Miscellany

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Another hand - presumably that of the recipient - has written the word 'Printer' at the head of the page, and docketted the reverse 'Maginn | with Lockharts Greek Bubble' (the anonymous poem 'The Greek Bubble', published in 1826, is in fact said to be the work of J. Thompson). The letter reads: 'Dear Sir | Inclosed is a review of a poem by a friend of mine, who I believe is an acquaintance of yours. If you could make room for it tomorrow, you would much oblige me. Arrange the review yr. own way.

1p., 12mo. On bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Richard Bentley Esqre'. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The first paragraph concerns a 'humorous paper' he is forwarding for Bentley's consideration (i.e. possible publication in Bentley's Miscellany). In the second paragraph he informs him that he has ready 'a series of Essays on LONDON, similar to those which attracted so much attention in Blackwood'.

24.5 x 22cm, hand-coloured, tipped onto larger sheet, two corners chipped, mainly good condition. Both men semi-literate at best. Exchange of words (beneath cartoon)as follows: "Hollo my Josey, ain't yer a goin to take a turn in the Kyradant [?]? No, cos I got to finish this here harticle for Bentley's! Oh, vot then, I s'pose Boz is ill?"

12mo, 16 pp. Unbound, unstitched and unopened. A half-sheet folded three times to make eight leaves. Reproduction of early engraving on first page, vignette of country scene on last page, three illustrations of tools and a further thirteen numbered figures in text. Text and images clear and complete. Publishing details, with price of '1/2d' printed upwards along inner margin of last page. On aged paper, with slight damage to the margin of the first leaf. This single issue scarce: no copy on COPAC. Chambers Miscellany was originally published between 1844 and 1847.

Robert Bell (DNB) (4; 1845), author and editor. (Jan.) He encourages Hewlett to contribute to a "publication called the Great Gun, the scope of which is more comprehensive than Punch". (See George Alder (#3127)). He characterises the sort of contribution required, and gives other detail including payment terms. He refers him to the editor, C. L. Gruneisen (see below). (July) He is unhappy to have introduced Hewlett to the "Great Gun" whose proprietor, Edwards (below), appeared to have committed suicide (not so, it transpired).