Arnot, Hugo (1749-1786)
Autograph letter, signed
£1,260
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs
Auction: 21 September 2023 at 10:00 BST
Description
to William Strahan, on the 11th March 1779, regarding the printing and publication of a London edition of Arnot's The History of Edinburgh, Arnot writes: "Several years have elapsed since Mr Creech & I made an agreement concerning the publication of The History of Edinburgh, a work, which I have been long engaged in composing. As I had a personal acquaintance & friendship with Mr. J. Murray of Fleet Street, Bookseller, we never looked for a London publisher, it being always understood that Mr. Murray was to be the person...the book was to be published here on Saturday last, bearing to be printed for W. Creech Edin., & T. Murray London. But last night Mr. Creech received a letter from Mr. Murray, which amounts clearly to this,, That if the Book is to be sent to Mr. Murray, the reverse may be expected of what an author or proprietor would wish from the publisher of his work...It was proposed that 300 of the first edition should be sent to the London publisher at the price of £0:19:0. each and these are the terms upon which Mr. Creech and I wish you to publish the work...Mr. Creech and I will entertain a grateful sense of your becoming publisher at a crisis when we have been disappointed...The title page may be cancelled & reprinted either here or in London." 3 manuscript pp., 22 x 18cm
Footnote
Note: A fascinating letter in which the Scottish writer, and historian, begs the publisher, William Strahan, to be the London publisher of his renowned History of Edinburgh. With erased words and small additions, it is easy to imagine that this note was written in a hurry, perhaps by candlelight, as Arnot desperately sought a replacement publisher for John Murray, who seems to have rescinded on his agreement to publish the work at the last minute. Copies of the work with J. Murray listed as the London publisher are still commonly found, suggesting that the title-pages were never cancelled (as mentioned in the letter), or perhaps Murray had a change of heart? No copies of the work have been traced with Strahan listed as the London publisher.