Sir W. Scott to Mr. Lockhart.

October 30, 1828.

“Your scruples about doing an epitome of the ‘Life of Boney’ for the Family Library that is to be, are a great deal over delicate.  My book in nine thick volumes can never fill the place which our friend Murray wants you to fill, and which if you don’t some one else will right soon.  Moreover, you took much pains in helping me when I was beginning my task, and I afterwards greatly regretted that Constable had no means of remunerating you, as no doubt he intended when you were giving him so much good advice in laying down his grand plans about the Miscellany.  By all means do what the Emperor [Footnote:  From the time of his removal to Albemarle Street, Mr. Murray was universally known among “the Trade” as “The Emperor of the West.”] asks.  He is what the Emperor Napoleon was not, much a gentleman, and knowing our footing in all things, would not have proposed anything that ought to have excited scruples on your side.” [Footnote:  Lockhart’s “Life of Scott.”]

The book met with a warm reception from the public, and went through many editions.

Among other works published in “The Family Library” was the Rev. H.H.  Milman’s “History of the Jews,” in three vols., which occasioned much adverse criticism and controversy.  It is difficult for us who live in such different times to understand or account for the tempest of disapprobation with which a work, which now appears so innocent, was greeted, or the obloquy with which its author was assailed.  The “History of the Jews” was pronounced unsound; it was alleged that the miracles had been too summarily disposed of; Abraham was referred to as an Arab sheik, and Jewish history was too sacred to be submitted to the laws of ordinary investigation.  Hence Milman was preached against, from Sunday to Sunday, from the University and other pulpits.  Even Mr. Sharon Turner expostulated with Mr. Murray as to the publication of the book.  He said he had seen it in the window of Carlile, the infidel bookseller, “as if he thought it suited his purpose.”  The following letter is interesting as indicating what the Jews themselves thought of the history.

Mr. Magnus to John Murray. March 17, 1834.

Sir,

Will you have the goodness to inform me of the Christian name of the Rev. Mr. Milman, and the correct manner of spelling his name; as a subscription is about to be opened by individuals of the Jewish nation for the purpose of presenting him with a piece of plate for the liberal manner in which he has written their history.

The piece of plate was duly subscribed for and presented, with every demonstration of acknowledgment and thanks.  Milman’s “History of the Jews” did not prevent his preferment, as he was promoted from the vicarage of St. Mary’s, Reading, to the rectorship of St. Margaret’s, Westminster, and a canonry in the Collegiate Church of St. Peter; after which, in 1849, he was made Dean of St. Paul’s.