GE to William Blackwood, Witley, [July 1877]
Title
GE to William Blackwood, Witley, [July 1877]
Title
GE to William Blackwood, Witley, [July 1877]
Sender
George Eliot
Recipient
William Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1877-07
Place
Witley
Letter Content
GE to William Blackwood, Witley, [July 1877]
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extract published: John Blackwood, p. 398.
The Heights, | Witley | Godalming.
My dear Mr. William
It was a very harmless breach you committed in opening my American letter, which happens to be one that I should have liked you to read. A young lady of New York 733 expresses much gratitude for being saved, by reading Daniel Deronda, from marrying a man whom she could not love, but whom she was disposed to accept for the sake of his wealth, but she is so far from being absorbed by this momentous personal matter that she goes on to be still more effusive about the [enjoyment and instruction] she has had from the Jewish elements in the book, and thinks the scene on the Bridge the best in the book -- [flashing through one with a sort of electric sympathy] etc. Tell your uncle that America is the quarter of the world for "appreciative butter."
We were not very expansive on business when he was with us, but I think we settled what was needful in two questions and answers. First, we agreed that the 7/6 ed. of Deronda had better be deferred till Autumn, and secondly, that it would be well to carry out the last-approved conception of a complete edition of the works (7/6 per vol., novels 2 vols. each).
But it would also be well, before anything irrevocable is done, that Mr. Simpson should just write me word of the general plan. For in looking over the list of volumes designed, with Mr. Blackwood in London, we made a supposition as to the division of the shorter works, which may have been forgotten, and unfortunately I have not brought down the paper of statements about which we were consulting.
I also agreed with Mr. Blackwood that Romola should be included in the 3/6 edition, as well as in the 7/6.
I fear we tired your uncle with too long a drive over our hills, which are like a bit of Scotland dropped into the midst of Southern pastures and hedgerows. I am glad to hear that he enjoyed the day nevertheless -- as we did. Perhaps if we keep this spot, you too will run the risk of being tired in the same way. Mr. Lewes unites with me in best regards.
Yours always sincerely
M. E. Lewes.
I have corrected copies of [The Lifted Veil] and [Brother Jacob] which I will send when they are needed.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Extract published: John Blackwood, p. 398.
The Heights, | Witley | Godalming.
My dear Mr. William
It was a very harmless breach you committed in opening my American letter, which happens to be one that I should have liked you to read. A young lady of New York 733 expresses much gratitude for being saved, by reading Daniel Deronda, from marrying a man whom she could not love, but whom she was disposed to accept for the sake of his wealth, but she is so far from being absorbed by this momentous personal matter that she goes on to be still more effusive about the [enjoyment and instruction] she has had from the Jewish elements in the book, and thinks the scene on the Bridge the best in the book -- [flashing through one with a sort of electric sympathy] etc. Tell your uncle that America is the quarter of the world for "appreciative butter."
We were not very expansive on business when he was with us, but I think we settled what was needful in two questions and answers. First, we agreed that the 7/6 ed. of Deronda had better be deferred till Autumn, and secondly, that it would be well to carry out the last-approved conception of a complete edition of the works (7/6 per vol., novels 2 vols. each).
But it would also be well, before anything irrevocable is done, that Mr. Simpson should just write me word of the general plan. For in looking over the list of volumes designed, with Mr. Blackwood in London, we made a supposition as to the division of the shorter works, which may have been forgotten, and unfortunately I have not brought down the paper of statements about which we were consulting.
I also agreed with Mr. Blackwood that Romola should be included in the 3/6 edition, as well as in the 7/6.
I fear we tired your uncle with too long a drive over our hills, which are like a bit of Scotland dropped into the midst of Southern pastures and hedgerows. I am glad to hear that he enjoyed the day nevertheless -- as we did. Perhaps if we keep this spot, you too will run the risk of being tired in the same way. Mr. Lewes unites with me in best regards.
Yours always sincerely
M. E. Lewes.
I have corrected copies of [The Lifted Veil] and [Brother Jacob] which I will send when they are needed.
Signature
M. E. Lewes.
Citation
George Eliot, GE to William Blackwood, Witley, [July 1877], 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/94212