WCP6394

[1]¹

Westminster City School,

Palace Street,

S.W.1.

28, Alexandra Park Road,

Muswell Hill,

N.10.

7^th May, 1929.

Dear Sir or Madam²,

I am preparing for the University of London Press a "Practical Course of Précis Writing"³ in three books. This is not merely a set of literary extracts but a graduated course of instruction in the principles and practice of précis writing with many fully worked out examples, and a series of exercises and passages for practice. Books I and II are already out, and I am now preparing Book III, for "Advanced Courses" in Public & Secondary Schools — ages 16 to 18 or 19; for Civil Service Classes; as well as for [2] advanced examinations by the Universities, the Institute of Bankers, the Society of Arts, etc.

I have applied to H[is]. M[ajesty’s]. Stationery Office for permission to include examination questions in précis writing set by the Civil Service Commission, and (subject to the permission of authors and publishers of the passages set) they have kindly granted permission.

I should, for the purpose of similar questions, be glad to include two passages from the late Alfred Russel Wallace’s "Man’s Place in the Universe⁴". I wrote to Mess[ieu]rs. Chapman & Hall and as far as they are concerned they are willing to grant me permission to quote the passages. The In reply to my request for the name & address of the present owners of the author’s copyright they reply that copyright is "vested in the author’s literary executors" & that they ["] do not think there is likely to be any objection raised on behalf of the family", though they "cannot answer definitely for them". They add "Perhaps you would like to approach [3] them through the Public Trustee⁵, in whose hands Wallace left his affairs". I have therefore sent this letter to the Public Trustee asking him to be kind enough to send it to the representative of the family who is competent to grant permission. If you would be so kind as to grant me permission to include these passages I should be most grateful, & should make proper acknowledgement of your kind permission in the book.

I may add mention that I am Second (Senior) Master in Westminster City School⁶, and that I have published with Mess[ieu]rs. Nelson, Mess[ieu]rs. Pitman, Mess[ieu]rs. Harrap, & The University of London Press.

I am, | Yours very truly, | E. M. Palser [signature]

[4]

May 13th

Asked for exact reference to passages so that I may know their nature and extent.⁷