Notes and Letters on the Publication and Sale of Persia and the Persian Question [‎83r] (163/358)

TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS,
'LONGMANS, LONDON’’
J'dbruary 17th 1891
My dear Curzon*
I want to tell you In confidence about the opinion I have received
on vol # l # on your werk on Persia^ from a literary friend* Firet let me •ay
that the gentleman I have consulted,is a great reader of very large
experience in literary matters and in fact I know no one better able to
express an opinion on a book such as yours*
I am pleased to be able to say that my friend considers it
undoubted^ most elaborate and exhaustive work, SHd* goes on to remark
•that the Author not only relates what he has seen, ( some of his adven-
-tures are amusing) but he has collected all that has been written on the
subject-the history of places,lives of persons and every sort of detail*
The fault of the book is that it is too minute but at the same time the
book is certainly a valuable one and will have a lasting interest*
As regards the sale I do not expect it will be nearly as popular as Mr
Curzon's former book* In my opinion everything should be done that can be
done to reduce and lighten the work,which is by its nature somewhat heavy*
A third volume of Appendix is quite out of the question,and if there must
be appendices,the space ought to be subtracted from the body of the work,
placing some appendices in vol*l* and some in vo.2**
I feel sure these remarks are worth your careful consideration