GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 6 November [1856]
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 6 November [1856]
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 6 November [1856]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1856-11-06
Place
Richmond
Letter Content
GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 6 November [1856]
MS: National Library of Scotland. Published: Cross, I, 417-419.
Park Shot | Richmond | 6 November.
My dear Sir
Did you get my last letter proposing an article on Sea Anemones? and did your "silence give consent"?
Meanwhile I trouble you with a m.s. of "Sketches of Clerical Life" 756 which was submitted to me by a friend who desired my good offices with you. It goes by this post.
I confess that before reading the m.s. I had considerable doubts of my friend's power as a writer of fiction; but after reading it those doubts were changed into very high admiration. I don't know what you will think of the story, but according to my judgement such humour, pathos, vivid presentation and nice observation have not been exhibited (in this style) since the "Vicar of Wakefield" -- and in consequence of that opinion I feel quite pleased in negotiating the matter with you.
This is what I am commissioned to say to you about the proposed series. It will consist of tales and sketches illustrative of the actual life of our country clergy about a quarter of a century ago; but solely in its human and not at all in its theological aspect; the object being to do what has never yet been done in our Literature, for we have had abundant religious stories polemical and doctrinal, but since the "Vicar" and Miss Austen, no stories representing the clergy like any other class with the humours, sorrows, and troubles of other men. He begged me particularly to add that -- as the specimen sent will sufficiently prove -- the tone throughout will be sympathetic and not at all antagonistic. 757
Some of these, if not all, you may think suitable for Maga. If any are sent of which you do not approve, or which you do not think sufficiently interesting, these he will reserve for the separate republication and for this purpose he wishes to retain the copyright. Should you only print one or two he will be well satisfied; and still better if you should think well enough of the series to undertake the separate republication.
He calculates the present story will make two parts for Maga. 758 Believe me
Ever truly yours
G. H. Lewes.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Published: Cross, I, 417-419.
Park Shot | Richmond | 6 November.
My dear Sir
Did you get my last letter proposing an article on Sea Anemones? and did your "silence give consent"?
Meanwhile I trouble you with a m.s. of "Sketches of Clerical Life" 756 which was submitted to me by a friend who desired my good offices with you. It goes by this post.
I confess that before reading the m.s. I had considerable doubts of my friend's power as a writer of fiction; but after reading it those doubts were changed into very high admiration. I don't know what you will think of the story, but according to my judgement such humour, pathos, vivid presentation and nice observation have not been exhibited (in this style) since the "Vicar of Wakefield" -- and in consequence of that opinion I feel quite pleased in negotiating the matter with you.
This is what I am commissioned to say to you about the proposed series. It will consist of tales and sketches illustrative of the actual life of our country clergy about a quarter of a century ago; but solely in its human and not at all in its theological aspect; the object being to do what has never yet been done in our Literature, for we have had abundant religious stories polemical and doctrinal, but since the "Vicar" and Miss Austen, no stories representing the clergy like any other class with the humours, sorrows, and troubles of other men. He begged me particularly to add that -- as the specimen sent will sufficiently prove -- the tone throughout will be sympathetic and not at all antagonistic. 757
Some of these, if not all, you may think suitable for Maga. If any are sent of which you do not approve, or which you do not think sufficiently interesting, these he will reserve for the separate republication and for this purpose he wishes to retain the copyright. Should you only print one or two he will be well satisfied; and still better if you should think well enough of the series to undertake the separate republication.
He calculates the present story will make two parts for Maga. 758 Believe me
Ever truly yours
G. H. Lewes.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to John Blackwood, Richmond, 6 November [1856], 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/94760