Morris, Desmond : The Correspondence Between Desmond Morris and Tom Maschler, His Publisher At Jonathan Cape : 1961 – 1997

1961-1997

The correspondence between Desmond Morris and Tom Maschler (His publisher at Jonathan Cape, London) spanning from January 1961 to December 1997. The correspondence comprises 19 autograph letters, 33 typed letters and 14 autograph postcards signed to his publisher Tom Maschler. V.p. [London, Malta, Oxford etc.]. The material commences with early discussions regarding the publication of 'The Naked Ape', its reception and its worldwide success. There are letters outlining plans for Morris’s follow-up work - ‘The Human Zoo’ - and how his thoughts about it took shape. Further letters cover subsequent titles Cape published by Desmond Morris. The content also shed light on the personal relationship between Maschler and Morris. Tom Maschler writes (2 January 1961 - carbon copy): 'I have thought from time to time about that book of animal expressions which we discussed. Do you remember? I think it could be excellent and I am certain that we would like to publish it.' Several years later [n.d.] Morris writes: 'Dear Tom, Here is the Naked Ape ! It has not been easy to write and if it had not been for you, it would never have been written.' The book became a global media phenomenon when it was published in 1967 and made Desmond Morris a household name. Tom Maschler goes onto write on 27th November 1966 : '...Certainly in the non-fiction field there isn't an author to whom I have felt closer and with whom I have worked more harmoniously.....For me a special delight having published you all these years is that you are so often able to combine serious and provocative thinking with what one might call a 'popular' approach'. And beyond that you have the rare gift of true originality'. Desmond Morris has very recently kindly supplied me with a download of emails between Tom Maschler and himself from the period 12th august 2010 up until 16th October 2020 which concludes with an email from Tom Maschler's son Ben, informing Desmond Morris of the death of his father. I have printed these ten pages of emails off (and the email from Desmond Morris) and have added them to this collection. A unique and important collection of correspondence housed in a custom solander box, marbled inserts and gilt titling.