[John Adolphus, historian, rejects a publishing proposal from Cadell & Davies.] Autograph Letter Signed ('John Adolphus') to bookseller Thomas Cadell, regarding meeting to discuss a proposal. With Cadell's autograph memorandum of the proposal.

John Adolphus (1768 1845), historian, barrister who defended Cato Street Conspirators, Tory pamphleteer [Thomas Cadell the younger (1773-1836), bookseller of London firm Cadell & Davies]

Published by 'Temple London | 6th. June', 1825

About this Item

Adolphus's letter, addressed to 'T. Cadell Esqr.', is 1p, 12mo, and on the recto of the first leaf of a bifolium. A nice artefact of publishing in Georgian London. The reference in the letter to Cadell's 'proposal' concerns his firm's terms for publishing a three-volume continuation of Adolphus's 'History of England from the Accession of George III to the Conclusion of Peace in 1783' (1802). Cadell's memorandum setting out his proposal fills the whole of the reverse of the first leaf, with one line extending to the recto of the second. The reverse of second leaf is laid down on part of leaf from album. In fair condition, on aged paper, with slight staining to second leaf from glue from mount. Folded twice. Adolphus, who from Cadell's memorandum opened negotiations for the work in a letter of 9 May, writes: 'I am sorry we parted so suddenly today. I should like to hear, at least, what you wished to propose. If you please, I will call on you some morning in my way from Westminster; or, if you are passing this way between 4 & 5 oClock, I shall be glad to see you.' Cadell's memorandum fills the whole of the reverse, beginning: 'N B: Called June 10 - and proposed as follows for the Copyright of each Volume.' He gives details of proposed payments for each of the three volumes, amounting to £500, 'to be paid 12 Mos. after publication'. After a reference to 'Copies to be presented to Mr A', Cadell continues: 'Could not ascertain at what time the first Portion (ending with the Peace of Amiens) would be sufficiently prepared for the Printing to begin.' Beneath this Cadell notes that the negotiations were not successful: 'N B: This proposal was not acceded to, and all further conference upon the subject ceased'. Between 1840 and his death in 1845 Adolphus published seven of the eight volumes of a new edition of his history, with the title amended to state that it spanned the period 'from the Accession to the Decease of King George the Third'. Seller Inventory # 22830

Bibliographic Details

Title: [John Adolphus, historian, rejects a ...

Publisher: 'Temple London | 6th. June'

Publication Date: 1825