INVENTORY OF THE VIZETELLY AND COMPANY (1850-1855) LETTERS AND
DOCUMENTS, 1785, 1838-1854
Onica Busuioceanu
The Getty Research Institute
Research Library
Special Collections and Visual Resources
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, California 90049-1688
Phone: (310) 440-7390
Fax: (310) 440-7780
Email Requests: http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/library/reference_form.html
URL: http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/library
©2003
J. Paul Getty Trust.
INVENTORY OF THE VIZETELLY AND COMPANY (1850-1855) LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS,
1785, 1838-1854
Accession no. 860111
Finding aid prepared by Onica Busuioceanu
Getty Research Institute
Contact Information:
- The Getty Research Institute
- Research Library
- Special Collections and Visual Resources
- 1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
- Los Angeles, California 90049-1688
- Phone: (310) 440-7390
- Fax: (310) 440-7780
- Email Requests: http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/library/reference_form.html
- URL: http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/library/
- Processed by:
- Onica Busuioceanu
- Date Completed:
-
2003 July
rev. 2004 Aug
- Encoded by:
- J. Gibbs
©2003 J. Paul Getty Trust.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Vizetelly and Company (1850-1855) letters and documents
Date (inclusive): 1785-1854
Date (bulk): 1838-1854
Collection number: 860111
Creator:
Vizetelly and Company (1850-1855)
Extent:
108 items
Repository:
Getty Research Institute
Research Library
Special Collections and Visual Resources
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90040-1688
Abstract: Collection comprising 103 letters sent to James Vizetelly and his company of printers and engravers by ca. 40 correspondents
between 1838 and 1854. Most of the letters are in French, from French editors, and printers, and prominent publishers, including
Béthune et Plon, Pagnerre Éditeur, Melchior Yvan, and L. Curmer. They reflect Vizetelly & Co.'s involvement in the growing
demand for illustrated French and "exotic" literature.
Language: Collection material in French
Administrative Information
Access
Open for use by qualified researchers.
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Vizetelly and Company letters and documents, 1785, 1838-1854, Getty
Research Institute, Research Library, Accession no. 860111.
Acquisition Information
Acquired at auction in 1986.
Custodial History
Archive formerly owned by Sir Thomas Phillips.
Administrative History
The Vizetelly London firm of printers, engravers and publishers was
active under various names from ca. 1827-1890. Founded by James Henry Vizetelly
with various associates, the firm was reorganized at his death in 1838, by the
eldest son James, with his younger brother Henry as associate. In 1849 the firm
went into liquidation, the brothers setting up separate businesses. James
Vizetelly’s firm remained active until 1855 under the name of Vizetelly and
Company (at 135 Fleet Street). The name Vizetelly was successfully
continued in the printing business of James’s brother Henry. Henry Vizetelly's firm
ended unfortunately in 1889 when the publication of several novels by the French
writer Émile Zola brought Henry to the Criminal Court. He was
condemned under the Obscene Libel Act to three months in prison.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection comprises letters and some accounts sent to James
Vizetelly by ca. 40 correspondents over 14 years, between February 1838 and
January 1854. Most of the letters are from 1840-1842 (36 items) and 1851-1853
(47 items). There are no letters from the years 1848-1850. Except for three
letters in English, all items are in French. The collection includes a draft of
a letter by Vizetelly to the Parisian publisher Pagnerre from 1852. Also
included are four unrelated documents: a public announcement signed Étienne
Mehrel, asking for a loan for his invention; the transcription of a letter from
1641 by the French courtesan Marion de Lorme; the transcript of a judicial
settlement of a French nobleman’s estate from 1785; and a request from an
English traveler in Paris looking for families offering room and board.
Most of the letters are from business partners or collaborators. They
reflect James Vizetelly’s involvement in the growing demand for illustrated
books from French and exotic literature, in genres ranging from fairy tales
to romantic and historical novels, handbooks for fashionable hobbies, and
treatises. Vizetelly’s partners are among the leading Parisian publishers and
editors, such as Béthune et Plon, Pagnerre Éditeur, Melchior Yvan, and Léon
Curmer. A number of letters are from draftsmen and engravers about their work
(always belated) or requesting payment (always delayed and often reduced). The
correspondence communicates the tension involved in the creation of each book,
often simultaneously in its original version in Paris and its translation in
London. Also relevant for this period is a letter from a printing machine
producer in Brussels about the new and faster machine he has invented and
licensed that prints both text and engravings on both sides of a sheet of paper
simultaneously.
The collection, formerly owned by Sir Thomas Phillips, comprises 108
items totaling 217 pages. The items were bound in two volumes at Sir Thomas
Phillips’ Middle Hill bindery, seemingly by size: vol. I in 8vo and vol. II in
4to. Three letters are detached and filed separately in a folder. All items
have been numbered (1-108) to facilitate access, as there is no apparent order
within the volumes. The information supplied by the cataloger is enclosed in square
brackets.
Arrangement
Organized in 2 bound volumes, described in the order within
each volume.
Indexing Terms
Subjects
Béthune, Max—Correspondence
Callery, J.- M.
(Joseph-Marie), 1810-1862—Correspondence
Curmer, L. (Henri Léon),
1801-1870—Correspondence
Français, Louis, 1814-1897—Correspondence
Golovin, Ivan, b. 1816—Correspondence
Hetzel, Pierre-Jules, 1814-1886—Correspondence
Lamartine, Alphonse de,
1790-1869
Masson, Victor—Correspondence
Pagnerre, 1805-1854—Correspondence
Philipon, Charles, 1800-1862—Correspondence
Plon, H. M., fl.
1839-1842—Correspondence
Vizetelly, James,
1817-1897—Correspondence
Vizetelly, Henry,
1820-1894
Yvan, Melchior, 1803-1873—Correspondence
Vizetelly Brothers &
Co.
Vizetelly and
Company (1850-1855)
Vizetelly &
Co. (1880-1889)
Authors and publishers—France
Authors and publishers—England
Copyright—France
Copyright—Great Britain
Editors—France—Correspondence
Engraving—19th
century
Illustration of books—19th century
Illustrators—France—Correspondence
Literary agents—France—Correspondence
Printing—Great Britain—History
Printing ink—Great Britain
Printing ink industry—Great Britain
Printing machinery and
supplies—Great Britain
Prints—Technique
Publishers and publishing—France
Publishers and publishing—Great Britain
Wood-engraving,
French
Wood-engravers—France—Correspondence
Wood-engravers—England—Correspondence
Contributors
Callery, J.- M.
(Joseph-Marie), 1810-1862
Curmer, L. (Henri Léon),
1801-1870
Français, Louis,
1814-1897
Pagnerre,
1805-1854
Plon, H. M., fl.
1839-1842
Vizetelly, James,
1817-1897
Yvan, Melchior,
1803-1873
Imprimerie de Béthune
& Plon
Pagnerre
éditeur.
Vizetelly and
Company (1850-1855)
Vizetelly Brothers &
Co.
Letters and documents,
1785,
1838-1854
Physical Description:
108 items
Scope and Content Note
The collection comprises letters and some accounts sent to James
Vizetelly by ca. 40 correspondents over 14 years, between 1838 and 1854. Most of the letters are from 1840-1842 (36 items)
and 1851-1853
(47 items). There are no letters from the years 1848-1850. Except for three
letters in English, all items are in French. The collection includes a draft of
a letter by Vizetelly to the Parisian publisher Pagnerre from 1852. Also
included are four unrelated documents.
item 1
[date indecipherable]
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Nereston [?] asks his friend James Vizetelly to lend him 6
livres.
item 2
1851 Feb 15 London
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
T. Canet asks Vizetelly to pay his account of 20 livres 4
shillings and 6 pence.
item 3
1852 Nov 17 [London?]
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Ivan Golovine informs Vizetelly that he is settling in England
and would like Vizetelly to publish some works, such as
Russian servitude,
Mémoires d'un prêtre russe, and other titles.
item 4
[1853
Sept?]
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
E. Vacherot asks Vizetelly to send money for room and board
and other expenses for his (Vizetelly's) wife and child. [see items 35-38]
item 5
1853 Aug
17 [Paris?]
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
C. Colleau asks Vizetelly to confirm in writing that he will
be employed as a correspondent of the company.
item 6
[1853?]
[Paris]
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Melchior Yvan informs Vizetelly about the price and conditions
for publishing his illustrated treatise in several volumes.
item 7
1852 Dec
26 Paris
Physical Description:
4 pp.
Scope and Content Note
G. de la Laudelle sends Vizetelly an enthusiastic description
of his latest volume,
Falcar le rouge, comparing it with
Les princes d'ébène, another of his novels in the
series, and also comparing it with
Uncle Tom's cabin.
item 8
1844 Jan
2 [Paris?]
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Victor Masson asks Vizetelly to provide his best ink to the
Crapelet Printing Co., which would like to become a client.
item 9
1845 Nov
15 Brussels
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
[Indecipherable] informs Vizetelly about the source and price
of the clock and candelabra Vizetelly saw at his home, and which he is willing
to sell.
item 10
[1853?] June 26 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Melchior Yvan asks for confirmation that he is hired to
translate
Voyage et récits.
item 11
1854 Jan.
28 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
P. Spironiane [?] asks Vizetelly to send him the woodcuts made
for his volume in order to make a cliché for its second improved and enlarged
edition, unless the Vizetelly company would prefer to publish the new
edition directly.
item 12
[1851]
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Unsigned and undated note from Alphonse de Lamartine regarding
copyright for the English edition of his work
Histoire de la Restoration.
item 13
1840 May
14 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon thanks Vizetelly (on letterhead Imprimerie de Béthune et
Plon) for the vignettes and the box of fine ink he has sent him.
item 14
1839 Nov
22 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Léon Curmer writes Vizetelly criticizing the company's books
about "femmes célèbres." He suggests the best biographical sources to be used,
starting with Michaud's
Biographies universelles.
item 15
1840 Aug
12 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon writes (on letterhead) about payment for a keg of ink
received from Vizetelly.
item 16
1840 July
2 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Plon discusses (on letterhead) the ink color in various
shipments, ordering a barrel of special ink for vignettes.
item 17
1842 June
23 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
L. Curmer asks for the wood blocks engraved by James
Vizetelly's brother, Henry, and the watercolor he had sent him. Includes a list
of illustrated books sent by Curmer.
item 18
1841 Feb
4 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Plon complains (on letterhead) about the poor quality of the
barrel of ink recently received, probably sent in error, and asks for the
better quality.
item 19
1841 Feb
28 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon orders (on letterhead) the same ink as the previous
shipment.
item 20
1841 June
9 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon writes (on letterhead) a letter of introduction for his
client, Mr. [Victor] Masson, one of the best editors in Paris, who is traveling
to London. He asks Vizetelly to give him all the information he needs.
item 21
1841 July
29 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Louis Français informs Vizetelly that he has given Curmer the
drawings "Intégrité" and "Persévérance et force." He would gladly make more
drawings, especially of landscapes, and indicates his prices.
item 22
1841 Apr
9 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Louis Français informs Vizetelly that he has given Curmer the
drawings "Héroïsme" and "Bienveillance," and is sending two sketches for the
last drawing ordered. Reiterates his preference for landscapes, and lists his
prices by size.
item 23
1840 March
11 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Louis Français apologizes for the delay caused by illness. He
will soon send the drawings along with samples of decorated capitals in case
Vizetelly wants to order a full alphabet.
item 24
[1841?] [Paris]
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Louis Français has given Curmer the last three drawings, and
indicates the prices.
item 25
1841 Nov
4 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Louis Français has sent the last two drawings, "Persévérance,"
and "Integrité." He did not receive payment for them, nor for the previous two;
he adds the prices.
item 26
1841 July
5 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon inquires (on letterhead) about his request for ink sent
with a friend traveling to London.
item 27
1840 Apr
27 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
L. Curmer thanks Vizetelly for the souvenir he has sent him.
He could not write sooner because of illness. The gravure of Jeanne d'Arc is
included in the work of Garard, which he is sending with a friend. Curmer
informs Vizetelly about his projects, including one of 10 volumes. Asks to be
kept informed about possible business collaborations for the future.
item 28
1842 Oct
16 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Plon writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he is waiting for
the ink they ordered, and that he has sent Vizetelly the wine he asked for. If
he likes it, Plon will send more in exchange for the same ink. The engraver
Philipon adds a note about "Cinderella" and other fairy tales being engraved.
item 29
1841 July
21 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Plon sends his friend the current issue of the
Musée Parisien. He has acquired a large stock of
famous brands of old wine that Vizetelly could sell at a good price in
London.
item 30
1842
Nov. [5?] Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
The Imprimerie-Librairie Dondey-Dupré (on letterhead) orders
25 lb. of Vizetelly's best ink for woodcuts.
item 31
1842 Aug
18 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
L. Curmer urgently asks that the engravings made by
Vizetelly's father be sent, along with proofs of more recent engravings.
item 32
1839 Dec
19 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
L. Curmer sends Vizetelly a letter and a box of drawings to be
delivered to Orrin Smith who will engrave them. He has temporarily interrupted the series of "heads." Vizetelly may
withdraw his money from Rothschild.
item 33
1842 Oct
20 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Max Béthune explains (on letterhead) the payment conditions
for merchandise sent.
item 34
1854 Jan
17 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
M. Godefroy, agent of Société des gens de lettres (on
letterhead) clarifies a monetary transaction with Vizetelly. In a postscript
Mr. Busquet asks if Vizetelly would print, in French or in translation, his
study of English customs,
Londres fantastique.
item 35
1853 May
20 [Paris?]
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
E. Vacherot informs Vizetelly that everything is prepared to
accommodate Mrs. Vizetelly, her child and brother, starting May 31.
item 36
1853 May
29 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Magnier writes Vizetelly that the repeated delays are a
growing inconvenience both for Vacherot, who has refused other clients while
waiting for Mrs. Vizetelly to arrive, and for Magnier himself, who recommended them to
Vacherot. He hopes that, if she does not come, Mr. Vizetelly will compensate
Mr. Vacherot for his losses.
item 37
1853 Sept
2 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Danton writes (on letterhead Académie de la Seine) on behalf
of Mr. Vacherot, his brother-in-law, who is still lodging Mrs. Vizetelly and
her child, although he has not received any money despite months of promises.
Mrs. Vizetelly also needs money to return to London.
item 38
[1853] Aug
16 [Paris]
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
E. Vacherot informs Vizetelly that they are out of money after
incurring expenses for his wife and child, including those for doctor's visits,
and room and board.
item 39
1854 Jan
31 London
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
[Indecipherable] writes Vizetelly on behalf of his friend, the
Comte de la Gironnière, requesting the copies of his work he is entitled to, as
well as the plates that are needed for the Paris edition.
item 40
1842 July
16 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
L. Curmer writes Vizetelly about some engraving business
conducted through Vizetelly's brother, who has not answered his letter. He
needs some wood engravings and drawings to be sent to him, as well as the
watercolors depicting the French army, which Vizetelly's brother could not use,
but for which Curmer has found a client in Paris.
item 41
1842 Oct
22 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Max Béthune writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) about a
misunderstanding related to a financial transaction.
item 42
n.d.
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
A. Berty complains that he received no payment for a drawing
made on order. If he does not receive the money soon, he will have to use other
means less polite than his letter.
item 43
n.d.
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
After failing to meet the unnamed addressee to receive the
payment due him, A. Berty asks that the money be handed to the person he will
send to fetch it.
item 44
n.d.
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Announcement signed by Etienne Mehrel, inventor of a new
"Rabot et Varloppe," who is looking for someone willing to advance 25 pounds
sterling for the patent, in exchange for a share in the commercialization of
this new process.
item 45
1848 Dec
28 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
J. Hetzel [?] sends Vizetelly a bill for the 28 clichés
delivered. He asks for the list of subjects they have selected, for which he
will make clichés.
item 46
1853 Dec
8 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Godefroy asks Vizetelly (on letterhead Société des gens de
lettres) if he will agree to take charge of registering the copyright of
Hippolyte Castille's book
Les hommes et les moeurs en France sous le règne de
Louis-Philippe
.
item 47
1853 June
18 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
E. Sallior [?] informs Vizetelly about the prices, payments
and deliveries decided by M. Yvan for the illustrated books in the works.
item 48
[1853] June
10 [Paris]
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
M. Yvan sends Vizetelly a letter from J.-M. Callery related to
their business; he is waiting for Vizetelly's suggestions.
item 49
1853 June
10 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Letter from J.-M. Callery to Yvan, who sent it to Vizetelly. Callery believes they should accept the price Vizetelly asked
for
registering the copyright for Castille's book in London. Callery asks Yvan to
remind Vizetelly to return the drawings of Chinese costumes he gave him.
item 50
1851 Oct
24 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Collignon writes (on letterhead) on behalf of Pagnerre about
the publication of the third and fourth volumes of Lamartine's
Histoire de la restauration, which is slightly
delayed. He hopes that Vizetelly will not put the English translation on sale
before the French edition is out in November.
item 51
[1852] Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Charles Geoffrey asks for payment for the drawings he made of
Lord Wellington's funeral.
item 52
n.d.
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
E. Sallior [?] writes to an unnamed person, asking for
information about payment conditions for molds and clichés. [in English]
item 53
1853 Mar
24 London
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
P. Hesse [?] writes to Vizetelly on behalf of his friend, the
Comte de la Gironnière, asking whom he should contact to obtain a copy of
Dumont-Durville's book. The Comte also asks where he should send the drawings
Vizetelly requested, and informs him that, if he is well treated, he also will
send them several pages of the
Supplément sur l'agriculture des Philippines and
other materials.
item 54
1854 Jan
19 Paris
Physical Description:
4 pp.
Scope and Content Note
J. Murtin [?] answers James Vizetelly's letter, informing him
of the steps he and M. Lemercier took against the Villain and Hombres
Companies, the money the company embezzled, and the resulting bankruptcy. He
advises Vizetelly to obtain patents in England for his company's new designs
for machines, including printing presses. They are ready to come to London as
soon as they receive an answer from him. [See related letter, item 105.]
item 55
1853 Nov
6
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
M. Mallouni [?] informs Vizetelly (on hotel stationery) about
the hotel where he is lodged, waiting for Mrs. Vizetelly.
item 56
1854 June
9
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Note accompanying the first nine chapters of a novel by
Alexandre Dumas, which should help Vizetelly make his decision [signature
indecipherable].
item 57
1845 Nov
13 Brussels,
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
C. Van Bevere, notary in Brussels to the Baron Beckman,
informs Vizetelly that Mr. Wahlen has consulted him about the authenticity of
signatures on the account of concern to his company. The notary asks for an
exact copy of that account to show to the Baron.
item 58
Dec 28 London
Physical Description:
4 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Letter from an unidentified woman, sent to James Vizetelly
during his trip to Paris, informing him that he soon will receive the box of
samples he left behind. The woman reminds him not to forget the modern gold
earrings she has asked for, and recommends, among other Paris attractions, the
painting by Delaroche exhibited at the Palais de beaux-arts.
item 59
1847 Dec
17 Paris
Physical Description:
4 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Letter to Bondeville from a friend in Paris (indecipherable)
who transcribes for him a letter by Marion de Lorme from 1641 about the visit
of Lord Worcester to the Bicêtre hospice describing his talk with the
inmate Salomon de Caus, inventor of the steam engine.
item 60
1853 Jan
15 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
G. de la Laudelle asks his agent Godefroy to inform Vizetelly
that he has made all the changes he was asked to do, and he has written the
introduction to the translated edition of his book.
item 61
1853 Jan
15 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Godefroy writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he is sending a
letter just received from G. de la Laudelle, asking him to send his answers to
the writer. He also asks Vizetelly to send him the issue of the
Illustrated London News in which was published
Paul Féral's essay.
item 62
n.d.
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Transcription (or digest) of a text regarding the copyright
treaties between England and France, specifying publishers' obligations and
noting that the United States has unrestricted choices regarding publication
because it is not included in such treaties.
item 63
1852 June
8 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead Pagnerre Éditeur)
that he has received the sixth volume of
Histoire de la restauration, which is being
printed; he will send the pages as soon as the galleys are corrected. He lists
his publication projects.
item 64
1852 Feb
22 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Collignon informs Vizetelly (on Pagnerre letterhead) that he
has sent the end of the fifth volume of the
Restauration.
item 65
1852 Mar
24 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he received
from Lamartine the manuscript of the sixth volume of the
Restauration, which he will start printing at
once. He has sent a copy of the previous volume to London in compliance with
the copyright treaty with England. Includes some financial information.
item 66
1852 Feb
3 Paris
Physical Description:
4 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead) of his long
illness. Discusses the money to be paid for the publication of the previous
volumes of Lamartine, while the fifth volume is still being printed. After
seeing how Lamartine treated the English army and Lord Wellington, he doubts
that the author will have much success in England.
item 67
1852 Mar
9 Paris
Physical Description:
4 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre writes (on letterhead) about the genius and eloquence
of Lamartine, which should prevail over the occasional mistake in dates, names
and historical events in his
Histoire de la restauration. He informs Vizetelly
that they are authorized to publish the English version, and have the statement
of the author himself, which does not require his signature. [see item 12]
item 68
1851 Aug
25 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Collignon writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) on behalf of
Pagnerre who is bedridden with rheumatic pains. He reminds Vizetelly of his
promise to send the translated version of the
Histoire de la restauration along with the
published reviews.
item 69
1851 Sept
2 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Collignon informs Vizetelly (on Pagnerre letterhead) about the
shipment of pages from the third volume of Lamartine's work.
item 70
1851 June
30 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre announces (on letterhead) the shipment of pages from
Lamartine's second volume. Sends news about his family and asks for the same
from Vizetelly.
item 71
1851 July
3 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead) of his talk with
Lamartine about the translation of his book.
item 72
1851 July
4 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre announces (on letterhead) that they finished the
first two volumes of Lamartine's book, which will be translated into English by
the author himself.
item 73
1851 July
5 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre sends Vizetelly more pages of the English translation
by Lamartine, who is working on it at a steady pace.
item 74
1851 July
15 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre writes Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he should send
Lamartine a letter of congratulations for his English translation. He encloses
a note in Lamartine's hand regarding the copyright for the English edition of
his book. [see item 12]
item 75
1851 Aug
4 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Pagnerre informs Vizetelly (on letterhead) that he will send
him a copy of the first two volumes of their French edition of the
Restauration. The author demands a copy of the
English version from Vizetelly. He is very happy with the success of the book
in the press, and asks for all the newspapers that have discussed the copyright
issue.
item 76
1785 Aug
10 Paris
Physical Description:
6 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Transcript of the judicial settlement regarding the movable
goods of Paul d'Hugues's estate.
item 77
1843 Dec
9 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
J. Best, from Andrew, Best & Leloir, sends the
director of the London illustrated journal
Pictorial times several proofs from a comic book
by the caricaturist Cham, illustrated with 120 wood engravings, which the
artist would like to sell to the journal or to
Punch.
item 78
1852 Feb
24 London
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Draft of a letter by Vizetelly informing Pagnerre that he
postponed his trip to Paris because of smallpox in his family. He intended to
talk with him about mistakes found in
Histoire de la restauration by Lamartine. He also
asks Pagnerre to comply with some procedures required for its publication in
England. [text heavily edited, not signed]
item 79
1838 Feb
22 [London?]
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
A. Fellonneau sends James Vizetelly the transcription and
translation of a paragraph from a letter received from the "eminent Parisian
publisher Curmer," who expresses his great admiration for the skills and talent
of Mr. Vizetelly in the "art of printing" and hopes that he has a
successor.
item 80
1840 Sept
1 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Request sent by messenger to the "Propriétaire de la librairie
des Étrangers" in Paris, inquiring about English-speaking families offering
room and board. Includes three answers at the bottom.
item 81
1852 Dec
23 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Janet Lanyer [?] asks Vizetelly for payment of the drawings he
had ordered for his brother.
item 82
1851 Nov
28 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
J.-M. Callery communicates the answer from his Chinese
draftsman to James Vizetelly's letter regarding the Chinese-Tatar work he has
started to publish. The illustrations from the first volume executed by Gower
are all wrong. After detailed criticism, Callery offers help if Vizetelly
agrees to his terms.
item 83
1852 Jan
31 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Callery sends Vizetelly the account for the drawings, woodcuts
and clichés made by his artists. He also asks for four copies of the published
book in exchange for the 12 free drawings by his Chinese draftsman, sent for
the second volume.
item 84
1851 Dec
5 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Callery refuses to execute Vizetelly's order at a discounted
price and explains his prices, which must be paid in advance.
item 85
1852 Jan
[4?] Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Upset by Vizetelly's answer, Callery explains again in detail
the conditions under which he will agree to cooperate.
item 86
1852 Jan
9 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Callery sends two drawing samples for Vizetelly's order, one
of which illustrates a better deal: he suggests his artists transfer the
drawings to wood, instead of having the work done in London at higher
prices.
item 87
1852 Jan
[24?] Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Callery has sent Faber & Co., his agent in London, a box
of 10 drawings on wood. He will deliver the rest of the order in two days, and
asks Vizetelly to send payment to Faber.
item 88
1852 Jan
28 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Callery explains that he is not responsible for the
misunderstanding that delayed his delivery. He is offended by Vizetelly's delay
of the payment for the previous shipments, and asks him to remit the last
payment for the final delivery sent with this letter.
item 89
1843 Nov
10 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Account sent to Vizetelly by Aubert & Co. (on letterhead
that includes advertising) listing the clichés and drawings delivered from
November 1842 to November 1843. It is accompanied by a letter dated Nov. 19
from Ch. Philipon, who reminds Vizetelly of the terms of their contract for
clichés.
item 90
1842 Nov
17 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Letter from Philipon who discusses some technical problems
with the drawings used for the clichés made for
Robinson Crusoe and the fairy tales. Includes
prices.
item 91
1842 Nov
1 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Ch. Philipon sends Vizetelly the account for the clichés used
in the comic album of 1843. He soon will send those for "Petit Poucet," (Tom Thumb) "Cendrillon," (Cinderella) and "Chat
botté" (Puss in boots).
item 92
1842 Sept
13 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Account sent to Vizetelly by Aubert & Co. (on letterhead with advertising) for 24 clichés.
item 93
1843 July
21 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Philipon informs Vizetelly that he has sent seven drawings on
wood; the engraved clichés will follow soon. Mme. Veze [?] has agreed to write
reviews for 60 Fr. per month, but she needs the first issue of their review to
see what is appropriate.
item 94
1842 Nov
9 Paris
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Max Béthune sends detailed explanation regarding Vizetelly's
account, mentioning some inconsistencies in their accounting procedures. [see item 33]
item 95
1840 Apr
30 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Charles Gossalon informs James Vizetelly that he has seen some
proofs of the wood engravings by Captain Marryat for the novel
Poor Jack. He needs to know the prices before he
will consider acquiring the clichés.
item 96
1839 Dec
11 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon informs James Vizetelly (on letterhead with book
advertising on both sides) that they have received a barrel of excellent ink,
and will continue ordering.
item 97
1840 Jan
20 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon complains (on letterhead with advertising) that the ink
received was not as strong as that obtained through Mr. Andrew, and he asks for
a keg of that quality.
item 98
1842 Nov
8 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon informs Vizetelly that he has sent the clichés for the
three fairy tales. He corrects previous calculation of prices.
item 99
1840 Nov 28 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Plon urges Vizetelly (on letterhead) to send the ink requested
three weeks ago, and to send another shipment immediately afterwards.
item 100
1842 Dec
16 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Typographie Lacrampe et Co. (on letterhead that also lists
"Fabrique d'encre") orders a 29 livre sample of Vizetelly's best quality
ink.
item 101
1853 Dec
2 Brussels
Physical Description:
2 pp.
Scope and Content Note
J. Murtin [?], a printing machine producer, announces to his
clients that the bankruptcy of his partner Villain does not affect his own
business. He informs them that, besides his previous composing and typesetting
machines, he has invented and licensed a new and faster machine called
"lytho-typographique" that prints both text and engravings on both sides of a
sheet of paper simultaneously. He asks to be contacted directly, because of the
other party's dishonest machinations. [See item 54.]
item 102
1853 Nov
13 Paris
Physical Description:
4 pp.
Scope and Content Note
An associate, Malouni [?] reports to Vizetelly his efforts to
contact various persons in Paris who are or could become involved in
Vizetelly's business. The proceedings are costly and he asks for more money as
soon as possible.
item 103
1840 July
15 Paris
Physical Description:
3 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Louis Français informs Vizetelly that he has given his drawing
to Curmer for delivery. On the second page he includes three decorated capitals
as samples for a full alphabet he would be glad to make for 20-25 Fr. apiece.
On the last page, under the address, a note by Français's brother mentions a
change in shipping arrangements.
item 104
1846 May
22 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Victor Masson (letterhead Victor Masson libraire des sociétés
savantes) suggests that Vizetelly publish an English translation of a
"charming" arboriculture handbook with 325 illustrations that is very
successful in Paris. He can provide the clichés for 80 livres apiece.
item 105
1841 Aug
11 Paris
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Fellonneau [?] writes James Vizetelly asking for his help to
obtain the 10% commission due him from Mr. Tyas [?] for selling the casts of
Robinson Crusoe in America. [in English]
item 106
1848 Oct
2
Physical Description:
1 p.
Scope and Content Note
Albert Smith informs Vizetelly in a short, angry letter that
he does not care for the critical view of himself in the
Puppet-show, and he refuses to accept Vizetelly's
request. [in English]
item 107
1852 Dec
12 Paris
Physical Description:
6 pp.
Scope and Content Note
G. de la Laudelle writes Vizetelly, who has agreed to register
the copyright of his books at the request of M. Godefroy. He discusses
similarities and differences between
Uncle Tom's cabin and his own successful
abolitionist novels,
Les princes d'ebène and
Falcar le rouge, suggesting their publication in
English. The letter includes a list of changes to be made to accommodate his
novels to the British public. [see item 7]
item 108
1840 Aug
5 Berwick-upon-Tweed
Physical Description:
4 pp.
Scope and Content Note
Doctor George Johnston confirms his collaboration on the
publication of the
Dictionary of the natural history of sciences
according to the conditions mentioned in Vizetelly's prospectus. He emphasizes
that the work must be very well planned regarding the contents, and that
sections must be allocated to collaborators according to their expertise. [in
English]
