Miscellany

1p., 12mo. On bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Richard Bentley Esqre'. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The first paragraph concerns a 'humorous paper' he is forwarding for Bentley's consideration (i.e. possible publication in Bentley's Miscellany). In the second paragraph he informs him that he has ready 'a series of Essays on LONDON, similar to those which attracted so much attention in Blackwood'.

The six numbers are each unbound and in their original wraps. They are placed together in a worn purpose-built green cloth Solander box, with 'Bentley's Miscellany Jan-June 1837' in gilt on spine and front. In fair overall condition, worn and aged, with nos.4-6 not as well preserved as the first three numbers, having some loss to the wraps, particularly at the spines. No.2 has '2' in light ink at the head of the front wrap; No.4 has one signature (pp.331-334) loose; and No.6 has slight staining at the foot of the front wrap.

24.5 x 22cm, hand-coloured, tipped onto larger sheet, two corners chipped, mainly good condition. Both men semi-literate at best. Exchange of words (beneath cartoon)as follows: "Hollo my Josey, ain't yer a goin to take a turn in the Kyradant [?]? No, cos I got to finish this here harticle for Bentley's! Oh, vot then, I s'pose Boz is ill?"

12mo, 16 pp. Unbound, unstitched and unopened. A half-sheet folded three times to make eight leaves. Reproduction of early engraving on first page, vignette of country scene on last page, three illustrations of tools and a further thirteen numbered figures in text. Text and images clear and complete. Publishing details, with price of '1/2d' printed upwards along inner margin of last page. On aged paper, with slight damage to the margin of the first leaf. This single issue scarce: no copy on COPAC. Chambers Miscellany was originally published between 1844 and 1847.

Robert Bell (DNB) (4; 1845), author and editor. (Jan.) He encourages Hewlett to contribute to a "publication called the Great Gun, the scope of which is more comprehensive than Punch". (See George Alder (#3127)). He characterises the sort of contribution required, and gives other detail including payment terms. He refers him to the editor, C. L. Gruneisen (see below). (July) He is unhappy to have introduced Hewlett to the "Great Gun" whose proprietor, Edwards (below), appeared to have committed suicide (not so, it transpired).