GHL to Arthur Helps, Richmond, [17 February 1858]
Title
GHL to Arthur Helps, Richmond, [17 February 1858]
Title
GHL to Arthur Helps, Richmond, [17 February 1858]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
Arthur Helps
Date(s)
- 1858-02-17
Place
Richmond
Letter Content
GHL to Arthur Helps, Richmond, [17 February 1858]
MS: Nuneaton Public Library. Endorsed: G. H. Lewes Esqre | Feb. 1858.
Park Shot | Richmond | Wednesday.
My dear Helps
I have just finished a careful and delighted reading of [Oulita,] 372 noticing numberless improving touches, but especially noticing the finish and grace of the poetry. Had you devoted your whole life to the "accomplishment of verse" 373 I do not see how you could have acquired a more exquisite sense of melodic expression and descriptive felicity. Dramatically I should still have many objections to make, even to the writing which is often too reflective -- by which I mean that one sees the author peering through the eyes of his people, and glancing sarcastically or meditatively on life and manners. This, which is permissible in a poem, will have a distracting effect on the stage. Perhaps however it is my knowledge of the author which makes me detect his echos in the voices of his persons. Note therefore if any one less familiar with your thoughts makes the same objection. Possibly if we knew Shakspeare we should have that fault also to add to his numerous errors of excess.
I hope there will be some good criticism evoked by Oulita. Although for the most part, owing to the [d -- d ignorance of the drama] which flourishes in our island, my expectations are but moderate.
I wish I could see you to tell you a delicious story about John Forster. Here is one about Lemaitre the actor. 374 When Atala Duch'eane left him in disgust at his ill treatment he presented himself at her mother's. [N'ayez pas peur] he said to her [je ne viens pas pour enfoncer ma botte dans votre derri'e8re -- je viens vous demander un coin pour pleurer Atala!] -- Is not this mixture of brutality and sentiment delicious?
Yes, my book is a great success; it is not only selling well, but it has drawn forth from Sir Henry Holland, Simon, 375 Huxley, Carpenter, Harvey, 376 Sharpey 377 and others the warmest recognition of its scientific value; and this considering who is the writer is very surprising. Simon says [had it been the work of one who had done nothing else all his life, it would be very remarkable.] -- Voil'e0!
Love to all. Let me see you before I flit.
Ever faithfully yours
G. H. Lewes.
MS: Nuneaton Public Library. Endorsed: G. H. Lewes Esqre | Feb. 1858.
Park Shot | Richmond | Wednesday.
My dear Helps
I have just finished a careful and delighted reading of [Oulita,] 372 noticing numberless improving touches, but especially noticing the finish and grace of the poetry. Had you devoted your whole life to the "accomplishment of verse" 373 I do not see how you could have acquired a more exquisite sense of melodic expression and descriptive felicity. Dramatically I should still have many objections to make, even to the writing which is often too reflective -- by which I mean that one sees the author peering through the eyes of his people, and glancing sarcastically or meditatively on life and manners. This, which is permissible in a poem, will have a distracting effect on the stage. Perhaps however it is my knowledge of the author which makes me detect his echos in the voices of his persons. Note therefore if any one less familiar with your thoughts makes the same objection. Possibly if we knew Shakspeare we should have that fault also to add to his numerous errors of excess.
I hope there will be some good criticism evoked by Oulita. Although for the most part, owing to the [d -- d ignorance of the drama] which flourishes in our island, my expectations are but moderate.
I wish I could see you to tell you a delicious story about John Forster. Here is one about Lemaitre the actor. 374 When Atala Duch'eane left him in disgust at his ill treatment he presented himself at her mother's. [N'ayez pas peur] he said to her [je ne viens pas pour enfoncer ma botte dans votre derri'e8re -- je viens vous demander un coin pour pleurer Atala!] -- Is not this mixture of brutality and sentiment delicious?
Yes, my book is a great success; it is not only selling well, but it has drawn forth from Sir Henry Holland, Simon, 375 Huxley, Carpenter, Harvey, 376 Sharpey 377 and others the warmest recognition of its scientific value; and this considering who is the writer is very surprising. Simon says [had it been the work of one who had done nothing else all his life, it would be very remarkable.] -- Voil'e0!
Love to all. Let me see you before I flit.
Ever faithfully yours
G. H. Lewes.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to Arthur Helps, Richmond, [17 February 1858], 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/94436