[Charles Dolman, Roman Catholic London publisher.] First part of Autograph Letter [from the publisher Charles Dolman] to Nicholas Wiseman in Rome, discussing his

Author: 
Charles Dolman (1807-1863), Roman Catholic London publisher ('nephew and successor to the late Joseph Booker') [Nicholas Wiseman (1802-1865), Roman Catholic Cardinal]
Publication details: 
London. 12 May 1839.
£250.00
SKU: 16039

4pp., 4to. Bifolium. 135 lines of text. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. At the time of writing Dolman had just published 'Four Lectures on the Offices and Ceremonies of Holy Week, as performed in the Papal Chapels. Delivered in Rome, in the Lent of 1837, by Nicholas Wiseman'. Later in 1839 he would publish Wiseman's anonymous 'A reply to the Rev. Dr. Turton's "Roman Catholic Doctrine of the Eucharist considered"'. Written in a close neat hand. The letter begins: 'Dear Sir, | I profit of the opportunity of Monsignor Fisher's going to Rome - to send this letter - & with it, 1 copy of the Holy Week - as he could not carry more - I have only just got it completed & this copy is the first bound - I shall publish it on Tuesday next. No pains have been spared in getting it up in the best style, the wood engravings were done by one of our best artists - for which I paid him nearly 10. 10. 0 each engraving - being nearly 100£ on the plates alone - including the working of the Copper plate - which is certainly a beautiful Gem - so totally different from the style in this country & as full of devotion & piety as completely to arrest the attention upon it; - I have had it worked on India paper in the most careful manner to do it full justice. I should much like to know the name of the Artist - his monogram alone being affixed thereon. Although the expense amount to above 260£ in getting up the volume I shall sell it at 8/6 only - which is much less than any work similar got up, on any general subject, would be sold - but Catholic works are always deemed dear by Catholics who do not consider the manner of getting up - or the limited sale that is generally the fate of our books.' He continues with refference to 'Your reply to Turton' ('all in type as far as received to the end of the 5th Chapter'), 'Lives of the Saints', 'a new Catalogue of English Catholic works'. He has 'just returned from a hasty trip to Dublin & Liverpool', and discusses agents and the Irish clergy. A paragraph on his 'project about the Truth of Catholics' is followed by news that he has 'just taken premises at Liverpool - to open a branch establishment there - & shall send my cousin Thomas Booker there to conduct it: - a wide field is open - as the only Catholic bookseller in the town does not court that branch of business.' He has 'never received as yet any account of sales from Branchini'. The letter continues with references to the Delphin Classics, Bollandists, his recent publication of 'the third volume of Geraldine by Miss Agnew', and a 'deficient' line of 'Catholic literature'. It ends mid-sentence at the foot of the fourth page of the bifolium.