2951. RB to Edward Chapman

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 17, 110.

26. Devonshire St

Sept 23. ’51.

Dear Mr Chapman,

I am much obliged to you for your prompt attention to my request—and only regret that you have supposed that I should be troubled by details which would be of the greatest interest to me. This acct would seem to be only the usual half-yearly one: I should be very glad to have it with exact details; indeed, a separate account of my books & my wife’s, for the last, and every following half year—next Xtmas & so following. On the whole, everything seems tolerably satisfactory in the sale of the different books—even of mine, which will, I doubt not, succeed in the long run—but I am vexed at the ill luck of Xtmas-Eve &c: was the price too high? [1] Could anything be done by judicious advertizing at the seasons the book treats of? Could one put in some illustrations, even now? I might get you a few good ones. I refer all to your better knowledge & practice, and meantime reciprocating your cordiality & good wishes, on my wife’s part as well as my own, I remain, my dear Mr Chapman,

Yours very faithfully,

Robert Browning.

Publication: NL, pp. 51–52.

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

1. Christmas-Eve and Easter-Day, published by Chapman and Hall on 1 April 1850, sold for six shillings.

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