"FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD " : A CORRECTION.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR:1
SIR,—I see quoted in innumerable newspapers and reviews, including your own of April 22nd, a statement in a recent book by Mr. E. Downey, called "Twenty Years Ago," to the effect that the novel, "Far from the Madding Crowd," was offered to the late Mr. W. Tinsley, and withdrawn because he would not "give a rise" on another publisher's price for it. As an unpleasant question of an author's practice with publishers is suggested, I think it worth while to say, if you will allow me room, that the statement is untrue. The story was produced in response to a request from the late Sir Leslie Stephen, the editor, for a novel for the Cornhill, and the opening chapters were sent up to him from the country, and accepted—those to follow being taken on trust—without any negotiation elsewhere, or outside knowledge of the matter till after the contract had been entered into with the publishers of the Cornhill.—I am, Sir, &c., The Athenmum, Pall Mall, S.W. THOMAS HA_RDY.
Previous page
