1878 letter to another author on the ins and outs of publishing, the writing of a ghost story, etc.
London: 1878. 8 x 5.25 inches, a little over 2 sides. "Dear Miss Leith, I have received the page, and I think it a very suitable one for the work you have undertaken to conduct. I heartily wish it successm and if I can at any time be of any little use to you in the shape of advice, or else, I shall be happy see to. But you must not reckon upon me as a contributor, for I know that I shall not be able to write for it. Some of the first-class periodicals, that have applied to me over and over again, are under a semi-promise from me to write a little for them if I can. I do not at present see the least chance of doing so -- but I would rather not make any further semi-promise of the kind, or hold out any hopes. I am sure you will be able to replace me in a ghost story: I think Mrs. Biddell would write a good one. Several years back she wrote one for Temple Bar which I thought was very good indeed. I think it was called "In the Gloaming." A few minutes after you left the other day, Miss Anne Beale came in. She chanced to mention that you had written to her -- and was surprised when I said you had but just left. One of these days I hope to call upon you and hear how you are getting on. With kind regards to yourself and Miss Emily Leith, believe me very sincerely yours, Ellen Wood." The author (1814-1877) was a successful novelist. She took to writing to support her family of four children when her husband’s business failed and they had to return to England. She wrote over 30 novels, including "East Lynne," known still for the famous quote, Dead and never called me mother,"-- though this was not in the novel but in the stage adaptation. She also edited and wrote for Argosy magazine. After her husband’s death she lived at 16 St John’s Wood Park and in the 1881 census is sharing it with her 37 year old son, Arthur, and a cook, two housemaids and a dressmaker. She amassed a fortune of over £36,000 at the time of her death. Very good. Item #H28713
Price: $135.00