Item 182 - Letter from T. Maulbes to Lilly Frazer

1 item

Paris, 7 rue Michelet - Responds to her request for advice on the translation of the 'Golden Bough', asks that his opinion be kept for the Frazers' eyes only, as [Adolf] Dirr and [Charles] van Gennep were his students, and Dirr was his secretary for a time; is not satisfied with [their] translation of 'Totemism'; thinks their English is proficient for translation but that they are not good writers; he is busy himself or would offer to help; thinks it will be difficult to publish as most of the book's readers would be subject specialists, and most of those can read English; mentions [George] Macmillan's demanding nature; wonders if she would like him to ask editors he knows if they would like to publish a translation of the 'Golden Bough'; the English edition is sold out, so a French edition would be profitable; also mentions the misunderstanding between Mlle de Bury and Lilly, and doesn't think anything should be done to try to explain as she will get angrier; says it was a pleasure to introduce Mlle Grove to his friends; is disappointed Frazer did not mention him in his book but adds 'Qu'avais-je à lui apprendre qu'il ne sut?', admires Frazer and wishes he might be mentioned if a French edition is published.

• French