New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-02-08
A BIT OF LITERARY HISTORY.


TO the EDITOR Of The TrtbVne.
SIR. One of the peculiar attractions TO students
and men of letters in the cultured City OF EdnDurgh u
AN antiquarian book-shop which, for the past 20 years
has heen known The Head Of Sir Walter scott Tor
some GO years previously, simply as stevensons -
mud the history of which is identified a greater or less
extent with that of nearly every scoehman noted OF
distinguished In the various branches OF literature
during that period II avorte resort OF JehreS'
Murray and Sydney smith OF Brougham, Horner and
Thomas Brown Of Lord COckburn, Sir Henry Raeburn,
AID Sir Walter Scott; later Of Chalmers and Guthrie,
Tytler and Alison, Lockhart, Motherwel and
" Cbristopber North" after them, Of Hallam and
hytoun Gndan Bell and Laing, Alexander smith, the
brothers Chambers, Burton, Maidment, and Carlyle.
Here was the proposed Edinburgh Rerie,o talked over,
An the Winter OF 1912 here was the Bannatyne Club
discussed Just 20 years aerward here have been pub
Hshed hundreds ~ volumes original works, and rare
reprints illustrating the history, poetry, photography,
and antiquities OF Scotland here have been executed
the most perfect printing velum the most accurate
replica Of Old folios in the rich black
letter text the most faithful fac-similes OF
ancient MSS. and here have been distributed
catalogues and other gratuous pamphlet publications
now worth their weight in gold. The same family have
owned the shop and carried the business for genera
lions. Tie present proprietor. Mr.. Thomas George
Stevenson, ripe scholar and courteous gentleman, is
the only Of Mr. John StevensOna lifelong friend OF
the author Of Waverey" Among the treasures of the
inustrous correspondent, all unpublished, and hand
somely bound The present Mr. stevenson-whose reeol
Iectons go back 10 the early part Of the centurys
assisted I'm discharge OF his duties and the extension
az his hospitality by an only son Mr.. John A., himself
the accomplished editor Of several works. During of
the delightful cOnrersdsiori here few months ago the
Rev Dr. Rogers spoke Of project to erect monument
IN Edinburgh the Bruce which had been undertaken
by number Of Scotch noblemen, who had requested ms
friend MT George Cruikshank 10 model design OF this
model the Doctor had just received photograph whch
he allowed the party examine This called forth some
close criticism and some mcrted compliments 10 the
veteran artist and the means OF bringing out some
clever anecdotes OF him. Of the gentlemen present
mentioned that Of his earliest pictures
represented the combat between the patriot King ana
the three aSsassins and this picture he stated initiated
the movement in favor OF correct costume, not only IN
painting but also in dramatic representation Another
stated there could be no doubt hut that he org
mated the now prevalent style of hook iustraton-that
of late years there had existed mania for the eolec-
ton OF his etchngs, which brought wherever iound
large price number Of these, with some rare volumes
containing woodcuts designed by him nearly sixty years
ago were shown by Nh. Stevenson. An American gentle
man present declared it TO be his belief that the reputa
lion Of Mr. Dickcns's early works in great degree
attributable 10 the admirable Illustrations Of this artist
accompanying Them whoreupon he was assured that Mr.
Cucshauk had illustrated or two only OF MI Dick
euss works This led 10 a discussion, which resulted in
Illustrated no less than Sir OF Mr.. DIS works 1t was
taken up 10y publisher present, and note was at once
addressed to the artist at London explaining the circu
stances A few days afterwards, the following answer
was received. disclosing singular facts in regard
t. Mr. Dickens. The veracty and honor Of the winter
cannot admit Of a doubt:
2es HAMPSTEAD ROAD. y. ". NONDoNl, Noy. u, 1870
DE Az SIR: You have lost your wager! Tor qua moi IL
extent that people suppose but lam 1Ot
al the fact Of their being mlsled; Tor the |
other artists employed upon his works initiated |
my style as closely as possible, ana he9ce tth he
name Of " BOz"-tha deSigHed aud eched under the
name IllZ hut who very clever aItst OF the
name of HablOt X. Browne. was, however, the 0Fa
artist u illustrate Of Mr.. DCkenS's writings,
and the earliest OF these the first volume OF
sSkctches 10y Boz" january, 1886, and the next
WIS the second volume under this title, the greater part
OF which written rom my hts ana Suggg
some time after this Mr. Bentley started his Miscellany,
aproutur Mr. Dickens editor, and myself as the Illus
traitor; and thcr plate in that work design OF NINE
which Mr. Dickens wrote M TO. There was also wood
Twist" which cUtrciy my orn ided and suggestion
and at the characters mine And tins VIII account
fCr Of Oliver Twist" being very different from
any his other writings When Mr. McCrone, the pun
fisher died e having published the Sketches by BOz.
volume was brought out for the bcnent or ms WtoW
Mr. Dickens part of this, winch luStlatcdi
these all the designs ana etcnngs thdt dld 10
illustrate the works Of that author AIN preparing 10
publish on explanation OF the why did not Illus
frate the trhOic Mr. Dickenss writings, and TINS eX-
PLANTATION viii not at all rebound 10 his credit was
only yesterday evening that got some OF the Pros
for the Bruce Monument, four Ot WnlCh lOr-
ward to YOU 10y the post as this letter
With respect 10 the American editions OF MT DICKENS
works, there may be copies OF some OF my designs
" i Mcclellan. esq. GEORGE CRUIKSHANK.