To John Murray 10 May [1859]
Summary
Sends first six chapters [of Origin] for the press. Asks JM to urge printer to keep well ahead of CD so as not to waste time. This is important for his health’s sake.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 10 May [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.56–57) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2460 |
Matches: 7 hits
- … To John Murray 10 May [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.56–57) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Down 10 May [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … Journal of researches 2d ed. , also published by John Murray. See Correspondence vol. …
- … 3, letter to John Murray, 16 [July 1845] . …
- … RN. 2d edition, corrected, with additions. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1845. …
To John Murray 4 December [1859]
Summary
Thanks JM for trouble taken with French edition [of Journal of researches].
Is glad 3000 copies of 2d ed. [of Origin] will be printed.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 4 Dec [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 f.47) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2570 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … To John Murray 4 December [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 f.47) Charles Robert …
- … Darwin Ilkley 4 Dec [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … See letter to John Murray, 2 December [1859] . CD’s letter to Louise …
- … Swanton Belloc has not been found. See letter to John Murray, 2 December [1859] . …
To John Murray [3 November 1859]
Summary
Infinitely pleased and proud of the appearance of his "child" [Origin, 1st ed.]. Thinks JM has been overgenerous in paying for his corrections. Offers to divide cost and regrets sending such badly composed copy.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | [3 Nov 1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 f.49) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2514 |
Matches: 9 hits
- … To John Murray [3 November 1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 f.49) Charles Robert …
- … Darwin Ilkley [3 Nov 1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … Dated by the relationship to the letter from John Murray, 2 November 1859 . …
- … See letter from John Murray, 2 November 1859 . This sum had been cited by Murray as the …
- … the printer of Origin (see letter from John Murray, 2 November 1859 ). Murray’s accounts …
- … foreign naturalists (see letter to John Murray, 15 October [1859] ). CD’s Account books ( …
To John Murray 10 December 1859
Summary
Sends receipt for bill for £180 due 27 May 1860 [for Origin].
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 10 Dec 1859 |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.22–23) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2577 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … To John Murray 10 December 1859 …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.22–23) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Down 10 Dec 1859 John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … Pray believe me | My dear Sir | Yours sincerely | Charles Darwin To | John Murray Esq e …
To John Murray 26 [December 1859]
Summary
Has sent off last proof of 2d ed. of Origin. Assumes JM has remembered the diagram. Asks that remaining clean sheets be sent to Asa Gray.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 26 [Dec 1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.48–48A) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2607 |
Matches: 5 hits
From John Murray 1 April 1859
Summary
On the strength of CD’s details about his work on species and his knowledge of CD’s former publications, JM offers to publish [Origin] without seeing the MS.
| Author: | John Murray |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 1 Apr 1859 |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms. 41913 p.32) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2443 |
Matches: 7 hits
- … From John Murray 1 April 1859 …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms. …
- … 41913 p.32) John Murray unstated 1 Apr 1859 Charles Robert Darwin …
- … Murray, John (b) Darwin, C. R. …
- … For CD’s earlier correspondence with John Murray concerning the publication of Journal of …
- … RN. 2d edition, corrected, with additions. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1845. …
- … at the trade price xxxxx Yours very faithfully | (signed) John Murray. Charles Darwin Esq …
From John Murray 2 November 1859
Summary
By this post he sends for approval specimen copy of CD’s book [Origin of species]. At 14 s., 1250 copies will yield £240, two-thirds of which will go to author. Arrangements for early copies.
| Author: | John Murray |
| Addressee: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Date: | 2 Nov 1859 |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms. 41913 pp. 53–4) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2513A |
Matches: 8 hits
- … From John Murray 2 November 1859 …
- … Murray, John (b) Darwin, C. R. …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms. 41913 …
- … pp. 53–4) John Murray 2 Nov 1859 Charles Robert Darwin …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … ed. 1959,p. 775. See also letters to John Murray, 15 October [1859] and [3 November …
- … to the proof-sheets. See letters to John Murray, 14 June [1859] and 15 October [1859] . …
- … haste) | Yours very faithfully, (signed) John Murray. In the above statement of probable …
To John Murray 20 October [1859]
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.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 20 Oct [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.94–95) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2508 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … To John Murray 20 October [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.94–95) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Ilkley 20 Oct [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … on the spine. ’ (Peckham ed. 1959, p. 17). See letter from John Murray, 2 November 1859 . …
To John Murray 6 May [1859]
Summary
CD is convinced that the suggestions [for the Origin?] of both Lyell and Whitwell Elwyn are impracticable.
Will send first six chapters of MS next week. Has taken such pains with it that he hopes corrections will not be heavy.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 6 May [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.57–57A) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2459 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … To John Murray 6 May [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.57–57A) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Down 6 May [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … to the letter from Whitwell Elwin to John Murray, 3 May 1859 . CD refers to chapter 14 of …
To John Murray 24 December [1859]
Summary
Thanks JM for present of McClintock’s work [Sir Francis Leopold McClintock, The voyage of the "Fox" in the Arctic seas (1859)], which he and his wife look forward to reading.
Asks to be told when reprint [of Origin] is ready.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 24 Dec [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.24–25) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2597 |
Matches: 7 hits
- … To John Murray 24 December [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.24–25) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Down 24 Dec [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … Franklin and his companions. London: John Murray. Origin : On the origin of species by …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … John Franklin, had returned in 1859 with conclusive proof of Franklin’s death and the fate of the party. The voyage was described in McClintock 1859 , a work published by Murray. …
To John Murray 14 June [1859]
Summary
Finds style [of Origin] incredibly bad; corrections are very heavy. Supposes it was due to his attention being fixed on general lines of argument and not on detail. Wishes to share expense of corrections.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 14 June [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Darwin: Ms.42152 ff.43–44) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2469 |
To John Murray 31 May [1859]
Summary
CD’s diagram [for chapter on "Divergence of character", Origin] is indispensable.
Finds he will have to make many corrections, his text is so obscure.
A week of hydropathy at Moor Park has done him a world of good.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 31 May [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.41–42) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2465 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … To John Murray 31 May [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.41–42) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Down 31 May [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … as CD requested. See also letters to John Murray, 2 April [1859] and 14 May [1859] . The …
To John Murray 5 April [1859]
Summary
Sends title and first three chapters [of Origin]. Thinks first chapter will interest the public and is sure views are original. If JM thinks otherwise, he should freely reject the work. Chapter 2 is dull and abstruse, chapter 3 is plain and interesting.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 5 Apr [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.35–35A) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2447 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … To John Murray 5 April [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.35–35A) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Down 5 Apr [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … The arrangement may have been made then. See letter to John Murray, 31 March [1859] . …
To John Murray 29 April [1859]
Summary
Will send first six chapters [of Origin] for the press. Sends data on size of MS and book. His "beau ideal" for type and size is Lyell’s Manual [of geology] 1st ed.
Important to his health to get the work printed quickly. Must leave home soon to stay for months at a water-cure establishment.
Asks printer to send a proof-sheet a day until he gets well ahead.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 29 Apr [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.38–39) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2455 |
To John Murray 24 November [1859]
Summary
CD is astonished at sale of Origin [to booksellers].
Arranges to start new edition immediately. Cannot change much [while at Ilkley Wells], nor work rapidly because of health. Relieved that JM has no cause to repent of publishing Origin.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 24 Nov [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.70–71) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2549 |
Matches: 7 hits
- … To John Murray 24 November [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.70–71) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Ilkley 24 Nov [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … See letter to John Murray, 15 October [1859] , in which CD stated his intention to buy 70 …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … September [1859] , and preceding letter. See letter to John Murray, 14 November [1859] . …
To John Murray 31 August [1859]
Summary
Sheets [of Origin] up to p. 240 are ready. Asks how many copies and how soon JM will publish. Hopes as soon as possible because of his health. Bitterly disappointed at delay he has caused.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 31 Aug [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.58–59) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2484 |
Matches: 5 hits
To John Murray 31 March [1859]
Summary
CD has heard from Lyell that JM is inclined to publish his work on the origin of species. Will send some chapters as soon as copyist has finished. Sends list of 12 chapters. It will be a popular abstract of more than 20 years’ work. It ought to be popular with scientific and semi-scientific readers.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 31 Mar [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.12–13) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2441 |
Matches: 7 hits
- … To John Murray 31 March [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.12–13) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Down 31 Mar [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … 1838. Elements of geology. London: John Murray. Origin : On the origin of species by means …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1859. …
- … negotiations between Charles Lyell and John Murray, see letter to Charles Lyell, 28 …
To John Murray 10 September [1859]
Summary
On title of Origin, suggests omitting word "Varieties" altogether if JM does not object. Last proofs corrected, but revises still to do.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 10 Sept [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.20–21) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2488 |
Matches: 5 hits
To John Murray 2 December [1859]
Summary
All sheets [of Origin, 2d ed.] are ready. Has made a few corrections
and inserted Charles Kingsley’s sentence in answer to those who may think the book is irreligious.
Insists page numbering be kept uniform with 1st edition.
Intends to start immediately on the "larger work", with a distinct title.
Fears reviews will be unfavourable but is confident his views will ultimately prevail.
Asks about plans for French edition.
Thanks JM for his exertions on behalf of sales of Origin.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 2 Dec [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.51–53) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2566 |
Matches: 6 hits
- … To John Murray 2 December [1859] …
- … National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.51–53) Charles …
- … Robert Darwin Ilkley 2 Dec [1859] John Murray …
- … Darwin, C. R. Murray, John (b) …
- … of favoured races in the struggle for life. By Charles Darwin. London: John Murray. 1860. …
- … 30 November [1859] . See letters to John Murray, 14 November [1859] , 24 November [1859] , …
To John Murray 14 May [1859]
Summary
Approves specimen sheet [of Origin]. Sorry book will be so long. Has now written half of last chapter; it is as long as his estimate of the entire chapter. Now thinks it will run to 6000 or 7000 words. Will do his utmost to improve his style. Anxious to publish soon; he knows of two men already writing on the subject, starting from his Linnean Society paper ["On the tendency of species to form varieties", Collected papers 2: 3–19]. Will send a diagram for the book.
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 14 May [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42152 ff.40–40A) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2462 |
Matches: 5 hits
| letter | (150) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (121) |
| Hooker, J. D. | (6) |
| Lyell, Charles | (4) |
| Hill, Richard (b) | (2) |
| Murray, John (b) | (2) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (26) |
| Murray, John (b) | (26) |
| Lyell, Charles | (21) |
| Hooker, J. D. | (19) |
| Huxley, T. H. | (15) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (147) |
| Murray, John (b) | (28) |
| Hooker, J. D. | (25) |
| Lyell, Charles | (25) |
| Huxley, T. H. | (16) |
John Murray
Summary
Darwin's most famous book On the origin of species by means of natural selection (Origin) was published on 22 November 1859. The publisher was John Murray, who specialised in non-fiction, particularly politics, travel and science, and had published…
Matches: 11 hits
- … was published on 22 November 1859. The publisher was John Murray, who specialised in non-fiction, …
- … his name and in 1768 acquired a publishing house. The third John Murray, who followed his father as …
- … house; the seventh sold the business in 2002. The John Murray Archive was acquired by the …
- … University Library a similar number of letters from John Murray and Robert Cooke, his cousin and …
- … had proved to be a scientific best-seller for the second John Murray, to open negotiations with his …
- … began the business relationship between Charles Darwin and John Murray. Darwin’s next …
- … . Again he asked Lyell to act as his intermediary with John Murray ( Letter 2437 ), who, without …
- … had paid Darwin profits of nearly £3000. The third John Murray made a successful business …
- … ). Darwin’s next publishing project with John Murray in 1869 was a translation into English …
- … in the Quarterly Review , a magazine published by John Murray.The pamphlets were not primarily …
- … his orders ( Letter 8616 ). However, when Robert Cooke, John Murray’s cousin, went round to …
List of correspondents
Summary
Below is a list of Darwin's correspondents with the number of letters for each one. Click on a name to see the letters Darwin exchanged with that correspondent. "A child of God" (1) Abberley,…
Matches: 1 hits
- … Job, R. A. (1) John Murray (181) …
Darwin in letters, 1865: Delays and disappointments
Summary
The year was marked by three deaths of personal significance to Darwin: Hugh Falconer, a friend and supporter; Robert FitzRoy, captain of the Beagle; and William Jackson Hooker, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and father of Darwin’s friend…
Matches: 4 hits
- … Variation . In March Darwin wrote to his publisher, John Murray, ‘Of present book I have 7 …
- … forward, except the last & concluding one’ ( letter to John Murray, 31 March [1865] ). In …
- … will be ready for the press in the autumn’ ( letter to John Murray, 4 April [1865] ). In early …
- … ‘I am never idle when I can do anything’ ( letter to John Murray, 2 June [1865] ). It was not …
Darwin in letters, 1867: A civilised dispute
Summary
Charles Darwin’s major achievement in 1867 was the completion of his large work, The variation of animals and plants under domestication (Variation). The importance of Darwin’s network of correspondents becomes vividly apparent in his work on expression in…
Matches: 4 hits
- … of the size of the two-volume work from his publisher, John Murray, he wrote to Murray on 3 …
- … is as good as praise for selling a Book’ ( letter to John Murray, 31 January [1867] ). A …
- … to translate Variation . Indeed, he told his publisher, John Murray, in a letter of 4 April …
- … time it took William Sweetland Dallas to prepare the index. John Murray had engaged Dallas and …
Darwin in letters, 1872: Job done?
Summary
'My career’, Darwin wrote towards the end of 1872, 'is so nearly closed. . . What little more I can do, shall be chiefly new work’, and the tenor of his correspondence throughout the year is one of wistful reminiscence, coupled with a keen eye…
Matches: 4 hits
- … to spread my views’, he wrote to his publisher, John Murray, on 30 January , shortly after …
- … photographic plates with his overseas publishers, and with John Murray’s assistant, the excitable …
- … of the booksellers, encouraged an originally cautious John Murray to gamble on the book’s success: & …
- … attractive dishes in his `Literary Banquet’ (letters from John Murray, 6 November [1872] and 9 …
Darwin in letters, 1874: A turbulent year
Summary
The year 1874 was one of consolidation, reflection, and turmoil for Darwin. He spent the early months working on second editions of Coral reefs and Descent of man; the rest of the year was mostly devoted to further research on insectivorous plants. A…
Matches: 5 hits
- … of anonymous reviews. Its proprietor was none other than John Murray, Darwin’s publisher. So …
- … to review me in a hostile spirit’ ( letter to John Murray, 11 August 1874 ). Darwin was …
- … number of the Review & in the same type’ ( letter from John Murray, 12 August 1874 ). George …
- … from E. A. Darwin, 17 [March 1874] ). He tried to persuade John Murray to publish a second edition …
- … authority on marriage customs in Descent ( see letter John Murray, 9 May [1874] ). He …
Rewriting Origin - the later editions
Summary
For such an iconic work, the text of Origin was far from static. It was a living thing that Darwin continued to shape for the rest of his life, refining his ‘one long argument’ through a further five English editions. Many of his changes were made in…
Matches: 1 hits
- … a larger target audience were also made. Darwin persuaded John Murray to include a glossary of …
Women as a scientific audience
Summary
Target audience? | Female readership | Reading Variation Darwin's letters, in particular those exchanged with his editors and publisher, reveal a lot about his intended audience. Regardless of whether or not women were deliberately targeted as a…
Matches: 1 hits
- … chapters of Origin of Species to his publisher, John Murray. He hopes that his views are …
Darwin in letters, 1871: An emptying nest
Summary
The year 1871 was an extremely busy and productive one for Darwin, with the publication in February of his long-awaited book on human evolution, Descent of man. The other main preoccupation of the year was the preparation of his manuscript on expression.…
Matches: 2 hits
- … ‘a windbag full of metaphysics & classics’ ( letter to John Murray, 13 April [1871] ). …
- … he suspected that very few would actually sell (letters to John Murray, 17 August [1871] and …
Origin
Summary
Darwin’s most famous work, Origin, had an inauspicious beginning. It grew out of his wish to establish priority for the species theory he had spent over twenty years researching. Darwin never intended to write Origin, and had resisted suggestions in 1856…
Matches: 1 hits
- … In late March, Lyell had a word with his own publisher, John Murray, who had already published …
Darwin in letters, 1858-1859: Origin
Summary
The years 1858 and 1859 were, without doubt, the most momentous of Darwin’s life. From a quiet rural existence filled with steady work on his ‘big book’ on species, he was jolted into action by the arrival of an unexpected letter from Alfred Russel Wallace…
Matches: 4 hits
- … Lyell, 28 March [1859] ). Lyell suggested the firm of John Murray, publishers of the second edition …
- … letter from Elwin to Murray, 3 May 1859 , and letter to John Murray, 6 May [1859] ). The …
- … (letters to Charles Lyell, 28 March [1859] , and to John Murray, 10 September [1859] ), but …
- … would change their minds without good cause.’ ( letter to John Murray, 2 December [1859] ). …
Darwin in letters, 1862: A multiplicity of experiments
Summary
1862 was a particularly productive year for Darwin. This was not only the case in his published output (two botanical papers and a book on the pollination mechanisms of orchids), but more particularly in the extent and breadth of the botanical experiments…
Matches: 2 hits
- … buy it. When he submitted the manuscript to his publisher, John Murray, he boasted: ‘I can say with …
- … in the least , whether the Book will sell’ ( letter to John Murray, 9 [February 1862] ). To his …
St George Jackson Mivart
Summary
In the second half of 1874, Darwin’s peace was disturbed by an anonymous article in the Quarterly Review suggesting that his son George was opposed to the institution of marriage and in favour of ‘unrestrained licentiousness’. Darwin suspected, correctly,…
Matches: 3 hits
- … also wondering whether he should break off relations with John Murray, his own publisher and also …
- … courteous response, agreeing to all he asked ( letter from John Murray, 12 August 1874 ). …
- … having been used in a Pickwickian sense’ ( letter to John Murray, 18 October 1874 ). In other …
Darwin in letters, 1868: Studying sex
Summary
The quantity of Darwin’s correspondence increased dramatically in 1868 due largely to his ever-widening research on human evolution and sexual selection.Darwin’s theory of sexual selection as applied to human descent led him to investigate aspects of the…
Matches: 3 hits
- … domestication . Having been advertised by the publisher John Murray as early as 1865, the two …
- … in the British Museum, agreed about the authorship. John Murray thought it was by Gray himself, but …
- … me in the face, but not behind my back’ ( letter to John Murray, 25 February [1868] ). Wallace …
Darwin in letters, 1875: Pulling strings
Summary
‘I am getting sick of insectivorous plants’, Darwin confessed in January 1875. He had worked on the subject intermittently since 1859, and had been steadily engaged on a book manuscript for nine months; January also saw the conclusion of a bitter dispute…
Matches: 2 hits
- … .’ Hooker also directed some of his anger toward John Murray, the publisher of the …
- … to pay the costs for printing an additional 250 ( letter to John Murray, 3 May 1875 ). In …
Darwin in letters, 1863: Quarrels at home, honours abroad
Summary
At the start of 1863, Charles Darwin was actively working on the manuscript of The variation of animals and plants under domestication, anticipating with excitement the construction of a hothouse to accommodate his increasingly varied botanical experiments…
Matches: 1 hits
- … At the start of 1863, Charles Darwin was actively working on the manuscript of The variation of …
John Lort Stokes
Summary
John Lort Stokes, naval officer, was Charles Darwin’s cabinmate on the Beagle voyage – not always an enviable position. After Darwin’s death, Stokes penned a description of their evenings spent working at the large table at the centre, Stokes at his…
Matches: 1 hits
- … John Lort Stokes, naval officer, was Charles Darwin’s cabinmate on the Beagle voyage – not …
Darwin in letters,1866: Survival of the fittest
Summary
The year 1866 began well for Charles Darwin, as his health, after several years of illness, was now considerably improved. In February, Darwin received a request from his publisher, John Murray, for a new edition of Origin. Darwin got the fourth…
Matches: 4 hits
- … In February, Darwin received a request from his publisher, John Murray, for a new edition of On …
- … On 21 February Darwin received notification from John Murray that stocks of the third edition of …
- … out, ‘business would be totally paralysed’. Similarly, John Murray gave as a reason for his decision …
- … ‘gaieties travelling & War Bulletins’ ( letter from John Murray, 18 July 1866 ). I …
John Maurice Herbert
Summary
John Maurice Herbert was a close friend of Darwin’s at Cambridge University. He was affectionately called ‘Cherbury’ by Darwin, a reference to the seventeenth-century philosopher Edward Herbert, Baron Cherbury, who, like John Herbert, hailed from…
Matches: 1 hits
- … chapter. Edited by Francis Darwin. 3 vols. London: John Murray. 1887–8. …
Darwin's in letters, 1873: Animal or vegetable?
Summary
Having laboured for nearly five years on human evolution, sexual selection, and the expression of emotions, Darwin was able to devote 1873 almost exclusively to his beloved plants. He resumed work on the digestive powers of sundews and Venus fly traps, and…
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- … “for Heaven knows when it will be ready” ( letter to John Murray, 4 May [1873] ). Keeping …
