Charles Dickens Writes About Publishing his Work and Writing Under New Signed

Description

Charles Dickens Writes About Publishing his Work and Writing "Under New and Favorable Circumstances" in the Year of Martin Chuzzelwit's Release
Author:
Dickens, Charles
Title:
Charles Dickens Writes About Publishing his Work and Writing "Under New and Favorable Circumstances" in the Year of Martin Chuzzelwit's Release
Description:
ALS : Autograph Letter Signed
Famed English Victorian novelist. 2 page Autograph Letter Signed and dated Tuesday the 26th of March 1844. Writing to The London Magazine, Dickens praises the poetry of contemporary writer and magazine editor Thomas Hood as well as committing to send new work to be published in the magazine. This letter was written during the same period when Dickens was writing the final installments of Martin Chuzzlewit, the novel that he would ultimately call his best work.
From Devonshire Dickens writes in his hand in full,
"Dear Sir,
It is quite unnecessary for me to say that I have a great respect for [Thomas] Hood and hold his genius in high estimation.
I cannot promise to render any but the slightest assistance with his magazine, in case it should receive consequences of its late appearance this month. But if it should, and if it should be within the hands of the Spottiswoodes [publishing house], I will certainly write something for the next number. It will necessarily be very short, and will most probably refer to its starting under new and favorable circumstances. But in the case I have put, I will do that much with sincere pleasure -- and would do much more if my engagements permitted."
He signs boldly " Charles Dickens."
Dickens' lengthy novels were each published as magazine serials prior to their final release in book form, and this letter provides an important glimpse into how he retained these important relationships with editors while negotiating the balance between creating much-loved literary masterpieces and meeting the demands of magazine deadlines. Deeply engaged in the composition of his novel Martin Chuzzlewit, which Dickens would call his best work, Dickens admits to the editor his desire to submit work but his concern at missing a deadline and holding up publication of the upcoming issue. Rather than inconvenience the editor or bring about the dissatisfaction of subscribers, Dickens commits to "writ[ing] something for the next issue" if the current issue is already "within the hands of the Spottiswoodes" publishing house. Given Dickens' "great respect" for the position of Thomas Hood, who was both a famed writer and one of the magazine's editors, he guarantees a strong piece and assures his correspondent that he is "writing under new and favorable circumstances." Such conditions could be credited to the near-completion of Martin Chuzzlewit, as well as to the birth of Dickens' third son in the same year.
An important letter providing a glimpse into Dickens' publication and writing. With minor age related toning. In very good condition with bold, clean signature.
Seller ID:
15085
Subject:
Autographs, Letters and Archives, Europe, International items, Literature
Max
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