George Augustus Sala
Letters

The first letter is Sala's reply to a collector of celebrity autographs and photographs in 1868. Sala claimed to be horrified at the idea of the Public being able to acquire carte de visites of their favourites, but he must have got over this shyness, as most of his later books (and even the 1859 edition of Twice Round the Clock) have a frontis portrait of the author. Despite his 'earnest' hope, the collector was able to triumphantly paste a photo of him at the end of the letter.

Reform Club: Pall Mall. London
Sixth January 1868

Dear Madam
I never for one moment intended either to "take you down", or "make you appear small", and if I have unwittingly done so I tender you my very humble apologies.

With regard to your practice of affixing photographs to the autographs in your book - a practice sufficient to raise a cold shudder in the properly constituted mind - I beg to observe that I have always endeavoured to keep out of circulation any photographs which may have been taken of myself, and that I earnestly trust you will not be able to obtain any portrait of me.

I do not recognise any right on the part of the public to enquire into the habits, manners, or personal appearance of an author. He publishes a book, and the public may have it or let it alone precisely as the public choose. There is no obligation conferred: nor, very often, is there any benefit derived on either part. If the writer puts his name to his book, instead of publishing it anonymously, he does so merely on the principle of a trader who affixes a trade-mark to his wares, as in the instance of Kirby's Needles or Bass's Pale Ale; but ? and ? are not thereby called upon to ? cartes de visites of Mr. Kirby or Mr. Bass.

Very faithfully yours
G.A. Sala