4112. RB to Edward Chapman

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 25, 2–3.

Florence,

Jan 4. ’58.

Dear Chapman,

A Happy New-Year to you! Please carry into effect a similar wish for myself (such as I am sure you entertain) by sending hither the Christmas account: not a word have I heard of your goings-on since last “half.” [1] Do pray behave better this time, or I shall be confirmed in a suspicion I have that Chapman has long since dissolved partnership with Hall, Virtue & Co. [2]

You were to send us “Rollo’s Travels in Europe” [3] —will you please do so? Also, a copy of “Aurora Leigh”—also one of that thing about “Spirit-drawings” by Wilkinson which you are about to publish? [4] All by post, if no lucky opportunity of friendly carrier should seem likely to occur.

I write in real haste this time, but with best wishes for the season (as I said) & something of a hope—(as I said)—so good bye from

Yours faithfully

Robert Browning.

Publication: NL, pp. 105–106.

Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.

1. i.e., since the last half-yearly account, which RB received on 27 August 1857 (see letter 4038).

2. RB puns on the name of a publishing firm, Arthur Hall, Virtue & Co. It was formed after Chapman and Hall sold The Art-Union, a monthly magazine, to George Virtue (1794–1868) in 1848. The following year, the magazine was issued as The Art-Journal.

3. Rollo’s Tour in Europe (Boston, 1853–58), which RB requested the previous September; see letter 4058.

4. Spirit Drawings: A Personal Narrative, by William Martin Wilkinson (1814–97), published by Chapman and Hall, appears in The Athenæum’s “List of New Books” in the issue of 2 January 1858 (no. 1575, p. 18). Wilkinson was the younger brother of John James Garth Wilkinson (1812–99).

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