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By Root 17040 0

I wrote, at some length, a criticism upon it, in which I endeavored to do justice to the author, whose talents I highly admire. But this critique, as well as some six or seven others, were refused admittance into the Magazine by Mr. Burton, upon his receiving my letter of resignation. [I] allude to the number for June — the one last issued. I fancy, moreover, that he has some private pique against Mr. Carey (as he has against every honest man) for not long ago he refused admission to a poetical address of his which I was anxious to publish.

Herewith you have my Prospectus. You will see that I have given myself sufficient time for preparation. I have every hope of success. As yet I have done nothing more than send a few Prospectuses to the Philadelphia editors, and it is rather early to strike — six months in anticipation. My object, at present, is merely to call attention to the contemplated design. In the meantime be assured that I am not idle — and that if there is any impossibility about the matter, it is the impossibility of not succeeding. The world is fond of novelty, and in being absolutely honest, it shall be utterly novel.

If you would show the Prospectus to Mr. Carey, or any other editorial friend, when you have done with it, I would be obliged to you.

Touching my Tales, you will scarcely believe me when I tell you that I am ignorant of their fate, and have never spoken to the publishers concerning them since the day of their issue. I have cause to think, however, that the edition was exhausted almost immediately. It was only six weeks since that I had the opportunity I wished of sending a copy to Professor Wilson, so as to be sure of its reaching him directly. Of course I must wait some time yet for a notice, — if any there is to be.

Yours most truly

E A Poe

P.S. If you would enclose me Burton’s letter to yourself, I will take it as an especial favor.

Edgar Allan Poe to Joseph Evans Snodgrass — January 17, 1841

Philadelphia.

Jan. 17. 1841.

My Dear Sir,

Your letters are always welcome — albeit “few and far between” (what an infamous tautology is that by the bye, for visits that are few must be far between) — and your last letter was especially so. I thought you had forgotten me altogether.

You wish to know my prospects with the “Penn”. They are glorious — notwithstanding the world of difficulties under which I labored and labor. My illness (from which I have now entirely recovered) has been, for various reasons, a benefit to my scheme, rather than a disadvantage; and, upon the whole, if I do not eminently succeed in this enterprize the fault will be altogether mine own. Still, I am using every exertion to ensure success, and, among other manœuvres, I have cut down the bridges behind me. I must now do or die — I mean in a literary sense.

Thank you for your offer of aid. I shall be delighted to receive any prose article from your [p]en. As for poetry I am overs(tock)ed with it. I am particu(l)arly anxious for a paper on the International Copy-Right (l)aw, or on the subject of the Laws of Libel in regard to Literary Criticism; but I believe these topics are not “in your line”. Your friend, David Hoffman Esqr, has been so kind as to promise me his aid; and perhaps he would not be unwilling to send me something on one or the other of the heads in question. Will you oblige me by speaking to him upon this subject? Above all things it is necessary that whatever be done “if done, be done quickly”; for I am about to put the first sheet to press immediately, and the others will follow in rapid succession.

In regard to my plans &c the Prospectus will inform you in some measure. I am resolved upon a good outward appearance — clear type, fine paper &c — double columns, I think, & brevier, with the poetry running across the page in a single column. No steel engravings; but now & then a superior wood-cut in illustration of the text. Thick covers. In the literary way, I shall endeavour, gradually, (if I cannot effect the purpose at once) to give the Magazine a reputation for the having no articles but from the