GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [Richmond, 9 November 1857]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [Richmond, 9 November 1857]
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [Richmond, 9 November 1857]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1857-11-09
Place
[Richmond]
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [Richmond, 9 November 1857]
MS: Yale. Endorsed: Nov. 9. 1857. Extracts published: Cross, I, 470-471.
Monday.
Dear Sara
It was just one of your pretty actions to send the Spec[tato]r, which I return. The article 1004 is not what one cares to see, because the writer has evidently not that sort of knowledge which would enable him to make any valuable criticism or suggestion. One is glad to have one's book spoken well of by papers of good circulation, because it is possible, though not certain, that such praise may help the sale; but otherwise it is hardly worth while to trouble one's self about newspaper reviews unless they point out some error, or present that very rare phenomenon, a true appreciation, which is the most delicious form in which sympathy can reach one. I have just read your letter to Mr. Lewes. He sends his kindest regards, and thanks you for your offer of sending him the Psych[ological] Journal, 1005 but unless there were any point in it which would suggest to him a necessary reconsideration or correction, he would rather not see it.
I hoped you were nearer the end of your first edition than it has turned out. Still, I should think the book has not done ill as publishing goes. It has surely not been out more than half a year? and you may reasonably hope that another half year may carry off the 180.
It is quite news to me that Henry Pears has so long been in the army. 1006 How should I ever hear any news if it were not for you? But you don't let anything thrust me out of your loving care to give me pleasure -- not even when you have the excuse of being occupied, as I know you must be, with Harriet, 1007 in addition to your daily doings for others.
We had a visit from Mr. Chapman last Sunday, accompanied by his brother 1008 whom I had never seen before. The brother is really an interesting man -- tradesman-like in person and manners, but impressing one as having true refinement in intellect and feeling. It was a trait I always liked in Mr. Chapman that he admired his brother -- and I think the admiration is well-founded.
I suppose you have read the [Virginians.] We groaned over the recurrence of the everlasting type -- the old lady courted for her money and fond of champagne. It is unfortunate the 1st no. 1009 should be so far from promising.
My love to Cara and Mr. Bray, though they never make any sign of remembering me.
Everything goes well with us and we make no bad blood. Some of the sweetest in my system goes to feed the feeling that you are very good and very dear. Doubtless, very naughty and hateful also, to some people or at some moments, but then that is all hidden from me, like the other side of the moon.
Ever your loving
Pollian.
I have forgotten to say, that it seems a fixed idea in your mind and Mr. Bray's that Mr. Lewes knows nothing of Phrenology and writes about it in sublime ignorance of what phrenologists say. He must be ignorant indeed not to know that "a great portion" of the brain is assigned to the animal functions. A propos of a philosophical discussion, we lately re-read the chapter on Phrenology, 1010 and I detected no misconception of phrenological data. Not that this is any proof of there being no misconception. But one so gross as that you mention could hardly have escaped me. I know the attitude of Mr. Lewes's mind towards Phrenology and I am sure it is free from any unphilosophical desire to make out a case. But so much sectarian feeling usually arises in discussions on the subject that I confess the associations of the word are not agreeable to me. The last refuge of intolerance is in not tolerating the intolerant -- and I am often in danger of secreting that sort of venom.
MS: Yale. Endorsed: Nov. 9. 1857. Extracts published: Cross, I, 470-471.
Monday.
Dear Sara
It was just one of your pretty actions to send the Spec[tato]r, which I return. The article 1004 is not what one cares to see, because the writer has evidently not that sort of knowledge which would enable him to make any valuable criticism or suggestion. One is glad to have one's book spoken well of by papers of good circulation, because it is possible, though not certain, that such praise may help the sale; but otherwise it is hardly worth while to trouble one's self about newspaper reviews unless they point out some error, or present that very rare phenomenon, a true appreciation, which is the most delicious form in which sympathy can reach one. I have just read your letter to Mr. Lewes. He sends his kindest regards, and thanks you for your offer of sending him the Psych[ological] Journal, 1005 but unless there were any point in it which would suggest to him a necessary reconsideration or correction, he would rather not see it.
I hoped you were nearer the end of your first edition than it has turned out. Still, I should think the book has not done ill as publishing goes. It has surely not been out more than half a year? and you may reasonably hope that another half year may carry off the 180.
It is quite news to me that Henry Pears has so long been in the army. 1006 How should I ever hear any news if it were not for you? But you don't let anything thrust me out of your loving care to give me pleasure -- not even when you have the excuse of being occupied, as I know you must be, with Harriet, 1007 in addition to your daily doings for others.
We had a visit from Mr. Chapman last Sunday, accompanied by his brother 1008 whom I had never seen before. The brother is really an interesting man -- tradesman-like in person and manners, but impressing one as having true refinement in intellect and feeling. It was a trait I always liked in Mr. Chapman that he admired his brother -- and I think the admiration is well-founded.
I suppose you have read the [Virginians.] We groaned over the recurrence of the everlasting type -- the old lady courted for her money and fond of champagne. It is unfortunate the 1st no. 1009 should be so far from promising.
My love to Cara and Mr. Bray, though they never make any sign of remembering me.
Everything goes well with us and we make no bad blood. Some of the sweetest in my system goes to feed the feeling that you are very good and very dear. Doubtless, very naughty and hateful also, to some people or at some moments, but then that is all hidden from me, like the other side of the moon.
Ever your loving
Pollian.
I have forgotten to say, that it seems a fixed idea in your mind and Mr. Bray's that Mr. Lewes knows nothing of Phrenology and writes about it in sublime ignorance of what phrenologists say. He must be ignorant indeed not to know that "a great portion" of the brain is assigned to the animal functions. A propos of a philosophical discussion, we lately re-read the chapter on Phrenology, 1010 and I detected no misconception of phrenological data. Not that this is any proof of there being no misconception. But one so gross as that you mention could hardly have escaped me. I know the attitude of Mr. Lewes's mind towards Phrenology and I am sure it is free from any unphilosophical desire to make out a case. But so much sectarian feeling usually arises in discussions on the subject that I confess the associations of the word are not agreeable to me. The last refuge of intolerance is in not tolerating the intolerant -- and I am often in danger of secreting that sort of venom.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, [Richmond, 9 November 1857], 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/93870