ABSTRACT
In 1834, the publisher Edward Moxon opened negotiations with Mary Shelley to produce an edition of P. B. Shelley’s works. Her response indicated her interest, the difficulty that stood in the way of the edition, as well as her understanding of contemporary copyright and inheritance law:
Your letter in some degree puzzles me – You say ‘if permission could be obtained’ – I have always understood that the copyright of Mr Shelley’s works belonged to me. Family reasons prevent my undertaking the republication of them at present. When these no longer exist (& it is probable that they will not endure any very long time) – it is my intention to endeavour to arrange to republish them – with the addition of some letters & prose pieces in my possession. If it were then thought best to add a life – though I should decline writing it myself – I should wish to select the person I should wish to undertake the task – and whom I think I could induce to perforne [perform] it.
I am sorry for the delay, but it is not in my power to prevent it. – nor can I fix the term of its duration. But when I am free to follow my own wishes I shall be most happy to enter into any arrangement with you for their execution I am flattered by the offer you make & return my sincerest thanks (Bennett, MWSL, vol. 2, p. 198)
