GE to John Blackwood, London, 30 March 1861
Title
GE to John Blackwood, London, 30 March 1861
Title
GE to John Blackwood, London, 30 March 1861
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1861-03-30
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to John Blackwood, London, 30 March 1861
MS: National Library of Scotland. Published: Cross, II, 293-294.
Blandford Square, | N.W.
March 30. 61.
My dear Sir
The latest number I had heard of was 3300, so that your letter brought me agreeable information. 727 I am particularly gratified, because this spirited subscription must rest on my character as a writer generally, and not simply on the popularity of Adam Bede. There is an article on the Mill in McMillan's Mag. 728 which is worth reading. I cannot of course agree with the writer in all his regrets: if I could have done so, I should not have written the book I did write, but quite another. Still it is a comfort to me to read any criticism which recognizes the high responsibilities of literature that undertakes to represent life. The ordinary tone about art is, that the artist may do what he will, provided he pleases the public.
I am very glad to be told -- whenever you can tell me -- that the Major is not suffering heavily. I know so well the preciousness of those smiles that tell one the mind is not held out of all reach of soothing.
Ever yours truly
M. E. Lewes.
J. Blackwood Esq.
We are wavering whether we shall go to Florence this spring or wait till the year and other things are more advanced. The swelled face commands my pity at least. Small ailments spoil life as well as great ones.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Published: Cross, II, 293-294.
Blandford Square, | N.W.
March 30. 61.
My dear Sir
The latest number I had heard of was 3300, so that your letter brought me agreeable information. 727 I am particularly gratified, because this spirited subscription must rest on my character as a writer generally, and not simply on the popularity of Adam Bede. There is an article on the Mill in McMillan's Mag. 728 which is worth reading. I cannot of course agree with the writer in all his regrets: if I could have done so, I should not have written the book I did write, but quite another. Still it is a comfort to me to read any criticism which recognizes the high responsibilities of literature that undertakes to represent life. The ordinary tone about art is, that the artist may do what he will, provided he pleases the public.
I am very glad to be told -- whenever you can tell me -- that the Major is not suffering heavily. I know so well the preciousness of those smiles that tell one the mind is not held out of all reach of soothing.
Ever yours truly
M. E. Lewes.
J. Blackwood Esq.
We are wavering whether we shall go to Florence this spring or wait till the year and other things are more advanced. The swelled face commands my pity at least. Small ailments spoil life as well as great ones.
Signature
M. E. Lewes.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to John Blackwood, London, 30 March 1861, 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/92677