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1928 Houghton Mifflin Editorial Archive – Albert Lockwood – Cass Gilbert Project Craftsman – Piano Literature Manuscript & Rejection File
Offered here is a complete and highly compelling three-piece editorial archive from Houghton Mifflin Company (1928), documenting the submission, internal review, and rejection of a scholarly manuscript, tied to an identified award-winning New York craftsman who worked on a Cass Gilbert building project.
A rare survival of the full publishing process, including internal commentary.
📄 Contents Included
1. Author Submission Letter
- Dated: July 12, 1928
- From: Albert Lockwood, Keene Valley, Adirondack Mountains, NY
- To: Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston
Lockwood submits his manuscript titled:
“Notes on the Literature of the Piano”
He describes it as a structured reference work evaluating piano compositions by difficulty, quality, and usefulness, intended for teachers and serious students.
Submitted at the suggestion of:
F. N. Scott, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
2. Internal Editorial Memorandum
A scarce and desirable in-house publisher review document.
The manuscript is described as:
- “quite technical and authoritative”
- but limited in commercial appeal
Editorial conclusion:
“We see no place for it on the Trade list.”
With handwritten notation:
“This is too specialized for us…”
3. Official Rejection Letter
- Dated: August 21, 1928
- From: Houghton Mifflin Company
After review by both Trade and Educational departments, the firm declines publication, suggesting the work would be better suited to a specialized music publisher.
👤 About Albert Lockwood
Albert Lockwood can be identified as a skilled New York tradesman of recognized distinction, specifically:
- Elevator Constructor
- Recipient of a Craftsmanship Award from the New York Building Congress
He was honored for his work on the:
🏢 R. C. Williams Grocery Terminal (NYC)
- Location: 26th Street & 10th Avenue
- Architect: Cass Gilbert (Woolworth Building, U.S. Custom House)
- Builders: Barney-Ahlers Construction Company
Lockwood was among a select group of craftsmen recognized for “excellent handiwork” on this major New York industrial project.
🧠 Significance
This archive captures a rare and compelling narrative:
A working tradesman, recognized at a high level in his field, who spent years compiling a serious scholarly work on piano literature and sought publication through a major American publisher.
It provides insight into:
- The editorial decision-making process at Houghton Mifflin
- The limits of specialized academic publishing in the 1920s
- The intersection of craftsmanship and intellectual pursuit
The inclusion of an internal memo makes this especially desirable.
📏 Condition
- Light to moderate toning consistent with age
- Fold lines and minor edge wear
- Internal memo shows heavier handling and creasing
- All documents remain fully legible and intact
📦 Summary
A scarce, story-rich editorial archive with identified historical context, bridging:
- American publishing history
- Early 20th-century New York construction
- Music scholarship and authorship
Material combining named individuals, major institutions, and internal documentation is increasingly sought after.
