From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
19 Nov [1875]
Source of text:
DAR 210.11: 3
Summary:
Report on sales of Origin, Insectivorous plants, and Climbing plants.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
22 Nov [1875]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 478
Summary:
Sends cheques in payment on three of CD’s books.
Proposes to print 500 copies of Insectivorous plants before distributing the type.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
23 Nov [1875]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 479
Summary:
JM has printed 16250 copies of Origin since 1859.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
6 Jan [1876]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 481
Summary:
At last, Expression is beginning to sell again.
Cooke has not yet decided on number of Variation [2d ed.] to print.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
27 Nov [1877]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 495
Summary:
Sends CD his share of profits on Descent and Forms of flowers.
Wants to reprint Cross and self-fertilisation because supply of copies is entirely exhausted.
Congratulates CD on his Cambridge honour [LL.D.].
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
29 Nov [1877]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 497, DAR 210.11: 12
Summary:
Answers CD’s query about payment made to him [for Descent and Forms of flowers] and explains the basis on which it was made. Because of CD’s wish to be paid before editions are sold off, profits must be estimated. If he were willing to accept annual statements of sales, payments based on them, and final accounting when all were sold, there would be no uncertainty. This is JM’s usual practice.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
3 June [1879]
Source of text:
DAR 92: B11
Summary:
Is well disposed toward publishing Krause’s essay on Dr Erasmus Darwin, particularly if CD undertakes to fill up its gaps. He thinks ED’s reputation is increasing.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
3 Sept [1879]
Source of text:
DAR 92: B12–13
Summary:
Likes CD’s memoir of his grandfather and offers to publish 1000 copies at his own risk, giving half the profits to CD.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
1 Apr 1859
Source of text:
National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms. 41913 p.32)
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.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
2 Nov 1859
Source of text:
National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms. 41913 pp. 53–4)
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.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
27 Jan 1860
Source of text:
National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms. 41913 p. 78)
Summary:
Presents statement of expenses and anticipated profit of the new edition of 3000 copies [of Origin].
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
7 May 1861
Source of text:
National Library of Scotland (John Murray Archive) (Ms. 41913 pp. 107–8)
Summary:
Encloses amended note of £372 for third edition of Origin. Provides details of the calculation of profits.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
23 Sept 1861
Source of text:
DAR 171.3(1): 331
Summary:
Offers to publish Orchids, giving CD one-half of the profits of each edition.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
30 Jan [1862]
Source of text:
American Philosophical Society (Mss.B.D25.)
Summary:
Discusses manuscript by H. W. Bates [Naturalist on the river Amazons (1863)].
Mentions CD’s forthcoming book [Orchids].
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
1 Apr 1865
Source of text:
DAR 171: 332
Summary:
Will be proud to publish CD’s new work on domestic animals [Variation]. Will announce it as the complement of the Origin. Advises on woodcuts; does not wish to limit number; agrees to CD’s suggestions for artists.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
[1 July – 23 Aug 1862]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 525
Summary:
Account of Orchids.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
21 Feb [1866]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 333
Summary:
Informs CD third edition of Origin is exhausted. Proposes a new edition. Has CD any changes? Since demand is slowing up, proposes printing only 1250 copies and deferring payment of CD’s share until sales have repaid manufacturing costs.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
25 May [1866]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 334
Summary:
Printing [of 4th edition of Origin] nearly complete. Will print 1000 copies which, at present rate of sale, may last three to five years.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
30 May [1866]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 335
Summary:
On reflection, in view of the extensive additions CD has made to Origin, has decided to print 1500 copies [of 4th ed.].
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project
From:
John Murray
To:
Charles Robert Darwin
Date:
18 July [1866]
Source of text:
DAR 171: 336
Summary:
Proposes to delay issue [of 4th ed. of Origin] until November to obtain better market conditions. Now printing 1250 copies.
Explains practice of not cutting pages is due to propensity of English public to read books without buying them.
Contributor:
Darwin Correspondence Project