Report on sales of Origin, Insectivorous plants, and Climbing plants.
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The Charles Darwin Collection
The Darwin Correspondence Project is publishing letters written by and to the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882). Complete transcripts of letters are being made available through the Project’s website (www.darwinproject.ac.uk) after publication in the ongoing print edition of The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (Cambridge University Press 1985–). Metadata and summaries of all known letters (c. 15,000) appear in Ɛpsilon, and the full texts of available letters can also be searched, with links to the full texts.
Report on sales of Origin, Insectivorous plants, and Climbing plants.
Sends cheques in payment on three of CD’s books.
Proposes to print 500 copies of Insectivorous plants before distributing the type.
JM has printed 16250 copies of Origin since 1859.
At last, Expression is beginning to sell again.
Cooke has not yet decided on number of Variation [2d ed.] to print.
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.].
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.
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.
Likes CD’s memoir of his grandfather and offers to publish 1000 copies at his own risk, giving half the profits to CD.
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.
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.
Presents statement of expenses and anticipated profit of the new edition of 3000 copies [of Origin].
Encloses amended note of £372 for third edition of Origin. Provides details of the calculation of profits.
Offers to publish Orchids, giving CD one-half of the profits of each edition.
Discusses manuscript by H. W. Bates [Naturalist on the river Amazons (1863)].
Mentions CD’s forthcoming book [Orchids].
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.
Account of Orchids.
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.
Printing [of 4th edition of Origin] nearly complete. Will print 1000 copies which, at present rate of sale, may last three to five years.
On reflection, in view of the extensive additions CD has made to Origin, has decided to print 1500 copies [of 4th ed.].
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.