GHL to Alexander Main, London, [12 October 1871]
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [12 October 1871]
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [12 October 1871]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Alexander Main
Date(s)
- 1871-10-12
Place
London
Letter Content
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [12 October 1871]
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Thursday.
My dear Sir
At last a letter from Edinburgh! Here is the important passage (I must tell you that to give B. an idea of your capacity, when he seemed hesitating, I sent him your letters) --
"I have had some talk with Willie and Mr. Simpson about Mr. Main's scheme, and we are very much disposed to enter into it. We do not happen to have any Arbroath correspondent, so that I do not know anything of Mr. Main beyond these letters, but they, and the specimens, look as if he might thoroughly be trusted with the task. . . . You had better, as you propose, tell him to communicate with us." This is very satisfactory.
Now as to hints: It would not do I think to suggest so large a volume as you contemplate. Let Blackwood decide on that point. The scheme you propose (he has not seen that letter) of classification seems excellent -- but if carried out to the extent you mention it would I fear defeat its purpose. Reading extracts is fatiguing work; and the volume should be a small one, both on account of price and portability.
Mrs. Lewes has reserved her rights in Romola.
You had better tell Blackwood that you propose submitting the extracts to Mrs. Lewes for her approval. Remember "Clerical Scenes" is the first of the series.
Curiously enough I also had thought of the word tender for the title -- only placing it first -- "Tender, Wise, and Witty Sayings." Mrs. Lewes though still very weak is decidedly improving and I hope in a few days she will be at work again. You must not expect to hear from her, however. Indeed even when she is in her usual health (never very good at the best) letter writing is such a crux, that I take from her all but the indispensable part of her correspondence.
Yours very truly
G. H. Lewes.
A. Main Esq.
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Thursday.
My dear Sir
At last a letter from Edinburgh! Here is the important passage (I must tell you that to give B. an idea of your capacity, when he seemed hesitating, I sent him your letters) --
"I have had some talk with Willie and Mr. Simpson about Mr. Main's scheme, and we are very much disposed to enter into it. We do not happen to have any Arbroath correspondent, so that I do not know anything of Mr. Main beyond these letters, but they, and the specimens, look as if he might thoroughly be trusted with the task. . . . You had better, as you propose, tell him to communicate with us." This is very satisfactory.
Now as to hints: It would not do I think to suggest so large a volume as you contemplate. Let Blackwood decide on that point. The scheme you propose (he has not seen that letter) of classification seems excellent -- but if carried out to the extent you mention it would I fear defeat its purpose. Reading extracts is fatiguing work; and the volume should be a small one, both on account of price and portability.
Mrs. Lewes has reserved her rights in Romola.
You had better tell Blackwood that you propose submitting the extracts to Mrs. Lewes for her approval. Remember "Clerical Scenes" is the first of the series.
Curiously enough I also had thought of the word tender for the title -- only placing it first -- "Tender, Wise, and Witty Sayings." Mrs. Lewes though still very weak is decidedly improving and I hope in a few days she will be at work again. You must not expect to hear from her, however. Indeed even when she is in her usual health (never very good at the best) letter writing is such a crux, that I take from her all but the indispensable part of her correspondence.
Yours very truly
G. H. Lewes.
A. Main Esq.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Alexander Main, London, [12 October 1871], 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/94385