NINETEENTH CENTURY LITERARY MANUSCRIPTS

Part 7: Correspondence and Papers, 1825-1846, of Robert Cadell
(NLS Mss 744-745, 793-803, 15980, 21001-21060, 21067-21071)

This is a key source for all scholars of 19th century literature and publishing history. Here are the papers of Robert Cadell, who arose, phoenix-like,  from the crash of Archibald Constable & Co, helped to clear Scott’s debts and became one of Britain’s leading publishing houses.

• There is much on the massive success of the Waverley novels by Sir Walter Scott, a phenomenon of 19th century publishing.
• There is material on The Edinburgh Review, which was taken over by Cadell.
• The foundation of the Encyclopaedia Britannia is described – and became a cornerstone of Victorian education and learning.
• There are also Cadell’s own memoirs, correspondence and financial records, providing a rich resource for the culture and commerce of literary production.