Sir
Mr Murray, the Publisher of the Quarterly Review, wrote to you some weeks ago at my request, inviting you to become a contributor to that Journal: But as no answer has been received, I am afraid his letter cannot have reached its destination. I therefore take the liberty of renewing that request myself; and this is among the first things I have done in contemplation of undertaking the Conduct of the Review in question.
I have long been familiar with your writings in their own Language, and shuld certainly consider your cooperation as a most distinguished honour to this Journal. And I venture to say that you cannot find any vehicle anywhere in which you would be associated with men of higher rank in Literature than are many of those who regularly assist in the support of this. It is sufficient to mention the names of Scott, Southey, Barrow – but indeed it is not likely that you who understand our old Literature so thoroughly, shuld be ignorant of what we have at present. I also venture to say, that Mr Murray would, in his remuneration, prove himself not insensible to the distinguished character which you have long maintained in the Eyes of Europe.
Shuld you feel disposed to accede to this proposal I shuld on my part be desirous of leaving entirely to yourself the selection of subjects, being well aware that you can undertake none without adorning it. At the same time I may say thus much – that the German Literature itself has scarcely been introduced to the great body of readers in this country, & that knowing, as you do our Literature, I think you might speak to us of your own in a way that could not fail to command all attention and all interest. In fact you might send to us, in sections, a series of lectures on German Literature which to us I am sure would be as full of instruction and delight, as your lectures on the drama.
Any popular view – I mean any view adapted for accomplished readers in general – of any subject with which your oriental pursuits have brught you into intimate acquaintance, would also be acceptable in the highest degree to us. In fact I am sure you could never choose amiss and therefore I shall say no more at present but that I am, Sir, with great respect
Your most obed[ient] humble Servant
J. G. Lockhart
25 Pall Mall – London
December 31. 1825
PS
Your articles might be written in any language you prefer for your own ease.
Mr Murray, the Publisher of the Quarterly Review, wrote to you some weeks ago at my request, inviting you to become a contributor to that Journal: But as no answer has been received, I am afraid his letter cannot have reached its destination. I therefore take the liberty of renewing that request myself; and this is among the first things I have done in contemplation of undertaking the Conduct of the Review in question.
I have long been familiar with your writings in their own Language, and shuld certainly consider your cooperation as a most distinguished honour to this Journal. And I venture to say that you cannot find any vehicle anywhere in which you would be associated with men of higher rank in Literature than are many of those who regularly assist in the support of this. It is sufficient to mention the names of Scott, Southey, Barrow – but indeed it is not likely that you who understand our old Literature so thoroughly, shuld be ignorant of what we have at present. I also venture to say, that Mr Murray would, in his remuneration, prove himself not insensible to the distinguished character which you have long maintained in the Eyes of Europe.
Shuld you feel disposed to accede to this proposal I shuld on my part be desirous of leaving entirely to yourself the selection of subjects, being well aware that you can undertake none without adorning it. At the same time I may say thus much – that the German Literature itself has scarcely been introduced to the great body of readers in this country, & that knowing, as you do our Literature, I think you might speak to us of your own in a way that could not fail to command all attention and all interest. In fact you might send to us, in sections, a series of lectures on German Literature which to us I am sure would be as full of instruction and delight, as your lectures on the drama.
Any popular view – I mean any view adapted for accomplished readers in general – of any subject with which your oriental pursuits have brught you into intimate acquaintance, would also be acceptable in the highest degree to us. In fact I am sure you could never choose amiss and therefore I shall say no more at present but that I am, Sir, with great respect
Your most obed[ient] humble Servant
J. G. Lockhart
25 Pall Mall – London
December 31. 1825
PS
Your articles might be written in any language you prefer for your own ease.
