GE to John Blackwood, Richmond, 7 November 1857
Title
GE to John Blackwood, Richmond, 7 November 1857
Title
GE to John Blackwood, Richmond, 7 November 1857
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1857-11-07
Place
Richmond
Letter Content
GE to John Blackwood, Richmond, 7 November 1857
MS: National Library of Scotland. Published: Cross, I, 470.
November 7. 1857.
My dear Sir
It is pleasant to have the first sheet of one's proof -- to see one's paragraphs released from the tight lacing of double columns, and expanding themselves at their ease.
I perceive clearly the desirableness of the short number -- for my observation of literary affairs has gone far enough to convince me that neither critical judgment nor practical experience can guarantee any opinion as to rapidity of sale, in the case of an unknown author; and I shudder at the prospect of encumbering my publishers' bookshelves.
My new story is in progress -- slow progress at present. A little sunshine of success would stimulate its growth, I daresay. Unhappily, I am as impressionable as I am obstinate, and as much in need of sympathy from my readers as I am incapable of bending myself to their tastes. But if I can only find a public as cordial and agreeable in its treatment of me as my editor, I shall have nothing to wish. Even my thin skin will be comfortable then.
The page is not a shabby one, after all, but I fear the fact of two volumes instead of three is a fatal feature in my style in the eyes of librarians. Ever, my dear Sir,
Yours truly
George Eliot.
John Blackwood Esq.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Published: Cross, I, 470.
November 7. 1857.
My dear Sir
It is pleasant to have the first sheet of one's proof -- to see one's paragraphs released from the tight lacing of double columns, and expanding themselves at their ease.
I perceive clearly the desirableness of the short number -- for my observation of literary affairs has gone far enough to convince me that neither critical judgment nor practical experience can guarantee any opinion as to rapidity of sale, in the case of an unknown author; and I shudder at the prospect of encumbering my publishers' bookshelves.
My new story is in progress -- slow progress at present. A little sunshine of success would stimulate its growth, I daresay. Unhappily, I am as impressionable as I am obstinate, and as much in need of sympathy from my readers as I am incapable of bending myself to their tastes. But if I can only find a public as cordial and agreeable in its treatment of me as my editor, I shall have nothing to wish. Even my thin skin will be comfortable then.
The page is not a shabby one, after all, but I fear the fact of two volumes instead of three is a fatal feature in my style in the eyes of librarians. Ever, my dear Sir,
Yours truly
George Eliot.
John Blackwood Esq.
Signature
George Eliot.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to John Blackwood, Richmond, 7 November 1857, Complete George Eliot Letters(2026), George Eliot Archive, edited by Beverley Park Rilett. https://GeorgeEliotArchive.org, Accessed September 7, 2026. https://georgeeliotarchive.org/items/show/92719