Item Info

Accession Number: 87-916
Physical Description: [3] pages
Transcription:

1 Devonshire Terrace

York Gate Regents Park

Twenty Sixth November 1847.

My Dear Sir

You are possibly aware that a Cheap Edition of my books--as far, at least, as Martin Chuzzlewit--is in course of publication, and that I purpose having a Frontispiece to each, engraved on wood from a design by some eminent artist. There is only one of these yet published, and that is from a Sketch by Leslie.

I need not say to you that I should feel any attempt thus slightly to connect what is best in English Art, with these stories, as most incomplete if it did not include your name. And I am particularly desirous to have for Nicholas Nickleby, which is now in course of publication, a sketch of the Yorkshire School from your hand.

It would be necessary to have it in February next. If you would make a colored sketch (I venture to make that request, in order that I may possess it, afterwards) which could be transferred to the wood block, subject to your approval, it should be engraved by Thompson with the greatest care. Allow me to add that the Publisher will be happy to accede to your own terms, or I should on no account trouble you with this note.

I will not attempt to tell you how much pleasure I should have in your assent to this proposal, for that would involve a bootless endeavour to express the delight I always have in the contemplation of your exquisite pictures.

Dear Sir

Very faithfully Yours

Charles Dickens

Thomas Webster Esquire

MssDate: Twenty Sixth November 1847
Media Type: Letters
Source: Rare Book Department
Recipient: Webster, Thomas, 1800-1886
Provenance: Sawyer via Sessler 1955

Bibliography:

 The Letters of Charles Dickens, Volume Five: 1847-1849, ed. Graham Storey and K. J. Fielding. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1981,  p. 203.

Country: Creation Place Note:Devonshire Terrace
Country:England
City/Town/Township:London

Creation Year: 1847
Call Number: DL W398 1847-11-26
Creator Name: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 - Illustrator