Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1836 edition. Excerpt: ... caused his dismission from her affairs, and as her protector. The Rev. Mr. Slocum became her guardian, and a very estimable and conscientious literary gentleman, Mr. Dwight, was employed to write her narrative from her own verbal recitals. In due time the volume was ushered forth to the public, and then came the scramble already referred to, among ministers and writers and printers, for the division of the spoils--each party claiming to favor the interest of Maria, while she, poor creature, knew not whom among the whole she ought to trust. Her ancient predelictions for Hoyte, had induced her to give him a legal claim to the copyright, and yet her distrust having been awakened, she gave similar powers of attorney, to one or more of the other parties--revoking the former; and when the stereotype plates were prepared, it was found that more than one or two claimants were awaiting their delivery, all having written orders under the sign manual of Maria Monk. Again, when the book was published, there were injunctions granted and rescinded, and divers other tribulations, giving a brisk business to the profession, from the Chancellor himself to the Attorney, until there was danger that the whole of the profits would be swallowed up by litigation. To end the difficulties, it was agreed, as I have been informed, that Maria should receive eight cents per copy from the sales. These sales have been great, notwithstanding the manifold internal evidences of the imposture contained in the work itself. The reason is found in the mystery which hangs about a Convent, and in the fact that it is a tale of lust and blood --essential ingredients in but too many of the anti-popery publications of the day. So much for Maria Monk. And now-- Who is this Frances...
