GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 13 September 1857
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 13 September 1857
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 13 September 1857
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1857-09-13
Place
Richmond
Letter Content
GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 13 September 1857
MS: National Library of Scotland.
Park Shot | Richmond | 13 September 1857.
My dear Blackwood
I have shown Monti all the drawings which will serve as the illustrations of our book, and which will give a specimen of each animal spoken of in the text. His estimate is that for 7 plates 8vo containing 28 figures the whole expence -- including printing of a 1,000 copies -- would be about 30£ -- not more perhaps less. Woodcuts would cost at least 3 times that sum. We have arranged that the effect of transparency shall be given to the delicate transparent animals, by drawings of white on a black ground. Woodcuts cannot do this. 329
I have suggested 8vo for the sake of the plates; but if you think post 8vo would be better, because cheaper, I do not think much difference in expence of plates would accrue -- perhaps we must then have 8 plates instead of 7 -- the number of figures running the same, the extra expence of one plate would not be more than 30/- I fancy.
I shall be glad to know how much the printed matter will make, as in revising it I find myself tempted to make large additions, but must restrain myself within limits of a portable and cheap volume.
One of the Aquarium makers 330 told me he was often asked by customers whether the papers in Maga would be reprinted, and he urged me to do so, not knowing that the thing had been already contemplated.
Are you drenched? Do the lanes require ferry boats? Do you swim instead of a walk? We have a deluge here.
Ever yours faithfully
G. H. L.
MS: National Library of Scotland.
Park Shot | Richmond | 13 September 1857.
My dear Blackwood
I have shown Monti all the drawings which will serve as the illustrations of our book, and which will give a specimen of each animal spoken of in the text. His estimate is that for 7 plates 8vo containing 28 figures the whole expence -- including printing of a 1,000 copies -- would be about 30£ -- not more perhaps less. Woodcuts would cost at least 3 times that sum. We have arranged that the effect of transparency shall be given to the delicate transparent animals, by drawings of white on a black ground. Woodcuts cannot do this. 329
I have suggested 8vo for the sake of the plates; but if you think post 8vo would be better, because cheaper, I do not think much difference in expence of plates would accrue -- perhaps we must then have 8 plates instead of 7 -- the number of figures running the same, the extra expence of one plate would not be more than 30/- I fancy.
I shall be glad to know how much the printed matter will make, as in revising it I find myself tempted to make large additions, but must restrain myself within limits of a portable and cheap volume.
One of the Aquarium makers 330 told me he was often asked by customers whether the papers in Maga would be reprinted, and he urged me to do so, not knowing that the thing had been already contemplated.
Are you drenched? Do the lanes require ferry boats? Do you swim instead of a walk? We have a deluge here.
Ever yours faithfully
G. H. L.
Signature
G. H. L.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 13 September 1857, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/94750