GHL to Alexander Main, London, [20 January 1874]
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [20 January 1874]
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [20 January 1874]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Alexander Main
Date(s)
- 1874-01-20
Place
London
Letter Content
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [20 January 1874]
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Tuesday.
Dear Main
As you seem unhappy about some attack or other I must write a word of advice. Brace yourself to meet all attacks and all complaints by the consideration that no book ever was or will be written up, or written down by critics -- it stands or falls by its own vitality: and all the buffets of adverse winds, all the puffs of vanity, leave it just what it is. Consider, there is not a single cell but is opposed by the forces of this whole universe -- yet it resists them as long as it has life -- and succumbs as vitality ebbs. If you reflect on the treatment which some of the greatest works have received, the abuse heaped upon the purest and wisest, you will see that if adverse opinion had the power to obstruct truth the world would be in a sad plight.
Don't look at what is said about your work, but do your work honestly and carefully. I haven't seen the Saturday 17 and shall probably not see it -- certainly should not go out [of] my way two yards either to see or avoid it.
I can't promise to read your book for some time yet, I am so busy in other ways nor do I think Mrs. Lewes will be able to do so. But if we thought it a masterpiece that wouldn't alter the fact -- and if we thought it rubbish hundreds of others might think it a masterpiece -- and they are its real public. A beef steak is not food for a cow or a camel, but very good food for us and Christian dogs.
Ever yours
G. H. L.
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Tuesday.
Dear Main
As you seem unhappy about some attack or other I must write a word of advice. Brace yourself to meet all attacks and all complaints by the consideration that no book ever was or will be written up, or written down by critics -- it stands or falls by its own vitality: and all the buffets of adverse winds, all the puffs of vanity, leave it just what it is. Consider, there is not a single cell but is opposed by the forces of this whole universe -- yet it resists them as long as it has life -- and succumbs as vitality ebbs. If you reflect on the treatment which some of the greatest works have received, the abuse heaped upon the purest and wisest, you will see that if adverse opinion had the power to obstruct truth the world would be in a sad plight.
Don't look at what is said about your work, but do your work honestly and carefully. I haven't seen the Saturday 17 and shall probably not see it -- certainly should not go out [of] my way two yards either to see or avoid it.
I can't promise to read your book for some time yet, I am so busy in other ways nor do I think Mrs. Lewes will be able to do so. But if we thought it a masterpiece that wouldn't alter the fact -- and if we thought it rubbish hundreds of others might think it a masterpiece -- and they are its real public. A beef steak is not food for a cow or a camel, but very good food for us and Christian dogs.
Ever yours
G. H. L.
Signature
G. H. L.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Alexander Main, London, [20 January 1874], 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/94390