'
"Mr. Vizetelly's opinion coincided with that of Mr. Salisbury, and to
the latter gentleman it was confided to be brought out immediately.
The week following the book was produced and one edition of 7,000
copies worked off. It made no stir until the middle of June, although
we advertised it very extensively. From June it began to make its way,
and it sold at the rate of 1,000 per week during July. In August the
demand became very great, and went on increasing to the 20th, by which
time it was perfectly overwhelming. We have now about 400 people
employed in getting out the book, and seventeen printing machines
besides hand presses. Already about 150,000 copies of the book are in
the hands of the people, and still the returns of sales show no
decline."
The story was dramatized in the United States in August, 1852, without
the consent or knowledge of the author, who had neglected to reserve
her rights for this purpose. In September of the same year we find it
announced as the attraction at two London theatres, namely, the Royal
Victoria and the Great National Standard. In 1853 Professor Stowe
writes: "The drama of 'Uncle Tom' has been going on in the National
Theatre of New York all summer with most unparalleled success.
Everybody goes night after night, and nothing can stop it. The
enthusiasm beats that of the run in the Boston Museum out and out. The
'Tribune' is full of it.
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