The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-05
LITERARY ITEMS.

At the recent sale of the Brunei library In Paris
a copy Of "Gargantus," In two volumes, edition OF
1885, sold for $3.50; "Premier livre du dscours de
restat de pax ct de guerre," by Machiavel, edition
OF 1914, the property OF Francis L., for ST. 900.
Another great sale OF autograph manuscripts of Sir
Walter Scotts novels and poems Is TO take place In
London next month, by order OF the trustees of the
late Mr.. Robert Cadet, the publisher. The list does
not comprise the best OF the novels, but contains
"Quentin Durward." "The Abbot" "st. Romans
Well, woodstock" CHRONICLES OF the Canongaten
"Tales OF the Crusaders" &C. The poetical manu-
scripts are those OF "Don Roderck, 1.-THE Field Of
Waterloo and several smaller pieces There aye
those Of 1.-THE Life Of Napoleon and TALES Of a
Grandfather with about eighty letters Or notes ad
OF the works through the press. The proof
sheets are very curious and interesting-we
sem afor 1. was ON these that Sir waiter us1"
made his corrections and alterations. He wrote
rapidly and carelessy trusting to revising his copy
when the proof with its broad margin was before
him, often accompanied by suggestions from James
Ballantyne. The history Of these copyrights OF the
portion of the whole that Is, the novels from wav.
erleyn to "Quentin Durward" inclusive, besides
jority Of the shares OF the poetica works, were
and purchased, one-haf for Sir Walter and the
other half for Mr. Cade at the price OF $500. Sf
and published them in I've shilling volumes: some
other works Of fiction and history were added and
Cadell pushed the sales OF the whole with unnagging
energy and tact. The result was that In two years
Sir Walter had paid or nearly 10000 OF debt He
died, and afer his death Cadel advanced $4,000 TO
the family TO enable them 70 settle with the body
OF the creditors, while he went on prosperously
working" Che novels In Gil possible ways. He
said, "Our late illustrious friend used TO Joke
me abouta Waverley Cottage or Wayerley Hail.
am now rated for palace" Private letter, July
1s3&) In lsl5 the lucky publisher purchased the
estate Of Ratho near Ednburs. In is41 he took
upon himself all the debts on the estate OF Sir
Walter which, including the former advances, and q
bond OF go 900 over the lands at Abboteford, must
have been about 100000. In 1913 ne sold the copy
rights to Messrs A. q G. Black for large sum; and
In January, ls4e, he died. having ef II 10 said. q
fortune considerably exceeding 100000. And all
this accomplished within twenty years and from the
writings Of one man strange" ne wrote 70
friend, strange that all the Ballantynes and Con.
stables are gone, and am LEFT alone OF those behind
the curtain During 80 many critical years. Born at
Cockenzle, Id East Lothian, educated for business
above nve years In GiasgCw. ! came here TO Edin-
burg raw young man Of twentyone, In the winter
Of 1909 TO- and have cuckooed eli these men out Of
their nests nrmy seated In which they all were ct
that time. And here IL L0ckhart ticking all about US
70 posterity. We will all be handed down a. o.
pendages TO the great man. (Priv9te letter, sep
tembeS 1871 the whole forms singular and
memorable chapter In literary hiStory.-fnuerness
Courier