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A Publisher and His Friends Memoir and Correspondence of John Murray; with an Account of the Origin and Progress of the House, 1768-1843   By: (1812-1904)

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In "A Publisher and His Friends: Memoir and Correspondence of John Murray; with an Account of the Origin and Progress of the House, 1768-1843" by Samuel Smiles, readers are taken on a captivating journey through the life of a renowned publisher and the friendships he forged with notable literary figures of his time.

Smiles masterfully unravels the story of John Murray, shedding light on the man's tireless dedication to his craft, his astute business acumen, and his unwavering commitment to nurturing talent. Through an array of personal correspondence, accounts, and anecdotes, the author paints a vivid picture of a publishing industry in its infancy, providing readers with a valuable historical perspective.

One of the most enchanting aspects of this memoir is the close bond between Murray and the literary luminaries he associated with. From the likes of Sir Walter Scott and Lord Byron to Jane Austen and Washington Irving, these relationships are meticulously explored and their impact on Murray's publishing career is illuminated. Smiles succeeds in humanizing these iconic figures, presenting them not as distant idols but as friends and collaborators.

What sets this book apart is the nuanced understanding it offers of the challenges faced by a publisher during this transformative period. Smiles delves into the intricacies of negotiation, copyright laws, and the balancing act of catering to both authors' and readers' needs. In doing so, he provides readers with a deeper appreciation for the publishing industry's evolution, as well as the risks and rewards that come with it.

While the narrative is rich in historical detail, it occasionally veers towards being exhaustive. The extensive correspondence might overwhelm some readers, detracting from the central story. However, for those with a keen interest in publishing history or a fervor for biographical accounts, this book will be an absolute treasure trove.

Overall, "A Publisher and His Friends" is a meticulously researched and well-crafted memoir that offers readers a captivating glimpse into the life of John Murray and the vibrant literary circles he inhabited. Samuel Smiles' insightful narrative showcases the interplay between historic events, the publishing landscape, and the remarkable individuals who shaped it. This book is a must-read for anyone eager to delve into the world of 18th and 19th-century publishing and the enthralling lives of those who shaped literature during that era.

First Page:

A PUBLISHER AND HIS FRIENDS

MEMOIR AND CORRESPONDENCE OF JOHN MURRAY

WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE HOUSE, 1768 1843

BY THE LATE SAMUEL SMILES, LL.D.

CONDENSED AND EDITED BY THOMAS MACKAY

WITH PORTRAITS

1911

PREFACE

When my Grandfather's Memoirs were published, twenty years ago, they met with a most favourable and gratifying reception at the hands of the public. Interest was aroused by the struggle and success of a man who had few advantages at the outset save his own shrewd sense and generous nature, and who, moreover, was thrown on his own resources to fight the battle of life when he was little more than a child.

The chief value of these volumes, however, consists in the fact that they supply an important, if not an indispensable, chapter in the literary history of England during the first half of the nineteenth century. Byron and Scott, Lockhart, Croker, George Borrow, Hallam, Canning, Gifford, Disraeli, Southey, Milman are but a few of the names occurring in these pages, the whole list of which it would be tedious to enumerate.

It may be admitted that a pious desire to do justice to the memory of John Murray the Second "the Anax of Publishers," as Byron called him led to the inclusion in the original volumes of some material of minor importance which may now well be dispensed with... Continue reading book >>




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