xt7qjq0stw34_5013 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7qjq0stw34/data/mets.xml https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7qjq0stw34/data/1997ms474.dao.xml unknown archival material 1997ms474 English University of Kentucky The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. W. Hugh Peal manuscript collection William Chambers letter to H. Bickwell, with clippings text 43.94 Cubic Feet 86 boxes, 4 oversize boxes, 22 items Poor-Good Peal accession no. 11453. William Chambers letter to H. Bickwell, with clippings 2017 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7qjq0stw34/data/1997ms474/Box_58/Folder_46/Multipage26949.pdf 1847 November 17, undated 1847 1847 November 17, undated section false xt7qjq0stw34_5013 xt7qjq0stw34  

   
   
   
    
   

   
  

CHAMBERS, William and Robert, two emi-
nent Scotch publishers, whose practical ood
sense and high moral rectitude of taste ave
~ been directed to the elevation of the people,
through the means of their numerous publica-
trons.

CIIAMDERS’S EDINBU {HIE JOURNAL.
~ Edinburgh, March 2:”), 1371.
I): the‘ notice respecting my brother Robert,
which appears in this day’s Atlwnwum, there
occurs an error, which, in justice to myself, I trust
you will allow me to correct. 3 Hiking of the
Pcmzy flIagc‘tzinc, the writer sn.ys——“A copy of
the prospectus (which appeared at very long time
before the )eriodical itself havin been seen 1)

   
   

 DEATH; OI“ SIR W. CHAMBERS.
Villiam Chamber , one of the publishers of
Journal, died in Edinburgh yestordsy,
‘he beronetcy which he accepted a. few days
1‘ been formally conferred upon him. The do-
w 0 was one of the firm of the eminent publishers,
it. Chambers, was born in 180). Inconsequenceof
reduced circumstances in early life the two brothers
were in a grant measure thrown upon their own resources,
and a love for reading made them take to the business of
bookseliing, 'Williem serving an apprenticeship to the
trade from 1814 to 1819. After this, with only a few
shillings in his pocket as his capital, he began
business on his own account, and shortly after-
wards added printing to it, having taught him-
self that craft, and obtained sufficient money to buy
on old press and some used types. The large letters he
himself cut out of wood. In 1830 \Villism Chambers
published the “ Book of Scotland,” containing an account
of fthe destinctivo usages, laws, social and educational
system, religious and municig‘valinstitutions of that part of
the United Kingdom. In 1832 the Edinburgh Journal was
projected by the deceased, and on the 4th of February
——six weeks before the fanny [Magazine appeared—
C/nunbars’s Journal was in the hands of the public, and. the
immense circulation it has now attained proves the popu-
larity nnd genuineness of the work. Its success in-
duced the brothers to join in partnership, and under the
new style the firm may be said to have taken the lead
among all the Scotch publishing houses. In 151‘.) William
,Chumbers purchased the estate of Glenormiston, in
’I’eebleshire, and interested himself in promoting
public improvements. In 1859 he presented
Peebies with a public reading-room, a library,
a lecture hall, museum, and gallery of art, known as the
Chambers Institution. In 1864 he completed his “ History
of Peebles‘nire.” The following year he was appointed
Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and five years later he was
ro-ciected to the same office. Robert Chambers, who was
born in 1802, died March 17th, 187.1. The crowning clfort
of the firm in cheap liéerature was U/mmb‘ezrs’a Encyu

cfupsaiizz. It”: 5'3 -

 

 \Villiam 1 ' , 1' ' one; been gestatmg
similar schemes, —he fo1w-111ded to one of the
chief p101noters several succestions which, in his
judgment, would have improved the e111nce of
the project No 1111131101 was iouchsafed to his
letter, and his s01 lt—l mm was wounded. He deter-
mined to lealize his unappreciated ideas himself;
and they tool: the form of ('1’1/11‘111102'5’5 Edinburgh
Journal. The first number appeared on the 4th
of February, 1832—~six weeks before the ponderous
Society in London fulfilled its promise of a P071721]
Blugazi'nc.” The following is the simple truth.
In the beginning of January, 1832, I conceived
the idea of a cheap weekly periodical devoted to
wholesome popular instruction, blended with
original amusing matter, without any knowledge
whatever of the prospectus of the Penny fifagazinc,
or even hearing that such a thing was in con-
templation. My periodical was.to be entitled
Clzcmzbcrs’s Edinburgh Journal, and the first num-
ber was to appear 011 the 41th of February. In
compliment to Lord Brougham as an educationist,
I feiwaided to him a copy of my prospectus, Witli
a note explaining the natuie of 111y1 attempt to aid
‘fis far as I was able in the great cause with which
his name was identified. To this communication
I received no reply, but the circumstance wounded
no self— love. My work was successful, and I was
too busy to give any consideration as to what his
lordship thought of it, if he thought of it at all.
The first time I heard of the projected Penny
Illccgazinc was about a month atter the Jomnal
was set on foot and in general circulation.
W.OII-13113EP.S.