GE to John Blackwood, London, 7 December 1867
Title
GE to John Blackwood, London, 7 December 1867
Title
GE to John Blackwood, London, 7 December 1867
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1867-12-07
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to John Blackwood, London, 7 December 1867
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extracts published: Cross, III, 26-27.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
December 7. 67.
My dear Sir
I return proof by this post. I agree with you about the phrase, "masters of the country." I wrote that part twice, and originally I distinctly said that the epithet was false. Afterwards I left that out, preferring to make a stronger argumentum ad hominem in case any workman believed himself a future master.
I think it will be better for you to write a preliminary note washing your hands of any over-trenchant statements on the part of the well-meaning Radical. 697 I much prefer that you should do so. Whatever you agree with will have the advantage of not coming from one who can be suspected of being a special pleader.
What you say about Fidalma is very cheering. But I am chiefly anxious about the road still untravelled -- the road I have still "zur'fcck zu legen."
I am glad of the pleasant rencontre Mr. William Blackwood had with Mrs. Nassau Senior, and his politeness was very useful to her. She is a good woman as well as pretty and accomplished.
Mr. Lewes has to request several proofs of Fidalma -- to facilitate revision. But I will leave him to say how many. We shall keep them strictly to ourselves, you may be sure, so that 3 or 4 will be enough -- one for him, one for me, and one for the resolution of our differences.
Always yours truly
M. E. Lewes.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extracts published: Cross, III, 26-27.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
December 7. 67.
My dear Sir
I return proof by this post. I agree with you about the phrase, "masters of the country." I wrote that part twice, and originally I distinctly said that the epithet was false. Afterwards I left that out, preferring to make a stronger argumentum ad hominem in case any workman believed himself a future master.
I think it will be better for you to write a preliminary note washing your hands of any over-trenchant statements on the part of the well-meaning Radical. 697 I much prefer that you should do so. Whatever you agree with will have the advantage of not coming from one who can be suspected of being a special pleader.
What you say about Fidalma is very cheering. But I am chiefly anxious about the road still untravelled -- the road I have still "zur'fcck zu legen."
I am glad of the pleasant rencontre Mr. William Blackwood had with Mrs. Nassau Senior, and his politeness was very useful to her. She is a good woman as well as pretty and accomplished.
Mr. Lewes has to request several proofs of Fidalma -- to facilitate revision. But I will leave him to say how many. We shall keep them strictly to ourselves, you may be sure, so that 3 or 4 will be enough -- one for him, one for me, and one for the resolution of our differences.
Always yours truly
M. E. Lewes.
Signature
M. E. Lewes.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to John Blackwood, London, 7 December 1867, 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/92693