GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 14 July 1862
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 14 July 1862
Title
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 14 July 1862
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
Sara Sophia Hennell
Date(s)
- 1862-07-14
Place
London
Letter Content
GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 14 July 1862
MS: The Carl H. Pforzheimer Library. Envelope: Miss Hennell | 3 Barrs' Hill | Coventry. Postmarks: LONDON-N.W | 11 | JY 15 | 62; COVENTRY | 9 | JY 15 | 62. Hitherto unpublished.
Blandford Square | July 14. 62.
Dear Sara
I am not such a stony-hearted woman as you have taken to imagine me -- caring for nobody's sympathy. I am really glad to know that
Romola interests you -- only don't make up your mind about anything that is to come, else whatever it is will disappoint you. Of necessity, the book is addressed to fewer readers than my previous works, and I myself have never expected -- I might rather say intended -- that the book should be as "popular" in the same sense as the others. If one is to have freedom to write out one's own varying unfolding self, and not be a machine always grinding out the same material or spinning the same sort of web, one cannot always write for the same public. I forewarned the proprietor of the Cornhill on that point, read a large portion to him, and made him fully aware what the book was to be -- but he is confident and happy -- so I am acquitted of all scruple or anxiety except the grand anxiety of doing my work worthily. Alas, I want to do something very much better than I ever can do it -- if fasting and scourging oneself would make one a fit organ, there would be more positive comfort.
I am much pleased that you like Mr. Leighton's illustrations, for he has suffered an artist's agonies at the misrepresentation -- (it is almost that) which the engravers have made of these two first drawings. I have the photographs taken from his drawings, which you will see are far superior to the wood-cuts. He is an invaluable man to have because he knows Florence by heart. 95
I am just now rather sad at the prospect of parting with Mr. Lewes for ten days or so. 96 He has become so weak from a terrible attack of indigestion, that some change seems absolutely necessary as a tonic. Erasmus Wilson thinks he has taken the Turkish Baths too zealously, and that the over action in the skin has thrown the liver into a state of comparative inaction. I feel it on the whole a duty to keep close at home and not run the mental risk of any distractions -- but of course I shall be in a fidget till he comes back.
We thought Cara looking as pretty and well as possible. I hope she thoroughly enjoyed her visit to London -- as we did her brief peep at us. 97
We heard from Mr. Call the other day, very pleasantly, but he said nothing of a visit to London.
I am writing unconscionably ill, in the twilight. Farewell.
Ever yours
Pollian.
MS: The Carl H. Pforzheimer Library. Envelope: Miss Hennell | 3 Barrs' Hill | Coventry. Postmarks: LONDON-N.W | 11 | JY 15 | 62; COVENTRY | 9 | JY 15 | 62. Hitherto unpublished.
Blandford Square | July 14. 62.
Dear Sara
I am not such a stony-hearted woman as you have taken to imagine me -- caring for nobody's sympathy. I am really glad to know that
Romola interests you -- only don't make up your mind about anything that is to come, else whatever it is will disappoint you. Of necessity, the book is addressed to fewer readers than my previous works, and I myself have never expected -- I might rather say intended -- that the book should be as "popular" in the same sense as the others. If one is to have freedom to write out one's own varying unfolding self, and not be a machine always grinding out the same material or spinning the same sort of web, one cannot always write for the same public. I forewarned the proprietor of the Cornhill on that point, read a large portion to him, and made him fully aware what the book was to be -- but he is confident and happy -- so I am acquitted of all scruple or anxiety except the grand anxiety of doing my work worthily. Alas, I want to do something very much better than I ever can do it -- if fasting and scourging oneself would make one a fit organ, there would be more positive comfort.
I am much pleased that you like Mr. Leighton's illustrations, for he has suffered an artist's agonies at the misrepresentation -- (it is almost that) which the engravers have made of these two first drawings. I have the photographs taken from his drawings, which you will see are far superior to the wood-cuts. He is an invaluable man to have because he knows Florence by heart. 95
I am just now rather sad at the prospect of parting with Mr. Lewes for ten days or so. 96 He has become so weak from a terrible attack of indigestion, that some change seems absolutely necessary as a tonic. Erasmus Wilson thinks he has taken the Turkish Baths too zealously, and that the over action in the skin has thrown the liver into a state of comparative inaction. I feel it on the whole a duty to keep close at home and not run the mental risk of any distractions -- but of course I shall be in a fidget till he comes back.
We thought Cara looking as pretty and well as possible. I hope she thoroughly enjoyed her visit to London -- as we did her brief peep at us. 97
We heard from Mr. Call the other day, very pleasantly, but he said nothing of a visit to London.
I am writing unconscionably ill, in the twilight. Farewell.
Ever yours
Pollian.
Signature
Pollian.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to Sara Sophia Hennell, London, 14 July 1862, 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/93994