A publishing matter concerning Twice Told Tales - photo 1
A publishing matter concerning Twice Told Tales - photo 2

A publishing matter concerning Twice Told Tales

Starting price
$ 5 000
Auction dateClassic
15.06.2023 10:00UTC -04:00
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CHRISTIE'S
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USA, New York
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ID 967620
Lot 81 | A publishing matter concerning Twice Told Tales
A publishing matter concerning Twice Told Tales

Nathaniel Hawthorne, 14 May 1844

HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Autograph letter signed ("Nath. Hawthorne") to George S. Hillard, Concord, 14 May 1844.



One page, bifolium, 245 x 198mm, integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand (light toning along folds).



Hawthorne to Hillard on a publishing matter relative to Twice Told Tales. A substantial letter, written in regards to a "letter from O'Sullivan in reference to my book,—begging that you will read it, and give me the benefit of your wisdom. I intend to come to Boston (with Sophia and Una) on the afternoon of the twenty-fourth inst; and shall return hither the next day, leaving them in the city. I suppose that the affairs indicated in the letter may therefore be deferred till I see you personally. It grieves me to give you any trouble; but in matters of business, your friendly aid is not to be dispensed with. I wish the devil had the books—for I suppose he is a member of the 'Trade.' If you think it necessary—which I cannot perceive it to be—to have a formal account of expenses, tolls, &c. you might tell Munroe to give it. My own wishes would not lead me to buy the edition, as O'Sullivan desires, but rather that Mr Langley's proposal should be carried into effect between him and Munroe. However, I am open to advice on this point." George S. Hillard (1808-1879) was a prominent Massachusetts attorney, politician, and writer who befriended Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1837 when the young author rented rooms from him in Boston. Hillard was Hawthorne's greatest supporter—championing his writing, using his influence to secure employment, and offering critical financial assistance.



The referenced letter from O'Sullivan has not been located, but on 12 June, he wrote James Munroe, that he wished to purchase with "one or two of H's friends, the remainder of the 1842 TTT edition, and to have the sheets 'furbished up anew into a fresh Edition with some additions, so as to be sold off through the superior facilities of our New York publishing houses. In this way even if nothing may perhaps be made upon it, all parties will get smoothly out of the scrape, the Edition sold off, and the market will no longer be blocked against the issue of another enlarged one, in a form better adapted to the new system of publication which has grown up since the date of the present one." O'Sullivan requested Munroe "make out a statement of account on the Edition exhibiting its actual cost, and the proceeds of sales, so as to show the balance that you are out of pocket upon it" (CE,16:36n1). Hawthorne closes assuring that William P Loring had secured an office in the Custom House with a salary sufficient "to be able to pay that note on the first of June." Hillard (1808-79), the Whig attorney, critic, and editor, was Hawthorne's oldest friend in the Boston literary set. He became his personal attorney in 1840, and served as executor of his estate. Published in Letters, Centennial Edition 16:35)

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