WCP3367

[1]

The Dell, Grays, Essex

Feb^y 25th. 1875.

Dear Mr. Craik¹

The arrangement you propose seems to me fair for the first edition of 2000 copies.² But if in the course of say 3 or 4 years a 2nd edition should be required, it would necessitate on my part a large amount of work, as the subject is one which grows & changes rapidly & a considerable portion of the letter press would have to be rewritten. The Maps & plates are however of such [2] a character that they would serve for many years without alteration; or with trifling alterations in the Maps. I think therefore that my fair proportion of a second edition sh^d. be considerably more than of the first.

Again if I remember rightly without referring to the agreement, you gave me 7s per copy, that is one fourth, of the selling price on the Malay Archipelago 2nd. Ed.³ [3] It may not of course be avoidable to publish a second edition at all in the same form, — & the work is one of such an entirely novel character that experience of the utility of it may suggest great alteration in its plan & treatment. It might therefore be advisable (& I think it probably would) to make a second edition really a new work, though with the same maps and illustrations — This would give me all the extra work, & would have a larger margin for profit. I therefore do not [4] feel quite disposed to bind myself to the same terms for such a second edn. as maybe quite fair for a first.

On the understanding therefore that a second edition, if required, may be the subject of a new arrangement, I will accept your proposal. Of course if it sh^d. by any extraordinary luck sell so quick as to require a new edition of the same book with mere corrections, the agreement for the first might stand, but I hardly think this is likely.

[5] As to the title it must be either

The Geographical Distribution of Animals

(or)

The Geographical Distribution of Land Animals. (or Terrestrial)

As I do not go into the distribution of Marine Animals (except to a very small extent) the latter title would be most accurate. I think we must have "Land Animals" in the full title, — while the short title for the back of [6] the book may be

Geographical Distribution of Animals

It might even be reduced (at side) to "Geography of Animals" or "Animal Geography", — but I do not think either of these so clear and descriptive as the larger title.

I remain | yours very sincerely | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

G. L. Craik Esq.

[7] If you know any one likely to do my planting give them one of the enclosed cards.

A.R.W.

[8]⁴

A. R. Wallace Esq.

agrees to terms for Geograph. Distribution of Animals

£200 for first 1000 copies, and royalty 1/5 of selling price of rest of first Edition (in all 2000)

The same to hold good for the 2^nd edition if essentially the same in form.

Otherwise the term a fresh agreement is to be drawn up.

Feb. 25. 1875.