May I have the pleasure of sending it to you?

May I have the pleasure of sending it to you?

Alexander Turnbull studied Milton while at school at London. But it was not until after his return to New Zealand in 1892 that Turnbull started collecting Milton's poetry.

Turnbull approached London bookseller Bernard Quaritch for assistance. In a letter written three weeks after his return to Wellington, Turnbull informed Quaritch that: 'I intend forming a Milton Collection & making it as complete as possible if I can see my way to doing so.'

The correspondence surrounding the purchase of this first edition of Milton's Lycidas reveals how Quaritch and Turnbull did business. Quaritch would often send a consignment of books to Wellington by sea for Turnbull to inspect and consider. Turnbull kept and paid for the items he desired, and returned the remainder. In some cases the transaction took over six months.

Letter from Bernard Quaritch to Alexander Turnbull, 3 July 1896, MS-Papers-0057-112/1912/II, Manuscripts Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library

'Alex. H. Turnbull Esq

Dear Sir,

I have just brought a copy of Milton (John) Lycidas. Justa Edovardo King naufrago, First Edition, a remarkably fine copy, almost uncut, old marbled paper wrapper, preserved in a morocco case lined with velvet. Cambridge, T.Buck & R. Daniel 1638, which I can offer you for  £111.

May I have the pleasure of sending it to you?

Hoping you will favour me with a reply at your convenience.

I remain Sir, Your obedient servant,
Bernard Quaritch'

Letter from Bernard Quaritch to Alexander Turnbull, 8th October, 1896, MS-Papers-0057-112/1912/II, Manuscripts Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library

'A.H. Turnbull Esq

Dear Sir,
Your letter of 31 August to hand together with draft £111, in payment for Milton’s Lycidas 1638, for which I am extremely obliged to you.

The 3 books go by tomorrow's mail registered and insured for £150. I have no doubt they will reach you safely.

I am also sending you a case of valuable additions to your library per SS 'Rimataka' sailing Oct 15: 'Buccaneers of America' 'Hakluyt’s Voyage'. I will forward invoice giving contacts of cases together with bill of lading as soon as the ship sails.

I am glad you secured this beautiful copy off the Lycidas and hope it will reach you in safety.

With best wishes for your health.

Yours, dear Sir, ever truly,
Bernard Quaritch'

Permission of the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga O Aotearoa, must be obtained before any reuse of this image

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