Subject
The “Belles Lettres” was a newspaper column George Eliot wrote in the Westminster Review during the 1850s, in which she covered an array of subject matter. In this particular article, Eliot writes of how certain novels, like certain tunes, will be popular at one time but be forgotten later on. She uses the example of a recently published novel, "Perversion; or, the Causes and Consequences of Infidelity. A Tale for the Times." Eliot emphasizes how it is indeed a "Tale for the Times," and does not predict it will be a classic. She also offers commentary on other recently published works.
Description
"We trust that the brave Captain Whittingham is independent of his profession. Revelations of this perilous kind are not ventured with impunity; and the noble rulers of England will make him rue his book, if he is in their power. Our space has run out."
Source
Eliot, George. "Belles Lettres and Art." Westminster Review, vol. LXVI, July 1856, pp. 257-78.