To John Murray   9 May [1874]¹

My dear M^r Murray

M^r Mc. Lennan writes to me that he applied to you to publish a new Edit. of his Primitive marriage & that you said you had never heard of it & advised him to apply elsewhere.—² I am sure that you will excuse me telling you that I think it a most valuable book & extremely interesting. I have often quoted it as a good book unknown solely from bad publishing. I do not think that it is too indelicate. Several men & good judges have expressed to me their high opinion of its value.³

If what I say has any effect on you, you could no doubt borrow a copy (one is not to be purchased) from “F. F. Mc. Lennan 61. Bedford Gardens Campden Hill W.” & could then judge for yourself or through your advisers.—

Why I trouble you is chiefly because I have for some time back blamed M^r M^c. Lennan & told him it was a sin & shame that such a book sh^d. be out of print.— If you decide not to look at the book pray inform me that I may inform M^r M^c. Lennan. But if you determine to look at it, do not waste your time by writing to me

Yours very sincerely | Ch. Darwin