5973. RB to George Murray Smith
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 260.
19. Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.
Nov: 11. ’67.
Dear Mr Smith,
Mr Chapman wrote to me a few days ago to inform me that he has now “about 50 copies of my poems, [1] —besides 48 copies of vol: II. and 18 of vol. III.” I have apprised him of my wish to try another publisher for the next edition, and he replies very considerately and amicably. [2]
The present edition,—the Fourth,—is in three volumes closely printed, of 29 lines to the page,—the first volume containing 432—the second, 606, the third 466. I should prefer dividing each volume—giving its proportion to the first by incorporating the poems of a similar nature which are published separately as “Dramatis Personæ:” I should also prefer the six volumes as distinct each from the other, purchasable by itself; and in a lighter and cheaper form.
I have now to ask whether you would like to print such an edition, and on what terms? [3]
I am, Dear Mr Smith,
Ever yours faithfully
Robert Browning.
Publication: RB-GS, p. 328.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. Poetical Works (4th ed., 3 vols., 1865).
2. See letter 5971. Chapman’s earlier letter has not surfaced.
3. The Poetical Works of Robert Browning (6 vols., 1868). The terms, as recorded in Smith, Elder & Co.’s “Publication Arrangements Ledger,” dated 10 January 1868, read as follows: “Right to print an Edition of 1500 Copies in 6 volumes assigned to S, E & Co (until such edition has been sold) in consideration of the Sum of £600 by S, E & Co to Mr Browning” (ms at Scotland). A receipt for £600, dated 9 January 1868 and signed by RB, is now at Eton. The six volumes were issued one at a time over a six-month period, beginning with volume one on 27 February 1868 (see Smith, Elder’s advertisement in The Athenæum of 22 February 1868, no. 2104, p. 298).
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