR SIR,
I am much flattered by the compliment which you have paid to me in
dedicating to me a beautiful edition of the works of my distinguished
"school-and form-fellow."
I was the next boy to Lord Byron at Harrow for three or four years, and
was always on very friendly terms with him, though not living in
particular intimacy out of school.
I do not recollect ever having a single angry word with him, or that
there ever was any the slightest jealousy or coldness between us.
It is a gratification to me to have my name associated with his in the
manner in which you have placed it in friendly connection; and I do not
believe, if he could have foreseen, when we were boys together at
school, this continuance of a sort of amicable relation between us after
his death, the idea would have been otherwise than pleasing to him.
Believe me,
My dear Sir,
Very faithfully yours,
ROBERT PEEL.
A few words remain to be added respecting the statue of Lord Byron,
which had been so splendidly executed by Thorwaldsen at Rome. Mr.
Hobhouse wrote to Murray: "Thorwaldsen offers the completed work for
ВЈ1,000, together with a bas-relief for the pedestal, suitable for the
subject of the monument." The sculptor's offer was accepted, and the
statue was forwarded from Rome to London. Murray then applied to the
Dean of Westminster, on behalf of the subscribers, requesting to know
"upon what terms the statue now completed could be placed in some
suitable spot in Westminster Abbey." The Dean's answer was as follows:
_The Dean of Westminster to John Murray_.
DEANERY, WESTMINSTER, _December_ 17, 1834.
DEAR SIR,
I have not had the opportunity, till this morning, of consulting with
the Chapter on the subject of your note. When you formerly applied to me
for leave to inter the remains of Lord Byron within this Abbey, I stated
to you the principle on which, as Churchmen, we were compelled to
decline the proposal. The erection of a monument in honour of his memory
which you now desire is, in its proportion, subject to the same
objection. I do indeed greatly wish for a figure by Thorwaldsen here;
but no taste ought to be indulged to the prejudice of a duty.
With my respectful compliments to the Committee, I beg you to believe
me,
Yours truly,
JOHN IRELAND.
The statue was for some time laid up in a shed on a Thames wharf. An
attempt was made in the House of Commons to alter the decision of the
Dean and Chapter, but it proved of no avail. "I would do my best," said
Mr. Hobhouse, "to prevail upon Sir Robert Peel to use his influence with
the Dean. It is a national disgrace that the statue should lie neglected
in a carrier's ware-house, and it is so felt by men of all parties. I
have had a formal application from Trinity College, Cambridge, for leave
to place the monument in their great library, and it has been intimated
to me that the French Government desire to have it for the Louvre." The
result was that the subscribers, in order to retain the statue in
England, forwarded it to Trinity College, Cambridge, whose noble library
it now adorns.
The only memorial to Byron in London is the contemptible leaning bronze
statue in Apsley House Gardens, nearly opposite the statue of Achilles.
Its pedestal is a block of Parian marble, presented by the Greek
Government as a national tribute to the memory of Byron.
CHAPTER XXIX
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.
