ROSSETTI (William Michael, 1829-1919, Man of Letters and Art Critic)

Autograph Letter Signed in Italian to Signor GIOVAGNOLI (Raffaello, 1838-1915, Italian Writer, Patriot and Politician) saying that he might "have believed that I had completely forgotten my commitment to obtain, if possible, the publication of an English translation of Spartacus. Nevertheless, this is not the fact. I read the book - and I browsed it with real pleasure and interest - I looked for a publisher ... I approached three of London's leading publishers - those who seemed to me the best suited for this purpose ... The company Blackwood & Sons (January 21) has had bad experiences in the field of translation, with regards to profits, and does not want to undertake another. The company Chatto & Windus (January 27) does not want to venture into the translation of a book about a historical novel that has been previously done to a degree (to believe this company) in three other novels - the last Days of Pompeiiby Lytton, and Gladiators by Whyte-Melville, and Antonina by Wilkie Collins. The Hurst & Blackett company (7 April) was rather reluctant, but without giving any precise reason. I do not find myself able to proceed further with this matter: I really wanted to succeed, but I didn't and I must assure you of my good will and I remain at your service ...", 3 sides 8vo., 56 Euston Square, 21st April

His novel Spartacus, was published in installments in the Fanfulla in 1873-4. The novel deals with the revolt of slaves and gladiators in the first century B.C. Despite a certain sentimentalism, it glorifies the ancient revolutionary who rose against oppression. Giovagnoli wrote the novel at the café of Valle theater, where a group of intellectuals gathered, including Luigi Arnaldo Vassallo and Pietro Cossa, with whom the scholar formed the League of spelling.

Translation
56 Euston Square
London NW
April, 21st 1876
Most precious Mr. Giovagnoli
You may have believed that I had completely forgotten my commitment to obtain, if possible, the publication of an English translation of Spartacus. Nevertheless, this is not the fact. I read the book - and I browsed it with real pleasure and interest - I looked for a publisher, as long as he had time to get it. I approached three of London's leading publishers - those who seemed to me the best suited for this purpose - but I remained with the matter unaccomplished. The company Blackwood & Sons (January 21) has had bad experiences in the field of translation, with regards to profits, and does not want to undertake another. The company Chatto & Windus (January 27) does not want to venture into the translation of a book about a historical novel that has been previously done to a degree (to believe this company) in three other novels - the last Days of Pompeii by Lytton, and Gladiators by Whyte-Melville, and Antonina by Wilkie Collins. The Hurst & Blackett company (7 April) was rather reluctant, but without giving any precise reason. I do not find myself able to proceed further with this matter: I really wanted to succeed, but I didn't and I must assure you of my good will and I remain at your service. Believe me always devoted to you.
W. M. Rossetti

Item Date:  1876

Stock No:  39827