John Blackwood to Joseph Munt Langford, Edinburgh, 2 February 1859
Title
John Blackwood to Joseph Munt Langford, Edinburgh, 2 February 1859
Title
John Blackwood to Joseph Munt Langford, Edinburgh, 2 February 1859
Sender
John Blackwood
Recipient
Joseph Munt Langford
Date(s)
- 1859-02-02
Place
Edinburgh
Letter Content
John Blackwood to Joseph Munt Langford, Edinburgh, 2 February 1859
MS: National Library of Scotland. Hitherto unpublished.
Edinburgh | February 2/59.
My Dear Sir
Knowing as we do the merits of Adam Bede there could not be a better book to stand upon. If Mudie likes to take 500 he may have 10% off but not that discount for a smaller number.
If he chooses to go to war and tries to burke any book of ours, we may saddle his bones by an exposure of his "Not at home" system -- a nice position he would be in with his clients if we gave a little explanation of his threat to you. 9
The only cases in which it is fair to give him a larger discount than the others are when he takes a large number of a book the disposal of which requires exertion and a certain amount of risk is run. Now I do not think 750 of Adam Bede can in any degree be looked on in this light.
Why the Row people should be out of humour I do not see. Surely they get our books on the average on as good terms as any body else.
They will have to pay for their obstinacy in this case, as the book will certainly go off.
We will send it in all directions to the Press and Mr. Simpson has been going over the list and will write you as to any individuals. Keep all Lewes' sheets if he calls as G.E. is apt to be nervous and L. will be anxious to report as favourably as he can. Advertise as you propose New work by Author of C[lerical] S[cenes].
Let us know exactly how the February number of the Mag. goes off as, if it keeps up to the January demand, we must print a few more and the types are standing for that purpose.
I had a pleasant note from Thackeray today. I do not think after all he will be much bothered with this trial. I was sorry to see in the March number of The Virginians a rubbishy compliment to Carlyle in which I would not believe him or any man sincere upon oath. 10
Write to me with any news of sales or anything that you think of interest.
always yours truly
John Blackwood.
J. M. Langford Esq.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Hitherto unpublished.
Edinburgh | February 2/59.
My Dear Sir
Knowing as we do the merits of Adam Bede there could not be a better book to stand upon. If Mudie likes to take 500 he may have 10% off but not that discount for a smaller number.
If he chooses to go to war and tries to burke any book of ours, we may saddle his bones by an exposure of his "Not at home" system -- a nice position he would be in with his clients if we gave a little explanation of his threat to you. 9
The only cases in which it is fair to give him a larger discount than the others are when he takes a large number of a book the disposal of which requires exertion and a certain amount of risk is run. Now I do not think 750 of Adam Bede can in any degree be looked on in this light.
Why the Row people should be out of humour I do not see. Surely they get our books on the average on as good terms as any body else.
They will have to pay for their obstinacy in this case, as the book will certainly go off.
We will send it in all directions to the Press and Mr. Simpson has been going over the list and will write you as to any individuals. Keep all Lewes' sheets if he calls as G.E. is apt to be nervous and L. will be anxious to report as favourably as he can. Advertise as you propose New work by Author of C[lerical] S[cenes].
Let us know exactly how the February number of the Mag. goes off as, if it keeps up to the January demand, we must print a few more and the types are standing for that purpose.
I had a pleasant note from Thackeray today. I do not think after all he will be much bothered with this trial. I was sorry to see in the March number of The Virginians a rubbishy compliment to Carlyle in which I would not believe him or any man sincere upon oath. 10
Write to me with any news of sales or anything that you think of interest.
always yours truly
John Blackwood.
J. M. Langford Esq.
Signature
John Blackwood.
Citation
John Blackwood, John Blackwood to Joseph Munt Langford, Edinburgh, 2 February 1859, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/95454