PR notes Aug-29-2005
-Might be a reference in: " Richard B. Sher & Hugh Amory "From Scotland to the Strand: the Genesis of Andrew Millar’s Bookselling Career." IN: ISAAC, Peter & Barry McKAY, Editors. THE MOVING MARKET: Continuity and Change in the Book Trade. 2001.
-See also null references in Plomer, Dictionary (1932).
-See also J.A. Cochrane, Dr. Johnson's Printer: the life of William Strahan (1969)
[web research notes]
-Millar involved in copyright dispute over Thomson's Seasons (which he purchased and sued a country bookseller over for reprinting; finding in his estate's favor [after his death] created perpetual copyright for a half dozen years in England until overturned) [see books at Yale 2002 acquisitons: http:⁄⁄www.library.yale.edu⁄beinecke⁄bloct02.htm; also bought the copyright of some of Humes's work and played loose with it (see William B. Todd's introduction reprinted by LibertyFund: http:⁄⁄oll.libertyfund.org⁄Texts⁄Hume0129⁄History⁄HTMLs⁄0011-1_Foreword.html). Considered a bit sharp ("rapacious" by Hume) by some. Printed cheaply and carelessly
When the messenger who carried the last sheet [of the Dictionary] to Millar returned, Johnson asked him, "Well, what did he say?" -- "Sir, (answered the messenger) he said, thank GOD I have done with him." "I am glad (replied Johnson, with a smile,) that he thanks GOD for any thing." It is remarkable, that those with whom Johnson chiefly contracted for his literary labours were Scotchmen, Mr. Millar and Mr. Strahan. Millar, though himself no great judge of literature, had good sense enough to have for his friends very able men, to give him their opinion and advice in the purchase of copyright; the consequence of which was his acquiring a very large fortune, with liberality. Johnson said of him, "I respect Millar, Sir; he has raised the price of literature." The same praise may be justly given to Panckoucke, the eminent bookseller of Paris. Mr. Strahan's liberality, judgement, and success, are well known.