WCP3390

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

June 2nd, 1901

Messrs MacMillan & Co.¹

Dear Sirs

I must say a few words in reply to your last,² because it confuses the issue by making it appear that — (1) I did not understand whether you intended to raise the price or not, whereas the only point I did not feel quite sure of, was, whether the word "net" after "7/6", was not an oversight. (2) That I object to any raising of the price.

But the whole purport of my letter³ was an objection to the price being raised both from [2] 6/- to 7/6, and by making the 7/6 net. If you had proposed to raise the price ^{of the} three ^{6/- books} to 7/6, an increase of 25 p.c., reducing the one 9/- "Darwinism"⁴ to the same figure, I should not object.

I have always thought there was a great deal of matter in the books for 6/-, but it was you who fixed the price, and I presumed you had your reasons for it.

Yours very truly, | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

[3]

P.S. The bringing out new editions in uniform covers forming a "set", would afford a good explanation for raising the price,— or rather for equalising the price of the 4 volumes, and I presume the "Studies"⁵ might come into the "set" at the same price when the present edition is sold out.

A.R.W.