Autograph Letter Signed ('R Seeley') to his business partner Service.

Author: 
Richmond Seeley, son of and successor to Robert Benton Seeley (1798-1886), London publisher [F. Stanley Service; Seeley, Service & Co.; 'Clive Holland' [Charles James Hankinson] (1866-1959)]
Publication details: 
5 February 1908; Holmbury, Epsom.
£85.00
SKU: 7984

12mo, 3 pp. Bifolium with mourning border. Good: lightly aged and with a slight bloom at the foot. Text clear and complete. Written to a business partner, and providing an insight into the everyday workings of the Edwardian book trade. The beginning of the letter appears to be a response to suggestions by Service of authors to write a book on Holland. Begins 'Dear Mr. Service, | We cannot employ Clive Holland again until he has at least put his "Egypt" into a shape in which we can venture to reprint it. I doubt if we should employ any one in future who has not a full knowledge of the country he is to write about.' After a little more on Clive Holland continues: 'As regards Mr. Meldrum. I do not know whether I rightly understand the position. Has he not written a book on Holland for Blackwood which is still in print, and are we not asking him to write a cheaper book on the same subject? If so, it must interfere with the sale ofo the longer book, and will not Blackwood be justly annoyed?' Gives an example to justify this claim. Continues 'I return the lady doctor's letter which seems encouraging.' He will write to 'Dr. Keane' to see if he translated 'the inscription for the "Plates" '.