GE to Alexander Main, London, 11 September 1871
Title
GE to Alexander Main, London, 11 September 1871
Title
GE to Alexander Main, London, 11 September 1871
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Alexander Main
Date(s)
- 1871-09-11
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Alexander Main, London, 11 September 1871
MS: Parrish Collection, Princeton. Envelope: Alexander Main Esq | West St. Mary Street | Arbroath | N.B. Postmarks: LONDON-N.W | 4 | SP 11 | 71; ARBROATH | C | SP 12 | 71. Endorsed: Sept. 11th/71. Extracts published: Cross, New Edition, p. 476.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
September 11. 71.
My dear Sir
Mr. Lewes, who generously sifts my morning letters for me, read me your last 360 when I went down to luncheon, and I confess it made me cry.
You have thoroughly understood me -- you have entered with perfect insight into the significance of the poem -- and without that, no amount of praise could have had much value for me. In the passages which you quote from the Fifth Book, you have put your finger on the true key.
The lyrics were all written as the development of the drama required them, and are an organic part of the poem.
Perhaps you do not imagine me as a writer who suffers much from self-distrust and despondency. If I had not had a husband who is not only sympathetic, but so sagacious in criticism that I can rely on his pleasure in my writing as a satisfactory test, it would be difficult for me to bring myself into print. Especially as I have the conviction that excessive literary production is a social offence.
These facts will help you to believe that your letters have been a cup of strength to me.
Always yours with high regard
M. E. Lewes.
MS: Parrish Collection, Princeton. Envelope: Alexander Main Esq | West St. Mary Street | Arbroath | N.B. Postmarks: LONDON-N.W | 4 | SP 11 | 71; ARBROATH | C | SP 12 | 71. Endorsed: Sept. 11th/71. Extracts published: Cross, New Edition, p. 476.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
September 11. 71.
My dear Sir
Mr. Lewes, who generously sifts my morning letters for me, read me your last 360 when I went down to luncheon, and I confess it made me cry.
You have thoroughly understood me -- you have entered with perfect insight into the significance of the poem -- and without that, no amount of praise could have had much value for me. In the passages which you quote from the Fifth Book, you have put your finger on the true key.
The lyrics were all written as the development of the drama required them, and are an organic part of the poem.
Perhaps you do not imagine me as a writer who suffers much from self-distrust and despondency. If I had not had a husband who is not only sympathetic, but so sagacious in criticism that I can rely on his pleasure in my writing as a satisfactory test, it would be difficult for me to bring myself into print. Especially as I have the conviction that excessive literary production is a social offence.
These facts will help you to believe that your letters have been a cup of strength to me.
Always yours with high regard
M. E. Lewes.
Signature
M. E. Lewes.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Alexander Main, London, 11 September 1871, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://www.georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/91984