Albemarle St
May 28
Dear Sir
It is now some days since I received a copy of your book on Etymologies. <1> I began upon it first myself – & read the greater part of it with great interest. I then sent it to a confidential friend, who confirmed the opinion I had formed of it. It displays much originality & ingenuity – though you must be prepared for controversy & dissident voices.
I shall be very happy to publish it for you, on the usual terms of commission. I will do my best to promote its success – though the study of etymology being limited to a class – precludes the notion of very extended circulation – The price of 12/- will do quite well.
I have not yet seen the title wch I beg to see before it is worked off & I will insert the title in my List of Publications prepared for the next Quarterly. I know not your printers address If you think fit to authorize him to deliver the copies instead to me – I can attend to the binding – or do you prefer to have them bound by your own man?
I remain Dear Sir yours very faithfully
John Murray
J[?] Fox Talbot Esq
Notes:
1. Published as WHFT, English Etymologies (London: John Murray, 1847).