GE to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 12 January 1860
Title
GE to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 12 January 1860
Title
GE to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 12 January 1860
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1860-01-12
Place
Wandsworth
Letter Content
GE to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 12 January 1860
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extracts published: Cross, II, 155.
Holly Lodge | January 12. 60.
My dear Sir
Thank you for letting me see the specimen advertisements; they have helped us to come to a decision, namely, for "The Mill on the Floss." The disadvantage of titles with several words in them is, that in small advertisements they are apt to be divided -- running on to the second line. But this is not so very long after all, and I suppose that mischance can be avoided by sufficient care. I agree with you that it will be well not to promise the book in March -- not because I do not desire and hope to be ready, but because I set my face against all pledges that I am not sure of being able to fulfil. The 3d volume is, I fancy, always more rapidly written than the rest. The 3d volume of "Adam Bede" was written in six weeks, even with headachy interruptions, because it was written under a stress of emotion -- which first volumes cannot be. I will send you the first volume of "The Mill" at once. The second is ready, but I would rather keep it as long as I can.
I suppose, rejecting "March," you will simply put "In the press"? 456 Besides the advantage to the book of being out by Easter, I have another reason for wishing to have done in time for that. We want to get away for two months to Italy, if possible, to feed my mind with fresh thoughts, and to assure ourselves of that fructifying holiday before the boys are about us, making it difficult for us to leave home. But you may rely on it that no amount of horse-power would make me hurry over my book, so as not to do my best. If it is written fast, it will be because I can't help writing it fast.
Always yours truly
Marian Evans Lewes.
John Blackwood Esq.
Mr. Lewes says you shall have the Fielding in time for the next number.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extracts published: Cross, II, 155.
Holly Lodge | January 12. 60.
My dear Sir
Thank you for letting me see the specimen advertisements; they have helped us to come to a decision, namely, for "The Mill on the Floss." The disadvantage of titles with several words in them is, that in small advertisements they are apt to be divided -- running on to the second line. But this is not so very long after all, and I suppose that mischance can be avoided by sufficient care. I agree with you that it will be well not to promise the book in March -- not because I do not desire and hope to be ready, but because I set my face against all pledges that I am not sure of being able to fulfil. The 3d volume is, I fancy, always more rapidly written than the rest. The 3d volume of "Adam Bede" was written in six weeks, even with headachy interruptions, because it was written under a stress of emotion -- which first volumes cannot be. I will send you the first volume of "The Mill" at once. The second is ready, but I would rather keep it as long as I can.
I suppose, rejecting "March," you will simply put "In the press"? 456 Besides the advantage to the book of being out by Easter, I have another reason for wishing to have done in time for that. We want to get away for two months to Italy, if possible, to feed my mind with fresh thoughts, and to assure ourselves of that fructifying holiday before the boys are about us, making it difficult for us to leave home. But you may rely on it that no amount of horse-power would make me hurry over my book, so as not to do my best. If it is written fast, it will be because I can't help writing it fast.
Always yours truly
Marian Evans Lewes.
John Blackwood Esq.
Mr. Lewes says you shall have the Fielding in time for the next number.
Signature
Marian Evans Lewes.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 12 January 1860, 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/92734