John Blackwood to GE, Edinburgh, 18 February 1869
Title
John Blackwood to GE, Edinburgh, 18 February 1869
Title
John Blackwood to GE, Edinburgh, 18 February 1869
Sender
John Blackwood
Recipient
George Eliot
Date(s)
- 1869-02-18
Place
Edinburgh
Letter Content
John Blackwood to GE, Edinburgh, 18 February 1869
Text: Copy in Blackwood Letter Book. Hitherto unpublished.
Edinburgh February 18/69.
My dear Madam
It gave me much pleasure to receive your letter 29 and poem. I have read the simple tale of Lisa's love first in M.S. and then in type with increased admiration. The complete story is told in beautifully clear and simple language. Such lines as "Eyes that could see her on the summer's day might find it hard to turn another way" 30 have a wonderful effect.
I will never give a fancy price for anything to appear in the Magazine. Indeed I do not think that an article from one of the Apostles would much affect the sale. Believers in Blackwood's believe that every article is written by the best possible person for the subject and the knowledge that such is actually the fact will not convert miserable unbelievers. However I think you are entitled to extra consideration and I beg to offer you £50 which I hope you will think handsome.
I am delighted to hear of a Novel of English Life having taken such warm possession of you. When do you think it will take form? I hope you will be able to manage the expedition abroad and that it will do you both good. My Nephew has quite recovered from his cold, at least he is going out to Lockhart's at Ashiestiel to hunt tomorrow.
Always Yours Truly
John Blackwood.
Mrs. Lewes.
Text: Copy in Blackwood Letter Book. Hitherto unpublished.
Edinburgh February 18/69.
My dear Madam
It gave me much pleasure to receive your letter 29 and poem. I have read the simple tale of Lisa's love first in M.S. and then in type with increased admiration. The complete story is told in beautifully clear and simple language. Such lines as "Eyes that could see her on the summer's day might find it hard to turn another way" 30 have a wonderful effect.
I will never give a fancy price for anything to appear in the Magazine. Indeed I do not think that an article from one of the Apostles would much affect the sale. Believers in Blackwood's believe that every article is written by the best possible person for the subject and the knowledge that such is actually the fact will not convert miserable unbelievers. However I think you are entitled to extra consideration and I beg to offer you £50 which I hope you will think handsome.
I am delighted to hear of a Novel of English Life having taken such warm possession of you. When do you think it will take form? I hope you will be able to manage the expedition abroad and that it will do you both good. My Nephew has quite recovered from his cold, at least he is going out to Lockhart's at Ashiestiel to hunt tomorrow.
Always Yours Truly
John Blackwood.
Mrs. Lewes.
Signature
John Blackwood.
Citation
John Blackwood, John Blackwood to GE, Edinburgh, 18 February 1869, 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/95204