CHAMBERS'S JOURNAL No. 535. POPULAR LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. CONDUCTED BY WILLIAM AND ROBERT CHAMBERS. SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1874. ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE. On the north side of the High Street of Edinburgh, opposite the cross, there was, in the early years of the present century, a plain-looking shop without any exterior show. The door was up three or four steps from the pavement, and on each side was a window with small panes. The interior was rather gloomy, for the roof was low; and in the rear, seen as in a kind of vista, there was a long warehouse, with tables, which, on certain days every quarter, were laden with the blue and yellow covered periodical, the well-known Edinburgh Review. There was a decorous though bustling air about the shop-lads; decent middle-aged clerks sat poring over ledgers at desks near the windows; mingling with the ordinary concourse of customers, might occasionally be seen learned and lawyer-looking personages in black coats, dropping in from the street, and making their way to an inner room, where sat the presiding geniusArchibald Constable, a round-faced portly man of gentlemanly aspect, who had, some years previously, gained distinction as the leading publisher in Scotland. Such is exactly what I remember, when, at my start in life as an apprentice, I was sent on business errands to Constable's in 1814. Like other boys brought up for 'the trade,' I always felt a certain degree of awe in visiting this august temple of literature. It was imposing in its dinginess and wholesale arrangements, and to a youth it became peculiarly impressive on the issue of Waverley, in three volumes, when time after time I was despatched to procure fresh quantities to meet an insatiable public demand. As a humble behind-backs member of the bibliopolic profession, I could not but feel the importtance of doing business' at this marvellous emporium. In the way of maternal admonition, I had again and again been reminded that I could do no better than follow the example of Archibald Constable, who, at one time, had been as poor and friendless as I was—and now see what he has come to ! PRICE 1d. story of Constable's life and what he did for literature been fully told. The narrative is from the pen of one of his sons, Mr Thomas Constable, who does merited justice to his father's memory. To us, the work corroborates recollections of a long past period. All we can do here, however, is to offer a few of the more interesting circumstances, blended with such remarks as may incidentally occur. It is now exactly a hundred years since Archibald Constable was born at Carnbee in Fife, where his progenitors for a time had been decent and intelligent farmers. He might probably have continued the family in the same profession, but for the fact of a person from Edinburgh having set up as a bookbinder in the small town of Pittenweem. The sight of the bookbinder's shop and its modest exhibition of literary wares, suggested to young Constable the idea of being a bookseller. To enter himself to this profession in the little sea-side town was out of the question. The father, desirous of promoting his son's wishes, wrote to his correspondent in Edinburgh, Mrs Eagle, a respectable widow lady, who carried on the business of a seed-merchant. Through her friendly interference, the youth was engaged as an apprentice to Peter Hill, who was about to begin as a bookseller in the Parliament Close. There is a traditionary episode not to be omitted. Mrs Eagle could not conveniently conduct the lad on his arrival to Mr Hill, but put him in charge of her youngest apprentice, Alexander Henderson, son of the gardener at Cringletie, in Peeblesshire, who had been only about a month in town. The circumstance led to a life-long intimacy between the two young men, both of whom made some figure in the world. Henderson diligently fought his way on, married the daughter of Mrs Eagle, became a noted seed-merchant, and was elected Lord Provost of Edinburgh. As for Constable, he commenced his career, February 1788. He says in an autobiographic sketch: 'Mr Hill commanded an excellent business. I lived in the house with him, and he was a kind and indulgent master. I passed six years very happily as Only now, after a lapse of sixty years, has the an apprentice, and another as a clerk, receiving in the last year thirty pounds of salary. Mr Hill's fine days, held a kind of conclave on the steps to shop was frequented by the most respectable his door, his bald head covered with a nicely powpersons in Edinburgh. Burns the poet when in dered wig; next, he would drop in at Hill's, or town was a frequent visitor; the distinguished | Constable's, or Bell and Bradfute's, or at the shop professors and clergy, and the most remarkable of Manners and Miller-a resort more remarkstrangers. I remember Captain Grose making frequent visits, and my conducting him to the Advocates' Library. Mr Hill did not remain long in the Parliament Close, but removed about the year 1790 to the shop at the cross,' south side of the High Street. able, however, for wits, female literati, and we might add, people of a musical turn; for 'Bobby Miller,' one of the partners (a bland bulky man, dressed in nankeen breeches and white stockings, as if ever ready to go out to dinner, or to take a hand at whist), sang beautifully, and had a strong clientèle of musical admirers. A pleasant way of spending existence was that lounging about book-shops, to which the keepers of these establishments had no objection; for in these days things were taken very easily. The fact is stated in the Life of Constable, which we were already quite aware of, that in their mutual dealings the Edinburgh booksellers seldom settled accounts with actual coin. Bills played a consider Throughout his apprenticeship, young Constable devoted his entire attention to learning his business; attended book auctions, read catalogues, and embraced every opportunity of making himself acquainted with books. This knowledge was considerably augmented by having to make a catalogue of old and valuable books which the Earl of Moray had given to Hill in exchange for modern publications. Other work of the same kind followed, and ultimately he became so pro-able part in their dealings. A good deal was ficient in the character and value of old books as to give him a bias towards this branch of the trade. When his apprenticeship came to a close in 1794, he remained, as he tells us, another year with Mr Hill in the capacity of clerk. During this additional year, he became acquainted with a young lady, Mary Willison, daughter of David Willison, a noted printer, whose office, down one of the dingy old closes, he had frequently visited. It was scarcely prudent for the young bookseller to fall desperately in love, while still unsettled in life; Constable, however, attributed much of his success to his attachment to Mary Willison. Her father having taken a liking for Constable, did not object to the marriage, which took place in January 1795. The alliance was fortunate, for, as a printer, Willison could be of service to one destined to pursue the profession of a publisher. also done in the way of barter. At periodical settlements, balances such as seven pounds fifteen shillings and sixpence would be paid off by copies of Cook's Voyages, Doddridge's Rise and Progress, or some other work of which the debtor happened to have a redundancy-the transaction being always comfortably adjusted at Johnnie Dowie's, John's Coffee-house, or some such-like cosy tavern in the Old Town. The hangers-on at Constable's were usually of an enlightened superior order, such as wealthy country lairds on the scent for curious old books, town clergymen, professors in the university, lawyers in high practice, antiquaries, and artists. From this circumstance, as well as from his enlarged views and liberal dealing, Constable became the publisher of the Farmer's Magazine, the Scots Magazine, and certain Medical and Philosophical Constable began business on his own account Journals. With these beginnings, he was approin 1795. Previous to settling down, he visited | priately selected by Jeffrey, Sydney Smith, John London, and, by introductions, made the acquaintance of Cadell, Longman, the Robinsons, and other eminent publishers. He also picked up a good many old books in London to furnish his shop in Edinburgh; his stock being increased by lots purchased from gentlemen in Fife and Perth shires. Thus provided, he set up in those premises at the cross already referred to. Having pitched himself in the midst of booksellers, he distinguished his place of business, by inscribing over the door, 'Scarce old Books,' which was quizzed by some of his brethren and neighbours as 'Scarce o' Books' -a joke which he did not mind. His success in business far exceeded his expectations; his shop becoming a place of daily resort for book-collectors Getting deeply into the publishing line, Conand others. At this time and for twenty years stable gradually dropped the old book-trade. later, booksellers' shops about the cross were places Seemingly with a view to bringing capital into of daily lounge for all who aspired to literary tastes, the concern, he took a Mr Hunter into partnership, and had some leisure to spare on gossip about which subsisted for seven years. Hunter was not things in general. These shops answered the pur-bred a bookseller. He was a man of literary tastes, pose of clubs. A lounger with little to do, would and being son of Hunter of Blackness, he possessed probably spend an hour or so with Creech, who, on a high social standing. Perhaps so much the The Archibald Murray, Francis Horner, and others of of a ministering angel in the family of her sister. Latterly, in her old days, Auntie Jean became a little eccentric, and somewhat deaf. When dying, she said confidingly: "If I should be spared to be taken away, I hope my nephew will get the doctor to open my head, and see if anything can be done for my hearing!' In this wavering state of mind, the gentle being passed away to her rest. Auntie Jean's ring, as it ought to be, is still preserved as a family relic. worse. Like many others at the time, he was a 'had the ball at his foot,' was the head publisher in good deal of a bon-vivant, a quality which by no Scotland, and courted by London publishers for a means leads to success in business. On an occasion share in the 'good things' he had secured. The of Longman making an excursion with him in happiest period of his life was perhaps about 1810, Forfarshire in 1803, he astonished and half-killed when things were in a flourishing state without the London publisher with drinking-bouts at any serious alloy, at which time he lived in a gentlemen's houses. In a letter to Constable, pleasant suburban retreat at Craigcrook, along with Hunter moralises on the incapacity of his com- his rising family; shewing hospitality to distinpanion to stand this style of living. These guished men of letters who travelled so far northEnglishers will never do in our country: they eat ward. What happiness is sometimes diffused in a a great deal too much, and drink too little; the dwelling by the presence of a kindly-natured maiden consequence is, their stomachs give way, and they aunt! It was the fate of the family at Craigerook are knocked up, of course.' Three years later, to be so cheered, by Miss Jean Willison, sister of he took Murray of London on a similar expedition, Mrs Constable, and who was familiarly known as and in the same way nearly finished him. The Auntie Jean.' In her youth, she had been sent carouse was at Brechin Castle, and is described to France for her education, and there she became as being dreadful. He pities Murray, but says, the admired of a young French gentleman, who, in 'he has himself principally to blame, having been token of his affection, presented her with a box of so rash as to throw out a challenge to the Scots.' bonbons. Jean was too good a daughter to marry What a record of past manners! Constable did without her father's approval, and the Frenchman not relish intelligence of this kind, and we can was left to sigh in vain. An end was abruptly put see that Hunter, with some fair abilities, was a to the affair, by the outbreak of the war with Engdrag on the concern. An attempt was made in land. Jean fled, and got home in safety. What 1809 to set up a branch of the business in London; became of the forlorn wooer we are not told. Jean's but the representative in charge, named Park, feelings, however, had been touched. She trea died, and the attempt being abandoned, the firm sured the box of bonbons, at the bottom of which fell back on commission agencies. Hunter died she found a ring. This sad memorial of hopes now suddenly in 1811. According to the narrative for ever vanished, she put on her finger, and listenbefore us, he appears to have made a safe invest-ing to no other lover, devoted herself to the duty ment as a partner. 'He advanced originally in 1804, L.2500; in 1811 he had drawn that sum and about L.4000 besides-consequently, with the L.17,000 paid to him [share of capital stock at his decease, possibly], he gained fully L.21,000 by being A. C.'s partner.' In other words, for the miserable input of L.2500, Constable gave away L.21,000, for which, as far as we can see, he received no substantial benefit. His next partner was a Mr Cathcart, who took Hunter's share in the concern, introducing at the same time Mr Robert Cadell, as The abstraction of capital by the death of Hunter a member of the new contract. At this time, was a misfortune to the firm, compensated by a according to an abstract of accounts, the assets of reinvigoration from Cathcart; but this new partner the firm amounted to L.104,000, from which had did not long survive. He died in 1812. The heavy to be deducted debts amounting to L.54,000, draught made on the concern by this event, occurred leaving a clear balance of about L.50,000-a good about the time that the Encyclopædia Britannica sum to have been realised in sixteen years, after was purchased, when heavy charges were undertaken paying all expenses, and living in a comfortable in connection with that voluminous work. style. There was, however, an awkward item in this period, we trace a downhill financial course. the state of affairs: In the debts due by the firm Bills were not only given in discharge of regular was comprehended the sum of L.33,000 of bills, by business obligations, but put copiously in circulation which it is seen that, even at this time, the busi- to raise capital from bankers and money-brokers. ness was largely carried on by a system of credit. In short, a system of accommodation bills became a Perhaps Constable could not have reached the chronic disease in the concern. Never was there a climax he did by the slower and more safe system more conspicuous instance of an estimable tradesman of ready-money dealings. He had already formed being led on to ruin for want of a primary resoluan intimacy, if not business connection, with the tion not to launch beyond his depth. This he notabilities of literature, and constituted the Scot-lived to see and mourn over, but without the means tish capital an eminent publishing centre. The of retrieval. Looking to Constable's breadth of best literary property going fell in his way. Until views, his liberal treatment of authors, and the his time, the publishing business in Edinburgh had for the most part been conducted in a narrow scraping manner. The most enterprising in the trade was Charles Elliot (father-in-law of the late John Murray of Albemarle Street), who removed with his business to London. Creech, on the contrary, was to the last degree mean in his dealings, of which a painful instance occurred in his settlement with Burns for the first complete edition of his works. Archibald Constable appeared on the scene as a revolutionist in the profession. For a time he From general success of his undertakings, as well as to his upright character, and kindliness of disposition, one feels regret that he should have suffered from entanglements leading to financial disaster. In his career he may be said to have exemplified the truth that friends are sometimes to be more dreaded than enemies. Some of his books were printed by James Ballantyne, who, at the beginning of the century, had been attracted from Kelso to Edinburgh, and shewed a taste in execution which now raises some surprise, considering the imperfect mechanism on which the printing-trade had still to rely. Scott, who had known Ballantyne at school, took an interest in his progress, and, as is well known, actually, though not ostensibly, became a partner in the firm of James Ballantyne and Company, printers. There thus arose a queer, scarcely definable, connection between Walter Scott, James Ballantyne and his brother John, and Archibald Constable and Company. A whole volume would be required to describe how the Ballantynes drew on Constable and Company; how they in return drew on the Ballantynes; and how Scott drew on both to raise money to pay for Abbotsford. The complication was tremendous. Then, there arose a fresh and worse complication in the bill-transactions between Constable and Company, and Hurst, Robinson, and Company, publishers in London, through whose shortcomings ultimately came the general coup-degrâce. Constable had published some of Walter Scott's earlier productions, and nothing was more natural than that he should have been asked to issue Waverley. On seeing a portion of the work, he offered seven hundred pounds for the copyright, which was not accepted, and this, the first of the famous novels, was published on a division of profits. Of a number which followed in rapid succession, Constable and Company became the proprietors, and considering the prodigious sale of these matchless fictions, one would think that here alone was a bounteous fortune. So there would have been, but for those wretched financial complications already adverted to, and more particularly for the heavy demands for prepayment by Scott, whose necessities were so great on the score of his Abbotsford purchase, that he habitually used up the money for copyrights before the works were written. Constable might doubtless have refused to enter into these wild transactions, but at the loss of an author the most prolific and most prized of his age. As an example of the kind of dealings pursued, take the following, which occurs in Lockhart's Life of Scott: 'Before the Fortunes of Nigel issued from the press, Scott had exchanged instruments, and received his bookseller's bills for no less than four "works of fiction"-not one of them otherwise described in the deed of agreement-to be produced in unbroken succession, each of them to fill at least three volumes, but with proper saving clauses as to increase of copy-money in case any of them should run to four.' Lockhart, in making this candid statement, has written in an unworthy spirit of Constable in relation to Scott's affairs, in some instances disingenuously suppressing the truth, while evidently Sir Walter Scott was himself far from blameless. Nor must it be forgotten that Constable did good service in causing books to be written which would probably never otherwise have existed. In a letter to him, March 23, 1822, Sir Walter says: "They talk of a farmer making two blades of grass grow where one grew before, but you, my good friend, have made a dozen volumes where probably but one would have existed; for the love of fame is soon satiated and besides, a man who is fond of it turns timid and afraid of indulging it; but I should like to see who is insensible to the solid comfort of eight thousand pounds a year, especially if he buys land, builds, and improv enterprise of Archibald Constabl unquestionably indebtgiadaj number of the Waverley novels. So far at le he was a national benefactor. The three volumes composing the Memoir Constable by his son, abound in corresponde with authors of celebrity at the beginning of present century and others, that cannot fail to read by all interested in the history of Eng literature. Among the immense heaps of let is seen one by Robert Chambers to Mr Constal in 1822, fervently thanking him for having troduced him to Sir Walter Scott. At this ti Robert was only twenty years of age, and in midst of his early struggles. The intimacy formed with Constable led to other letters, one them having reference to the Traditions of Ea burgh, of which a somewhat too large second edit had been printed. On this subject, at the requ of my brother, I called on Mr Constable, in 18 at his premises, No. 1 Princes Street, to wh his business had not long previously been remov As in the case of every one else, I was courteou received. The interview between the smallest. the greatest of publishers was as interesting it was memorable to one of the parties. I advised to send a superfluous portion of the edit to Hurst, Robinson, and Company, who, at recommendation, would do the best they co for the work. Adopting the friendly advice, I 1 afterwards reason to fear the propriety of the st went to London, and settled the matter-this first visit to the metropolis happening to br about an intimacy which gave a colour to my fut existence. At the time I thus intruded on the great Scott publisher, a dismal fate was impending over affairs. To the eye of the world, he was s supreme, an object of envy. In a few months la as shewn by the work of his son, the difficulties the firm were appalling. Robert Cadell, wh clear views and business tact were invaluable, closed this painful state of matters, in a letter Constable, then in London, 10th January 18 He says: 'We must have fifty thousand poun less will do no good whatever; indeed, forty th sand pounds would be required soon; but with the first, we could not manage to get over c present difficulties, and even then with a gr strain.' The attempt to raise such a sum v hopeless. The results of the mad speculations 1825 had burst like a storm on the financial wor Bankers would barely look at bills. The end h come. Archibald Constable and Company, and t firms connected with them, came down with crash, sending a shiver through the realms paper and print. Sir Walter Scott came in for share of the general ruin. How he supported t loss, and how he honourably devoted himself the task of paying off his obligations, is it r known to history? This was a terrible downcome to poor Constab now advanced in life, and stripped of everythi by creditors. His eldest son, David, to who interesting story a chapter of his brother's wo is devoted, was bred as a bookseller, in the ho of furthering the business; but he subsequent went to the Bar, and could give no help. E had inherited the printing business of his gran father, David Willison, and was unhappily in the volved in the family misfortune. The sad r refore verses preyed on his mind, and he died of a partial seclusion many years afterwards (1866 |