GHL to Alexander Main, London, 1 March 1876
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, 1 March 1876
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, 1 March 1876
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Alexander Main
Date(s)
- 1876-03-01
Place
London
Letter Content
GHL to Alexander Main, London, 1 March 1876
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
March 76.
My dear Main
Your sympathy is so genuine and the insight which springs from sympathy so unerring that in spite of its hyperbolical expression it cheers and strengthens Mrs. Lewes -- too much given alas! to despair and doubt. All the ringing chorus of praise which echoes from afar does not stifle her doubt; but is nevertheless very pleasant to her. The success of Deronda already seems to surpass that of Middlemarch and I am persuaded that it will increase with each monthly part. To my mind it is the greatest work she has done.
She is still in very feeble health I am sorry to add, and there seems no chance of her getting better now till the book is finished and we get away to the Continent. I also have been laid up with severe lumbago, headache and liver and the "Problems" have been getting on slowly in consequence. The third volume will not be sent to press until the autumn because I want it to have the benefit of her reading before printing it. Two things I hope this volume will effect -- namely a sweeping away of much superstition respecting the nervous system, and a final quashing of the automaton theory.
I am glad you liked [Animal Studies." I have not looked at it since it was published -- now several years ago -- but it was written with almost as much gusto as "Seaside Studies" -- the book of all my books which was to me the most unalloyed delight.
We went last Thursday to hear Liszt's Oratorio 414 -- mainly out of regard for Liszt; but partly also out of curiosity as to this specimen of the music of the future -- so in spite of its being an evening concert we went and suffered (physically) in consequence. Then to add to the ill effect we dined out on the day after at the Lyttons, to say good bye to them, before they go to India. We are very fond of them both; and so far were glad to have a last farewell; but dining out doesn't suit us, and we have both been limp since.
Ever yours
G. H. L.
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
March 76.
My dear Main
Your sympathy is so genuine and the insight which springs from sympathy so unerring that in spite of its hyperbolical expression it cheers and strengthens Mrs. Lewes -- too much given alas! to despair and doubt. All the ringing chorus of praise which echoes from afar does not stifle her doubt; but is nevertheless very pleasant to her. The success of Deronda already seems to surpass that of Middlemarch and I am persuaded that it will increase with each monthly part. To my mind it is the greatest work she has done.
She is still in very feeble health I am sorry to add, and there seems no chance of her getting better now till the book is finished and we get away to the Continent. I also have been laid up with severe lumbago, headache and liver and the "Problems" have been getting on slowly in consequence. The third volume will not be sent to press until the autumn because I want it to have the benefit of her reading before printing it. Two things I hope this volume will effect -- namely a sweeping away of much superstition respecting the nervous system, and a final quashing of the automaton theory.
I am glad you liked [Animal Studies." I have not looked at it since it was published -- now several years ago -- but it was written with almost as much gusto as "Seaside Studies" -- the book of all my books which was to me the most unalloyed delight.
We went last Thursday to hear Liszt's Oratorio 414 -- mainly out of regard for Liszt; but partly also out of curiosity as to this specimen of the music of the future -- so in spite of its being an evening concert we went and suffered (physically) in consequence. Then to add to the ill effect we dined out on the day after at the Lyttons, to say good bye to them, before they go to India. We are very fond of them both; and so far were glad to have a last farewell; but dining out doesn't suit us, and we have both been limp since.
Ever yours
G. H. L.
Signature
G. H. L.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Alexander Main, London, 1 March 1876, 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/94406