John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 18 November 1856
Title
John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 18 November 1856
Title
John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 18 November 1856
Sender
John Blackwood
Recipient
George Henry Lewes
Date(s)
- 1856-11-18
Place
Edinburgh
Letter Content
John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 18 November 1856
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extracts published: Cross, 1, 421-423.
Edinburgh | November 18/56.
My Dear Sir
I was very far from intending that my letter should convey anything like disappointment to your friend. On the contrary I thought the Tale very good and intended to convey as much. But I daresay I expressed myself coolly enough. Criticism would assume a much soberer tone were critics compelled seriously to act whenever they expressed an opinion. Although not much given to hesitate about anything I always think twice before I put the decisive mark "In type for the Magazine" on any M.S. from a stranger. Fancy the intense annoyance (to say nothing of more serious considerations) of publishing month after month a series about which the conviction gradually forces itself on you that you have made a total blunder.
I am sorry that the author has no more written but if he cares much about a speedy appearance I have so high an opinion of this first Tale that I will waive my objections and publish it without seeing more; not, of course committing myself to go on with the other Tales of the series unless I approved of them. I am very sanguine that I will approve as in addition to the other merits of Amos I agree with you that there is great freshness of style. If you think also that it would stimulate the author to go on with the other Tales with more spirit I will publish Amos at once. He would divide into two parts. I am blocked up for December but I could start him in January.
I am glad to hear that your friend is as I supposed a Clergyman. Such a subject is best in clerical hands and some of the pleasantest and least prejudiced correspondents I have ever had are English Clergymen.
Oddly enough the paper in Fraser to which you allude was pointed out to me by a friend as being suitable in parts at least for the Magazine. I did not read it, being busy, but I shall look at it now. In the meantime I adopt your suggestion and will be happy to look at any M.S. from Mr. Tugwell other than that which you think will hardly do.
I have not read Amos Barton a second time but the impression on my mind of the whole character, incidents, and feeling of the story is very distinct, which is an excellent sign.
always yours truly
John Blackwood.
G. H. Lewes Esq.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extracts published: Cross, 1, 421-423.
Edinburgh | November 18/56.
My Dear Sir
I was very far from intending that my letter should convey anything like disappointment to your friend. On the contrary I thought the Tale very good and intended to convey as much. But I daresay I expressed myself coolly enough. Criticism would assume a much soberer tone were critics compelled seriously to act whenever they expressed an opinion. Although not much given to hesitate about anything I always think twice before I put the decisive mark "In type for the Magazine" on any M.S. from a stranger. Fancy the intense annoyance (to say nothing of more serious considerations) of publishing month after month a series about which the conviction gradually forces itself on you that you have made a total blunder.
I am sorry that the author has no more written but if he cares much about a speedy appearance I have so high an opinion of this first Tale that I will waive my objections and publish it without seeing more; not, of course committing myself to go on with the other Tales of the series unless I approved of them. I am very sanguine that I will approve as in addition to the other merits of Amos I agree with you that there is great freshness of style. If you think also that it would stimulate the author to go on with the other Tales with more spirit I will publish Amos at once. He would divide into two parts. I am blocked up for December but I could start him in January.
I am glad to hear that your friend is as I supposed a Clergyman. Such a subject is best in clerical hands and some of the pleasantest and least prejudiced correspondents I have ever had are English Clergymen.
Oddly enough the paper in Fraser to which you allude was pointed out to me by a friend as being suitable in parts at least for the Magazine. I did not read it, being busy, but I shall look at it now. In the meantime I adopt your suggestion and will be happy to look at any M.S. from Mr. Tugwell other than that which you think will hardly do.
I have not read Amos Barton a second time but the impression on my mind of the whole character, incidents, and feeling of the story is very distinct, which is an excellent sign.
always yours truly
John Blackwood.
G. H. Lewes Esq.
Signature
John Blackwood.
Citation
John Blackwood, John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 18 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/95376