1895 ALS William C. Lawton to A.B. Hart re Longmans Publishing Essays For Sale

Original Autograph Letter Signed (ALS)
William Cranston Lawton → Albert Bushnell Hart
March 21, 1895 | Philadelphia (3737 Locust St.)
3 pages, complete and legible

A highly engaging and content-rich 1895 autograph letter from classical scholar William Cranston Lawton to prominent Harvard historian Albert Bushnell Hart, discussing active publishing negotiations, academic essays, and intellectual debate within late 19th-century literary circles.

The letter offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how scholars navigated major publishing houses—specifically Longmans, Green & Co.—while coordinating journal publications and scholarly discourse across periodicals such as The Educational Review and The Critic.

• Lawton seeks Hart’s guidance on who to approach at Longmans for publishing a companion volume
• References a group of six essays written in 1894–1895
• Mentions the essay: “An Extensionist’s Apology”
• Notes its withdrawal after acceptance by The Educational Review due to timing constraints
• Indicates upcoming publication in The Critic
• Discusses an ongoing academic exchange involving “Mr. Palmer’s Doubts”
• Offers Hart advance proof copies and right of reply—a fascinating example of 19th-century scholarly etiquette

This letter captures the mechanics of elite academic publishing in the 1890s, including:

• Direct negotiation with major publishers
• Cross-journal intellectual debates
• Early coordination of peer response and rebuttal publication
• The role of personal networks in securing publication opportunities

The reference to Longmans, Green & Co., one of the most important Anglo-American publishers of the era, adds further weight and desirability.

American classical scholar, educator, and literary critic:

• Harvard graduate (1873); studied at the University of Berlin
• Professor of Greek and literature at Adelphi College and Hobart College
• Author of works including:
  • Three Dramas of Euripides (1889)
  • Art and Humanity in Homer (1896)
  • New England Poets (1898)
• Contributor to Warner’s Library of the World’s Best Literature

Lawton was an active participant in the intellectual and literary culture of his time, particularly in classical studies and literary criticism.

One of the most influential American historians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries:

• Professor of History at Harvard University
• Student of Henry Adams
• Mentor to W.E.B. Du Bois
• Editor of major historical series and contributor to American historiography

Letters to Hart are highly collectible due to his central role in shaping American academic history.

• Complete 3-page letter
• Ink remains clear and fully legible
• Light age toning consistent with period
• Minor edge wear, no major damage
• Strong overall presentation

Standard folded letter sheet (approx. 8” x 10” when open; typical of the period)

• Documented interaction between two established intellectual figures
• Direct reference to Longmans publishing network
• Insight into academic writing, editing, and debate practices
• Strong display value with clean handwriting and full signature

• Ships securely with archival protection
• Fully insured
• Combined shipping available for multiple purchases