I suppose you got the copy I mail'd you some three or four days ago3—the additional matter (27 printed pages) for "Democratic Vistas"—I enclose herewith the MS of a little Preface. The title page ought to be
Democratic Vistas and other Pieces By Walt WhitmanLeave out "Two Letters" (p 315 and partly on p 316)—Leave out altogether the Appendix pieces (pp 339 to 374 inclusive)—And I should suggest to have "Notes left over" (pp 317 to 338) come last in the volume, & finishing it. Finally I give you the same privilege over the putting together of this, as my other volumes. (Is there any probability of a second edition of "Spec: Days"? Is it stereotyped?)
To the Publisher—For this Volume, the Preface, &c. I shall expect £10:10s (same as my other vols) and also 10 copies of the "Vistas" bound in roan. I wish the am't of the bill for the 50 copies "Spec:Days" (sent me three months ago,) deducted from the £10:10s and when you send the balance, send in P.O. order.
Respects & good will to all
Walt WhitmanCorrespondent:
Ernest Percival Rhys
(1859–1946) was a British author and editor; he founded the Everyman's
Library series of inexpensive reprintings of popular works. He included a volume
of Whitman's poems in the Canterbury Poets series and two volumes of Whitman's
prose in the Camelot series for Walter Scott publishers. For more information
about Rhys, see Joel Myerson, "Rhys, Ernest Percival (1859–1946)," Walt
Whitman: An Encyclopedia, ed. J.R. LeMaster and Donald D. Kummings (New
York: Garland Publishing, 1998).