Charles Lyell (1797-1875)

Charles Lyell was a Scottish geologist who developed theories around the formation and natural history of the Earth. His most well known work is 'Principles of Geology' (1830-1833). Lyell was a friend of Charles Darwin and, along with the work of Alfred Russel Wallace, he pioneered their work on natural selection despite the conflict it caused him due to his religious views. Several places around the world have been named after Charles Lyell including Lyell Canyon and Mount Lyell in Yosemite National Park, California and the Lyell Glacier in South Georgia. 

"Please to tell Harper & Co. not to print the page..." 

In his letter dated 25th September 1849, Charles Lyell refers to a work on the architect Inigo Jones (1573-1652)  that he has written. He requests that the recipient (likely to be Sampson Low) informs the American publishers Harper & Bros. not to print a particular page from the work as he will send a further correction shortly. Sampson Low acted as the British literary agent and bookseller for Harper & Bros. 

View Charles Lyell's letter [opens in a new window]

Image Rights: Ian Dagnall Computing / Alamy Stock Photo