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Literary
September 8, 1917
The Richmond Virginian
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Reminiscences reveal that R.D. Blackmore's novel 'Lorna Doone' became popular in the U.S. via Harper & Bros. publication in 1874 before succeeding in England, where sales surged after linking the title to the Marquis of Lorne's engagement. Blackmore was known locally as a fruit grower, informing his writing in 'Kit and Kitty.'
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"Lorna Doone" Went Begging.
It will surprise many to whom "Lorna Doone" is a classic to learn that Blackmore's great novel became popular in this country before it was known in England, where it went begging.
This fact is disclosed in some reminiscences of the Harper house. It related that it was not until after 1874, when Harper & Bros. published it in New York, that "Lorna Doone" appeared in the land of her birth. Marston, the English publisher of the novel, said that it hung fire for some time with them, until the engagement of the Marquis of Lorne to Princess Louise was announced, and then it began to sell. In some unaccountable way, Marston said, the English public apparently associated the title with the name of the marquis and so began to read the book. Blackmore was better known among his neighbors at Teddington on the Thames as a fruit man than as a novelist. The fact that he was a successful market gardener explains the wonderful knowledge he displayed in "Kit and Kitty" of the plagues and profits of a fruit raising business.
The pictures of Corney Orchardson's gardening experiences were evidently drawn from life.
It will surprise many to whom "Lorna Doone" is a classic to learn that Blackmore's great novel became popular in this country before it was known in England, where it went begging.
This fact is disclosed in some reminiscences of the Harper house. It related that it was not until after 1874, when Harper & Bros. published it in New York, that "Lorna Doone" appeared in the land of her birth. Marston, the English publisher of the novel, said that it hung fire for some time with them, until the engagement of the Marquis of Lorne to Princess Louise was announced, and then it began to sell. In some unaccountable way, Marston said, the English public apparently associated the title with the name of the marquis and so began to read the book. Blackmore was better known among his neighbors at Teddington on the Thames as a fruit man than as a novelist. The fact that he was a successful market gardener explains the wonderful knowledge he displayed in "Kit and Kitty" of the plagues and profits of a fruit raising business.
The pictures of Corney Orchardson's gardening experiences were evidently drawn from life.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Commerce Trade
Agriculture Rural
What keywords are associated?
Lorna Doone
Blackmore
Publication History
Harper Bros
Marquis Of Lorne
Fruit Gardening
Literary Details
Title
"Lorna Doone" Went Begging.
Subject
Reminiscences Of The Harper House On The Publication Of Blackmore's Novel