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 |
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 2 April [1859]
Summary
Accepts JM’s terms for publication of Origin. If, on reading the MS, JM thinks it will not sell, CD frees him from the offer. Will send chapters soon so he can judge. Though some parts are dry and abstruse, CD thinks it will be interesting to "those who care for the curious problem of the origin of all animate forms".
| Author: | Charles Robert Darwin |
| Addressee: | John Murray |
| Date: | 2 Apr [1859] |
| Classmark: | National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms.42153 ff.18–19) |
| Letter no: | DCP-LETT-2445 |
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 |
| letter | (4) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (3) |
| Murray, John (b) | (1) |
| Murray, John (b) | (3) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (1) |
| Darwin, C. R. | (4) |
| Murray, John (b) | (4) |
