September 8, 1967

Dr. Matthias Wegner

Christian Wegner Verlag Hamburg
2000 Hamburg 1

Lippelstrasse 1

West Germany

Dear Dr. Wegner:

1 am sorry to have delayed so long to reply to your interest in publish-
ing ny series of articles. I have, however, just received word confirm-
ing the arrangements that I am negotiating with an American publisher
which provides the one opportunity to continue with a project along the
lines you asked me about. I have not yet concluded a formal contract
but this seeme to be eminent and I believe there is no reason why you
should not make a direct inquiry.

The arrangements I refer to are with Dobbleday and Company, Inc. at 277
Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. I have been dealing with a Miss
Maureen Mahon, Associate Editor of their Science Department. At this

same time I have mentioned to them the possibility of your interest in
sponsoring the German edition. Since it was essential that I not encumber
the rights for the world market in arranging the American publication of
this book I felt it necessary to give the proposal with Doubleday the
first priority. I have no way of knowing how they would react to the pos-
sibility of delegating the German rights to you or in making some agree-
ment for some kind of joint sponsorship.

I realize that this is perhaps not quite the conclusion that you would
have preferred but I hope nevertheless that something constructive can be
built from these foundations. If you are still interested may I suggest
that you communicate directly with Miss Mahon.

Sincerely yours,

Joshua Lederberg

Professor of Genetics
JL: bm

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