Brown, Marie A.–ZT 9.1.1886

Marie A. Brown till Zacharias Topelius 9.1.1886

No. 1. Bedford Pl.
Bloomsbury Sq. W. C.
London, Jan. 9th/86.

Dear Prof. Topelius.

1 I now write to you on a matter of direct business, for I believe I have found a publisher for Fältskärn at last. At any rate one of the largest firms in London is taking the matter into very earnest consideration, and I trust I may soon send you gratifying particulars. The name of the firm is Geo. Bell & Sons.

2 The fact of my lectures – of which I send you the prospectus – being given at the same time and the publication of my own original work: “The Sweden of the Past and of the Present”, will create a lively interest in Fältskärn, and my proposition to Mr. Bell, last evening, to publish the series, met with a hearty response.

3 Now I only hope Mr. Bonnier will not upset|| the whole undertaking again by asking an enormous price for the clichés. I write to him now to ask his very lowest terms for them. It seems that those wretches, Jansen McClurg & Co., have made a new grand success of the book and have published a new holiday edition at $ 15.00 (nearly 60 kr.) a set. They advertize the translation as of “exceptional excellence”, and this translation is mine. As you will see from the enclosed printed statement of the case, I am claiming this translation as mine, publicly and privately. As J. McC. & Co., have now established the success of the series, it is time for us to step in, as author and translator, and reap the benefit of it. Mr. Bell will see that the books are sold in America also; the aim is to kill J. McC & Co’s edition.

4 I have the power all in my own hands now, for my position here is a very good one, and the English people show me much kindness and appreciation. I was invited to give my first lecture at the Crystal Palace, as the best possible introduction for me in London, and I was put before the two Cambridge professors as a further mark of favor. – Please reply immediately, that I may know if you are pleased with the arrangement for Fältskärn. With best wishes for the New Year, I am

Yours faithfully

Marie A. Brown.