John Camden Hotten to Walt Whitman, 5 February 1868

 loc.01731.001.jpg 74 & 75 Piccadilly W London 5 February, 1868 Dear Sir,

I have taken the liberty to send you by this post a copy of Mr. Swinburne's new book upon William Blake, poet and artist—a great but neglected genius who was counted as a madman by his contemporaries here sixty years ago. As Mr. Swinburne makes mention of yourself in this, his most recent published composition, it is but right that you should see what is said. But irrespective of that I feel assured—from what Mr. M. D. Conway tells me—that the book will interest you.

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Mr Conway will have told you of our intention to publish an English edition of your "poems"—or rather a "selection" from them—edited by Mr. W. M. Rossetti, one of our most able critics, and himself a poet. In about a week I shall send you a copy by post. It makes a handy vol. of about 440 pages, & will I think be a favourite here. Mr. Rossetti's introduction is most admirable, and gives great satisfaction to your admirers and his friends.

Now, we want the privilege of selling copies of this "selection" in  loc.01731.003.jpg the United States—if you will allow us: and I have told Mr. Conway that I would give you—or your agent—a royalty of one shilling (or 25 cents gold) upon every copy sold in your country.

I imagine that the sale of this "selection" in your country would serve as whet, or stimulant, to readers to secure copies of the complete works. I really don't think it would materially interfere with the sale of the latter.

On this English edition I will ask your acceptance of a share of our profits—after the original outlay in paper, printing, & binding, has been  loc.01731.004.jpgreturned to the publisher.

I was greatly gratified this afternoon in having almost the first copy of Mr. Robert Buchanan's new vol. of "Essays" placed in my hands. I was gratified because in the middle of the book his admirable paper upon your "poems—the article wch​ recently appeared in the Broadway—is given.

I think, in conclusion, that I ought to apologise for sending this familiarly written letter to you, as I am but a trader—a bookseller—and have only an acquaintance with your books of some years standing to offer as an excuse. True, the first copies imported into this country were at the order of the undersigned; but, that, it is feared, will not in any way palliate the liberty now taken.

Yrs: very obdtly​ : Jno​ Camden Hotten  loc.01731.005.jpg see notes Sept 7 & 8—1888 John Camden Hotten  loc.01731.006.jpg