---
product_id: 360036121
title: "Dear Mr Murray: Letters to a Gentleman Publisher"
brand: "david mcclay"
price: "KD 12.91"
currency: KWD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
url: https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/360036121-dear-mr-murray-letters-to-a-gentleman-publisher
store_origin: KW
region: Kuwait
---

# Dear Mr Murray: Letters to a Gentleman Publisher

**Brand:** david mcclay
**Price:** KD 12.91
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Dear Mr Murray: Letters to a Gentleman Publisher by david mcclay
- **How much does it cost?** KD 12.91 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.kw](https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/360036121-dear-mr-murray-letters-to-a-gentleman-publisher)

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- david mcclay enthusiasts

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- Trusted david mcclay brand quality
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## Description

Dear Mr Murray: Letters to a Gentleman Publisher

## Images

![Dear Mr Murray: Letters to a Gentleman Publisher - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81m3dZ0wxLL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Historically important
  

*by D***R on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 March 2022*

I very much enjoyed this journey through the literary centuries.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Letters to a Gentleman Publisher
  

*by R***K on Reviewed in the United States on 27 May 2019*

I found this to be a pleasant and informative introduction to London publishing during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The Murray firm was one of the most prestigious publishers in London for 234 years, until sold in 2002.  I first got interested in the firm when I discovered that it had been the publisher of Darwin's "Origin."  I then found that many of the most important scientific and intellectual books published during the 19th century had been produced by Murray.  All told, there have been seven successive John Murrays who guided the firm during its long history.What makes this book so interesting is that the author discusses over 30 of the leading Murray authors and demonstrates how they interacted with whichever John Murray by quoting their correspondence back and forth. In some cases, the letters appear in facsimile form which makes them even more interesting. To take Darwin, for example, the chapter begins with several Darwin letters to Murray where he tries to convince him that his book is not too unorthodox. Next, there is correspondence between John Murray and the editor of Murray's outstanding periodical, the Quarterly Review, who on occasion would serve as a reader.  He is thumbs down (perhaps being a reverend had something to do with his sour views) on publishing, and argues that Murray should suggest Darwin publish instead a book on pigeons. Fortunately, John Murray rejects this advice and the rest is history--94,000 copies sold and a scientific revolution launched.This use of the actual letters is followed in most of the chapters, including those on Lord Byron, Thomas Carlyle, Sir Walter Scott, Jane Austin, George Bernard Shaw, Herman Melville, Mary Somerville, and John Betjeman to name a few. Other chapters deal with various topics: how illustrations were created, travellers' books which were wildly popular during the 19th century, the role of literary advisers in selecting which books to publish, and negotiating film rights in the late 1920's and early 1930's.This was publishing in the grand manor, in a large building at 50 Albermarle Street in London. The spacious parlor hosted so many meetings of Murrays' authors and other luminaries that it became one of the main 19th century intellectual centers of London. Hence the designation of "Gentleman Publisher."  It is simply amazing what requests Murray authors would direct to their publisher, even including help in blocking a duel. The editor's helpful introduction puts all this activity into context. This is the perfect book for a rainy/snowy day--just settle in by the fire in a comfortable wing chair and enjoy!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Well written anthology of letters
  

*by C***J on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2022*

This was a surprise and delight.  An engrossing read.

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*Product available on Desertcart Kuwait*
*Store origin: KW*
*Last updated: 2026-02-03*