Author Messenger Editor (5 results)

Condition: As New. Unread copy in mint condition.

Condition: New. Brand New.

Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 114 pages. 6.00x0.31x9.00 inches. In Stock.

Hardcover. Condition: Brand New. 280 pages. 7.00x0.69x10.00 inches. In Stock.

3pp., 12mo. 55 lines, neatly and closely written. Good, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed to 'Mr W. Shoberl.' An excellent letter, giving an experienced and knowledgable view of the state of the mid-Victorian British booktrade. Redding begins by stating that he is 'indeed concerned to hear the statement' Shoberl has communicated to him. He wishes it was in his power to forward Shoberl's wishes. 'The Downward tendency of our present literature and its continued deterioration by the utter disregard for any thing on the part of the public but that which any body may do, with the continual competition as to price among the booksellers, have utterly destroyed authorship. The American looks to costing nothing for copyright, reprinted here as of English authorship reduce the chances of obtaining employment very low indeed. I feel the times too much myself not to sympathise with others. There is not a boarding school girl whose diatribes do not ascend in the market, better than those of an educated person who has had long experience. The prospect is gloomy enough', and Redding cannot help him. 'I have no business connections out of the old way, and so far from finding my present cause a prosperous one I look to the future with apprehension. My life with 50 years of adventures is nearly ready, but I almost despair of doing any thing with it, though I have records of so many well known characters to display.' Redding remembers Shoberl's father well, 'and when you speak of friends gone off the stage of existence I can assure you I feel the same'. In the final paragraph he again expresses a desire to assist Shoberl if he can, and he expresses a hope 'that things may soon take a turn' with him. Shoberl did gain employment in the book trade, first as assistant to the London publisher Henry Colburn, and then as a publisher in his own right.