With its last issue in December, THE CRITIC2 will complete its tenth year (the century's ninetieth) and we should like to signalize the occasion by printing in that number a few lists, by competent judges, of THE BEST FIVE American BOOKS PUBLISHED DURING THE DECADE (Jan. 1, 1881–Dec. 31, 1890). We are confident that your opinion on this subject would be of the greatest interest to our readers, and if you will kindly send us the names of the five books of your choice, we shall deem it a special favor.3
Hoping to hear from you not later than Monday, Dec. 22, and as loc.02218.003_large.jpg loc.02218.002_large.jpg much earlier as it may be convenient for you to reply, we remain.
Very truly yours, J.L. & J.B. Gilder EDITORS OF THE CRITIC.Had forgotton slips, but will send them.
loc.02218.004_large.jpg see notes Dec 20 1890Correspondent:
Jeannette Leonard Gilder
(1849–1916) and her brother Joseph Benson Gilder (1858–1936) edited
The Critic together from 1881 to 1906. For more
information on Jeannette Gilder, see Susan L. Roberson, "Gilder, Jeannette L. (1849–1916)," Walt
Whitman: An Encyclopedia, ed. J.R. LeMaster and Donald D. Kummings (New
York: Garland Publishing, 1998).