The Life of Thomas Cooper; Written by Himself (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873 edition. Excerpt: ... CALL ON THE LITERARY BARONET. 123 CHAPTER XII. FIRST LONDON LIFE: VICISSITUDES: 1839--1840. I THOUGHT I might very fairly expect a little introductory help, in London, from the literary baronet and Liberal M.P. whom I had humbly striven to serve in Lincoln. So I took the manuscript of my unfinished romance, and called upon him, at his house in Hertford Street, Mayfair. He received me, smoking, with a thousand smiles; and assured me he would show the manuscript to his publishers. I called at his door, once or twice, during the seven weeks that elapsed before I saw him again; and then wrote to tell him that I would wait upon him on such a day. He came, hastily, into the room where I waited, put the manuscript into my hand, and said, "I regret to say that although Messrs. Saunders and Otley consider it a work of merit, they have so many other things in hand, that they cannot receive it at present. Good morning, Mr. Cooper "--and he bowed and disappeared through folding-doors into another room, in an instant. His servant opened the 124 RENEWED FRIENDSHIP WITH MILLER. door behind me, as I stood staring, and showed me the way into the street. I wish the literary baronet had either kindly told me one truth, that my writing was too faulty to offer for publication, and I had better try to achieve a more perfect work before I sought a publisher; or that he had honestly told me another truth, that he had never shown my poor manuscript to Messrs. S. and O., and did not choose to take any trouble on my behalf. I speedily learned the truth; and it gave me poor hope of making my way by the help of friends in London. We lodged in St. George's Road, Southwark, that I might be near Thomas Miller, who then lived in Elliott's Row, in the same road. He was...