Wanted: a publisher
In our day, a
manuscript of this character would eagerly be
sought by publishers.
Stanley, Nordenskjöld, Nansen, and
Hedin have had but to choose among
applicants
from the book trade. Ninety years ago, the situation
was
far different. John Conrad, a prominent publisher
of his day, was finaily prevailed upon to undertake the
work, the
financial outcome of which seemed to some others
doubtful. He appears to
have entered into the project with
much interest; but by the time Biddle
was ready, Conrad had
fallen into financial straits, and in due course was
plunged into
bankruptcy; for this was the period of the second war with
England, and business was unsettled. Biddle accordingly
writes to
Clark, July 4th, 1811, stating the facts in the case,
and incidentally
mentioning that "Last winter I was prevented
from going to the legislature chiefly by a desire to stay
&
superintend the printing." He has, however, made an
arrangement with
Thomas Bradford, "one of the best booksellers
here," and hopes that "we can proceed vigorously &
soon get the
volumes out"
Despite Biddle's optimism affairs dragged slowly, for Bradford's
terms were unsatisfactory. Over a year
later (September 5
1812), we find Clark offering Biddle "the half of every
profit
arising from it, if you will attend to it, have it Completed as
far as it is possible and necessary, printed published &c. including
the advances which have and may be
necessary &c."
Biddle does not appear to have accepted this financial
proposi
tion; familiar with the book market, he probably anticipated
the failure of the project.
Throughout the course of the work
Conrad continued his
friendly concern, and assisted Biddle in his
strenuous search
for a publisher. November 12th, he writes Biddle that he
has tried Johnson & Warner without success; that firm "seem
to
have so incorrect an idea of the value of the work and probable
profits arising from the publication of
it." He advises
Biddle to "agree to Mr. Bradfords offer. It is I am
confident
the best bargain you can make for Genl Clarke. The copyright
I presume will be in him (Genl. C.)
& I suppose he will
derive the entire benefit of the sale of the M. S.
in England."
