Asks for quick decision on publication [of Earthworms]. Does not care whether it is published on commission or on usual terms, but wants it published in a hurry. Cannot guess at sales.
Asks for quick decision on publication [of Earthworms]. Does not care whether it is published on commission or on usual terms, but wants it published in a hurry. Cannot guess at sales.
Murray’s will be happy to publish [Earthworms] on usual terms of two-thirds profits.
Agrees that new book [Earthworms] be published on old terms. Hopes it will not fail.
CD is curious to read an essay on evolution by a Hindu, which is being sent to Murray from India.
Surprised by CD’s intention to publish [Earthworms] so soon. Remonstrates against doing so. Asks deferment until October to co-ordinate with American publication and ensure best profit.
CD thought it was understood that he wanted to publish [Earthworms] at once, but as Murray "has the risk" CD must yield, though it destroys all his satisfaction in the book to have the publication hanging over him.
Hastens to assure CD that his book [Earthworms] will be published as soon as possible, since CD wishes it.
CD obliged to Murray for yielding to his wish for prompt publication [of Earthworms] but now uneasy about the risk. If Murray feels it will sell badly at this season he is unwilling to bear the responsibility. Murray should decide as he sees fit. CD is no longer so sulky as when he last wrote.
Only 270 copies of Movement in plants remain. Suggests printing another 250 and then breaking up type. If CD agrees, has he any corrections?
Sends a copy of Earthworms.
Will send copies [of Earthworms] shortly. Troubled by rumour of a mysterious copy in hands of a reviewer.
Glad book [Earthworms] will soon be published.
G. J. Romanes has copy and often writes reviews for Nature. Probably did not know it was incorrect to publish it prematurely.
Murray has sold 1200 copies [of Earthworms], so another printing of 500 is proposed. Has CD any corrections to send?
Will perhaps have to print off 1000 extra copies [of Earthworms]. Electros of the woodcuts are ready for the German edition.
Has sent copies [of Earthworms] to Annals & Magazine of Natural History and to Popular Science Review. If W. S. Dallas edits both, he will have two copies.
Second thousand [of Earthworms] has been exhausted and 3d is being printed. Asks CD to send corrections to the printer.
Has no corrections. Pleased at sale of book [Earthworms].
Memorandum: "3500 Worms!!!" sold at annual sale; 117 Movement in plants; 180 "Naturalist" [Journal of researches]; 600 Origin; 320 Descent.
Discusses additional printing of Earthworms.