GHL to Alexander Main, London, 29 November 1871
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, 29 November 1871
Title
GHL to Alexander Main, London, 29 November 1871
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Alexander Main
Date(s)
- 1871-11-29
Place
London
Letter Content
GHL to Alexander Main, London, 29 November 1871
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
November 1871.
My dear Sir
Both your letters arrived in due course -- indeed there was but the remotest chance of their missing. Here in London the post is unexceptionable.
By this time I suppose you have made the acquaintance of Dodo and are over head and ears in love with her -- I am at any rate -- and I won't believe you are rebellious to her charm, until I hear you say so -- if then!
It is pleasant to think of you and your poetical friend reading the "Life of Goethe" -- although the book is so far from me now as to be more like the writing of a stranger. I have many associations, painful and pleasant, which make it peculiarly interesting to me, though I would rather not read it. Among the pleasant associations there is that of the generous acceptance of it by the German nation. Not only has there been some fifteen thousand copies sold -- (not for my benefit!) but it has made me friends all over Germany. It was written when I was in such a precarious condition that very often I was forced to set down the pen lest I should fall from my seat -- the swimming in my head being so bewildering. But enough on this subject!
Mrs. Lewes continues well and is vigorously at work again. She desires her kindest remembrances. Believe me
Yours truly
G. H. Lewes.
Alexr. Main Esq.
Text: Main's copy owned by Mr. John R. Sprunt. Hitherto unpublished.
The Priory, | 21. North Bank, | Regents Park.
November 1871.
My dear Sir
Both your letters arrived in due course -- indeed there was but the remotest chance of their missing. Here in London the post is unexceptionable.
By this time I suppose you have made the acquaintance of Dodo and are over head and ears in love with her -- I am at any rate -- and I won't believe you are rebellious to her charm, until I hear you say so -- if then!
It is pleasant to think of you and your poetical friend reading the "Life of Goethe" -- although the book is so far from me now as to be more like the writing of a stranger. I have many associations, painful and pleasant, which make it peculiarly interesting to me, though I would rather not read it. Among the pleasant associations there is that of the generous acceptance of it by the German nation. Not only has there been some fifteen thousand copies sold -- (not for my benefit!) but it has made me friends all over Germany. It was written when I was in such a precarious condition that very often I was forced to set down the pen lest I should fall from my seat -- the swimming in my head being so bewildering. But enough on this subject!
Mrs. Lewes continues well and is vigorously at work again. She desires her kindest remembrances. Believe me
Yours truly
G. H. Lewes.
Alexr. Main Esq.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Alexander Main, London, 29 November 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/94420