Autograph Letter Signed ("Henry James") to an unnamed lady, discussing her proposal to publish an anthology of extracts from his works.
3 pages 4to, Lamb House, Rye, 1 November 1906.
A fine example of Henry James's convoluted late style, where he revels in the deployment of subordinate clauses. While sympathetic to his correspondent's idea of an anthology, he is fully aware of potential publishing problems.
". . . I thank you very kindly for your general expressions of sympathy & intelligence. These expressions give me the greatest pleasure. And I find, I think, a great deal of intrinsic possibility in the application of so practical a test as this little compendium you have so ingeniously conceived of such values as my writings may have to show. I would gladly assent - I do so assent - to the idea of your undertaking such a gathering in. I even see in advance the good title, "Pictures & other other Passages from the writings of H.J. etc!" But the real question will be the publishers - tolerably numerous and diverse of my numerous works; it would hinge on their atttitude to such a volume - the kind of volume they usually much dislike & fear (as tending rather to satisfy a portion of the public without the books themselves - as not necessarily tending to stimulate the sale of the same). They, the publishers, are apt to refuse permission for the extract of single passages &c (of any length,) when it has to obtained as to infringement of copyright &c. Two or three of mine have done so, & I should be afraid of them in relation to your idea. But I will sound the ground a little, as soon as I may, & if I have any better news for you, will write to you again . . ."
