IN HOTTINGEN-ZURICH 

London, 22 February 1885 

Dear Mr Schliter, 

I look forward to seeing the proof-sheets of the Anti-Dühring.? 

In Wigand’s case *° matters stand thus: it had already been noted 
in Leipzig in 1875 or 1876 that no more copies of the Condition were 
available and I possess the original invoice marked ‘last copies’. How- 
ever no harm can be done if confirmation of this is once again provid- 
ed by the other party. I have at long last been given a legal opinion 
from which I gather that the matter is by no means as simple as had 
appeared at first glance. Now that I know how I stand, I shall take 
further steps and advise you as soon as I receive a positive reply from 
Wigand. 

I knew Schabelitz even before 1848 when he was here in London 
and belonged to the Communist Society.? Give him my kindest re- 
gards when you see him. Your explanation re the alleged ‘ban’ was 
just what I wanted *%°; it is quite typical of the German book trade. 
Obviously nothing can be done about it so long as not one agent can 
be found who is possessed of pluck. But the bulk of bourgeois readers 
don’t buy our stuff, so in this case pluck is not a particularly paying 
proposition. It was a different matter when banned books were 
merely liberal or radical, or even when, prior to 1848, communism was 
still a cause with which the bourgeoisie flirted. 

The last ms. of the 2nd book of Capital goes off tomorrow, and day 
after tomorrow I shall start on the 3rd book. So long as I have it on my 
conscience, I shall be unable to give serious thought to anything else. 

Please tell Ede that I shall write to him as soon as I have a spare 
moment. 

Kindest regards from 

Yours, 
F. Engels