By permission of Messrs. George Routledge & Sons.
"Blackheath,
"Wednesday Evening.
"Dear Sirs,—I have looked at, examined, and criticised the first number of 'Shakespeare' to that extent that positively I hardly know what opinion to express of the first fruits of our labours.
"The Frontispieces will be an immense addition; without them it seems that there are not enough pictures for the money—and yet, eighteen cuts such as these are is surely a good shilling's worth. It appears to me—mind, I don't feel quite convinced of it, for, as I said before, I've so over and over considered it that I get quite confused—that large cuts are wanted, fewer and larger. What do you think of two cuts to each act, and those, ten in all, larger, keeping the little ones for tailpieces, where necessary to have a tailpiece?
"Turn this over in your mind, and if you think it desirable, consult Messrs. Routledge. I cannot help thinking ten cuts, about two-thirds the size of the space occupied by the type, would have a greater effect, and I should say cost no more than the sum laid down.
"You desired to have my opinion of the number, but I fear you will say, 'Here is no opinion at all.'
"Believe me to be, dear Sirs,
"Yours truly,
"John Gilbert."