to
Summary
Cannot suggest an appropriate device or ornament for cover [of Origin].
Will send a list for distribution of author’s copies as soon as JM tells him approximate trade price.
Transcriptionf1
Wells Terrace | Ilkley | Otley | Yorkshire
Oct. 20th
My dear Sir
I am obliged for your note & answer to my queries.—
I cannot think of any fit ornament or Device for outside: the subjects treated are so many & so general, that no one illustration would serve.f2
I will most gratefully send list of private copies for distribution, as soon as you can tell me about what, within a shilling or so, the trade-price will be.f3 I am very glad to hear that there will be no delay in the publication.
I am glad to hear that you were thinking of a Device, as this shows that you intend binding in cloth.—
Your’s very sincerely | C. Darwin
Footnotes
- f1
- The year is given by the reference to the publication of Origin.
- f2
- ‘The binding, done by Edmonds and Remnants, was a royal green cloth, ribbed diagonally with wavy ribbing … It was blind-stamped with an elaborate panelled ornament on the sides and in excellent gilt on the spine.’ (Peckham ed. 1959, p. 17).
- f3
- See letter from John Murray, 2 November 1859.