Essex, UK: [1896]. Three nice handwritten letters from Coulson Kernahan related to publishing matters. Kernahan (1858-1943) was a prolific writer and editor, reading and editing submissions for publisher Ward, Lock & Co. among other efforts. He was their copy editor for Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Two of the three letters are dated 1896 and the third undated one pertains to content in one of the previous letters. All were sent on printed letterhead “Thrums,” Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. The first two-page letter is addressed to Mr. Tickell. In it Kernahan apologizes for taking so long in getting back to him and then turns down an invitation to write a story for a publication he refers to as “BW.” He also writes that one of his works, “A Literary Gent,” is a Ward Lock copyright but says they would probably agree to have it reprinted for “some small sum.” He goes on to talk about manuscripts submitted [does not say where] for a 200 pound prize. The second one-page letter is sent to “Dear Sirs.” Kernahan writes to say that he had expected three manuscripts to be read for his proposed honorarium of 9 pounds, or 3 pounds each. To his surprise he received seven manuscripts and states that the honorarium must be adjusted but instead of asking for 21 pounds, states he would be satisfied with 15 pounds. The third letter of 1.5 pages is a cover letter to a report that he is sending offering his opinions of the stories reviewed. He says that he reads manuscripts for possible publication with two considerations in mind. The first is the literary quality of the work, and the second is for the potential popularity of the piece - ”to put myself, so to speak in the place of the public which buys and enjoys books which the literary [part of word obscured] journals condemn.” The letters are quite legible despite soiling and darkening to paper. The letters appear to have been previously affixed to something, two with glue on the back and one by tape to the left margins, with some remnants still attached. Light creases where folded. 7 x 9 inches. AUTO/113016. Very Good -.

Item #30640

Price: $250.00