SHELLEY MARY: (1797-1851)

SHELLEY MARY: (1797-1851) English novelist of the Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818) and the editor and promoter of the works of her husband, the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. A fine, extremely rare A.L.S., Mary Shelley, three pages, 8vo, Somerset Street, Portman Square (London), n.d. (17th June 1829), to [Cyrus Redding]. Shelley commences her letter stating ´I am sorry to have it only in my power to reply that the portrait of Mr. Shelley to which you allude is by no means a good one´, and explains ´it is the size of life, in oils - but unfortunately very unfinished. There are however several very striking points of resemblance, and I indulge a hope that when I can afford it, a first rate engraver might succeed in making a good print from it´, further remarking ´I do not know anything so disagreeable or unjust as the too frequent custom of prefixing prints unworthy of the person meant to be represented - and in this case, there would be great danger, that even Mr. Heath could not succeed´ and also adding ´I should be averse therefore to having it done unless by him, & unless it were in my power to cancel it altogether if I did not approve of it. If it had been otherwise, if the picture had been one which would only have needed fidelity and care, I should have been very happy to have furnished you with the opportunity of maing an engraving´. Shelley concludes by stating that it was not necessary for Redding to have apologised for his application on the subject, and briefly refers to two mutual acquaintances, including Leigh Hunt. A letter of fine content in which Mary Shelley serves to protect the image of her husband, who had not achieved fame in his lifetime, but whose recognition steadily grew following his death in 1822. Some very light, extremely minimal age wear and with one small, neat split at the base of the vertical fold in the bifolium, VG Cyrus Redding (1785-1870) British journalist who effectively edited The New Monthly Magazine from 1821-30 and published Shipwrecks and disasters at sea (1833) amongst other titles, including a history of wine. Charles Heath (1785-1848) British engraver, book publisher and illustrator. Leigh Hunt (1784-1859) English critic, essayist and poet, a close friend of Percy Bysshe Shelley.