depend on your having whatever reviews that mention you sent directly. Have I told you that Murphy has written An Essay on the Life and Writings of Dr. Johnson, to be prefixed to the new edition of his works? He wrote it in a month, and has received 2OO/. for it 1 . I am quite resolved now to keep the property of my Magnum Opus ; and I flatter myself I shall not repent it.
My title, as we settled it, is 'The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., comprehending an account of his studies and various works, in chronological order, his conversations with many eminent persons, a series of his letters to celebrated men, and several original pieces of his composition: the whole exhibiting a view of literature and literary men in Great Britain, for near half a century, during which he flourished 2 .' It will be very kind if you will suggest what yet occurs. I hoped to have published to-day ; but it will be about a month yet before I launch.
March 12. Being the depositary of your chance in the lottery, I am under the disagreeable necessity of communicating the bad news that it has been drawn a blank. I am very sorry, both on your account and that of your sisters, and my own ; for had your share of good fortune been 31667. 13^. 4^. I should have hoped for a loan to accommodate me. As it is, I shall, as I wrote to you, be enabled to weather my difficulties for some time : but I am still in great anxiety about the sale of my book, I find so many people shake their heads at the two quartos and two guineas. Courtenay is clear that I should sound Robinson, and accept of a thousand guineas, if he will give that sum. Mean time, the title-page must be made as good as may be. It appears to me that mentioning his studies, works, conversations, and letters is not sufficient ; and I would suggest comprehending an account, in chronological order, of his studies, works, friend ships, acquaintance, and other particulars ; his conversation with eminent men ; a series of his letters to various persons ; also several original pieces of his composition never before published.
1 He received ,300 for it. Nichols, 2 This title Bos well somewhat Lit. Anec.j ix. 159. modified.
The
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