GHL to Alexander Main, London, [31 October 1871]
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [31 October 1871]
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [31 October 1871]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Alexander Main
Date(s)
- 1871-10-31
Place
London
Letter Content
GHL to Alexander Main, London, [31 October 1871]
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Tuesday.
My dear Sir
Admirable! The effect is beyond my expectation. I like the classification and the mode of printing the dialogue. The title-page is perfect. I have deleted a few passages which are rather unimportant or common property, and have inscribed one favourite bit of mine in Bartle Massy's sayings.
You will rejoice to hear that Mrs. Lewes is now fairly herself again and at work. Last week we went on a four days visit to some friends (and worshippers) in the country -- a beautiful English family (only it happens to be Scotch!) such as makes one proud of one's country and hopeful of the future. In their pleasant circle she found a bracing tonic and has come back invigorated.
While your collection of sayings astonishes by their wealth I am still more impressed by the wealth when I think of the many passages omitted. Not that I wish these to be inserted; by no means; all cannot be given; but as I read, and remembered, for the first time I realized the fact of the superabundance of thought and emotion which the works contain. Yet so simple is the stream from which they flowed that you will, I think, find no poverty in the book now about to appear -- every page there is as full as if it were a first work. You will observe many more elisions from the first part than from the others. The reason is that it is desirable to make a strong impression in the early pages, and not to weaken it by scattering it over small sentences.
I sympathise with your impatience so much that I have this morning set aside my own work to go over the sheets in order that you might have them again by return. It would be hard indeed when you had shown so much energy and enthusiasm if we who are deeply indebted to you for it did not show something of the same impatience.
Ever faithfully yours
G. H. Lewes.
Alex. Main Esq.
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
Tuesday.
My dear Sir
Admirable! The effect is beyond my expectation. I like the classification and the mode of printing the dialogue. The title-page is perfect. I have deleted a few passages which are rather unimportant or common property, and have inscribed one favourite bit of mine in Bartle Massy's sayings.
You will rejoice to hear that Mrs. Lewes is now fairly herself again and at work. Last week we went on a four days visit to some friends (and worshippers) in the country -- a beautiful English family (only it happens to be Scotch!) such as makes one proud of one's country and hopeful of the future. In their pleasant circle she found a bracing tonic and has come back invigorated.
While your collection of sayings astonishes by their wealth I am still more impressed by the wealth when I think of the many passages omitted. Not that I wish these to be inserted; by no means; all cannot be given; but as I read, and remembered, for the first time I realized the fact of the superabundance of thought and emotion which the works contain. Yet so simple is the stream from which they flowed that you will, I think, find no poverty in the book now about to appear -- every page there is as full as if it were a first work. You will observe many more elisions from the first part than from the others. The reason is that it is desirable to make a strong impression in the early pages, and not to weaken it by scattering it over small sentences.
I sympathise with your impatience so much that I have this morning set aside my own work to go over the sheets in order that you might have them again by return. It would be hard indeed when you had shown so much energy and enthusiasm if we who are deeply indebted to you for it did not show something of the same impatience.
Ever faithfully yours
G. H. Lewes.
Alex. Main Esq.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Alexander Main, London, [31 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/94400