Description
Book SynopsisThe publishing house of John Murray was founded in Fleet Street in 1768 and remained a family firm over seven generations. Published to coincide with this ''remarkable achievement'' and in the anniversary year,
Dear Mr Murray is a collection of some of the best letters from the hundreds of thousands held in the John Murray Archive. They reveal not only the story of some of the most interesting and influential books in history but also the remarkable friendships - as well as occasional animosities - between author and publisher, as well as readers, editors, printers and illustrators.
Despite the incredible number of letters that were retained by the Murray family, some failed to arrive, others were delayed and some barely survived, but longevity added to the reputation and fame of John Murray and a correspondent in Canada who addressed his letter merely to ''John Murray, The World-wide famous Book & Publishing House, London, England'' as early as 1932 cou
Trade ReviewAttractively arranged, given ample context, and a diverting read * Sunday Telegraph *
An entertaining picture of the day-to-day dealings between author and publisher over 250 years * Times Literary Supplement *
Few if any names in publishing are as revered as John Murray . . . This book, compiled to celebrate the company's 250th anniversary is just a small sampling of that treasure trove . . . Whether angry, apologetic, wheedling or rude, the fondness and regard in which the Murrays were held by their correspondents shines through * Herald *
Writers writing about books has always made for compelling reading. Writers writing about their
own books in private correspondence to their publisher tends to produce a particular kind of letter. There is passion, conviction, fluency, doubt, deference, sometimes frustration and anger, maybe even gratitude. The letters in
Dear Mr Murray . . . show these qualities and more . . . this collection brings [Murray's] salad days inexorably to life * Scottish Review of Books *
As well as allowing us glimpses behind the public faces of some exalted authors, McClay has paid tribute here to a remarkable line whose shared name became synonymous with a sense of responsibility to their company, their authors and literature itself * Nation *
