The Story of the House of Cassell
ranging farther afield the map was at last discovered. The reserve of nearly £100 put upon it by its possessor made it impossible to carry out the idea, but at any rate the fact that the map was still in existence was established.
Stevenson had strongly objected to the single woodcut which appeared in Young Folks, but he was particularly delighted when it was decided to illustrate his book. Writing to his father on October 28, 1885, he says: "An illustrated 'Treasure Island' will be out next month. I have had an early copy, and the French pictures are admirable. The artist has got his types up in Hogarth; he is full of fire and spirit, can draw and can compose, and has understood the book as I meant it, all but one or two little accidents, such as making the Hispaniola a brig. I would send you my copy, but I cannot; it is my new toy, and I cannot divorce myself from this enjoyment."
Since those days the book has been illustrated in black and white by Wal Paget and in colour by John Cameron, whose pictures have also appeared in a numbered édition de luxe. There are, further, a popular, a school, a library, and a pocket library edition, and altogether not far short of a million copies of the book bearing the imprint of the House have been sold. These figures do not include the very large American sales. The authorized American edition was published by Messrs. Scribner, in pursuance of an arrangement with the author; there was also a cheap pirated edition.
It is curious that the story which has so established itself in the affections of boys failed to please the readers of Young Folks while it was running through that paper. Its success in book form was the turning point in Stevenson's literary life. Up to that time no book of his had sold more than 750 copies. Now he had the assurance that he could support himself by his pen. Thus the House of Cassell is associated with the first vindication of his decision to devote himself to literature, and with
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