[Mrs Gascoigne [Caroline Leigh Gascoigne], Victorian novelist.] Autograph Letter in the third person, asking Frederic Shoberl for advice regarding the publication of her juvenile novel 'Spencer's Cross; or, The Manor House'.

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight traces of glue from mount adhering to edge on reverse of second leaf. Folded twice. An interesting letter, casting light on publication practices in Victorian London, with reference to a successful female author. Mrs Gascoigne asks Schoberl advice regarding the publication of her book 'Spencer's Cross; or, The Manor House. A Tale for Young People. By the author of "Belgravia"', which would be published by Charles Westerton in 1854. The letter begins: 'Mrs. Gascoigne presents her compliments to Mr. Shoberl, and begs to ask him if he could recommend her any Publisher who would undertake the publication of a Juvenile story she has just finished. She would prefer selling the MSS, and having no trouble or responsibility about the publication &c &c.' She asks if Shoberl remembers 'having some conversation with Mrs. Gascoigne this year in London – who heard of him from Lady Isabella St John'. On that occasion she remembers Shoberl saying that he 'did not undertake Juvenile works himself'. She explains that the book would not 'make a single volume', and that it 'has never been seen by any Publisher, nor indeed by any one but Colonel Gascoigne' [her husband General Ernest Frederick Gascoigne (1796-1876), MP for Liverpool]. She feels that, considering 'the great success and notoriety of “Belgravia” this year, to say nothing of her being already well known as the Author of “Temptation” a successful novel, &c &c any work brought out by her would probably command a Sale'. She explains her reason for wanting a Christmas publication, and asks for Shoberl's advice, as she 'still hopes to have future dealings with Mr. Shoberl'. She asks for a prompt response, as she and her husband will soon be 'paying visits in Kent and Hertfordshire'. She ends with the intended name for the volume: '“Spencer's Cross Manor House.” | by the Author of | “Belgravia” - Temptation or a Wife's perils &c &c &c'.