GHL to John Blackwood, Ilfracombe, [19 May 1856]
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Ilfracombe, [19 May 1856]
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Ilfracombe, [19 May 1856]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1856-05-19
Place
Ilfracombe
Letter Content
GHL to John Blackwood, Ilfracombe, [19 May 1856]
MS: National Library of Scotland.
Ilfracombe | Monday night.
My dear Sir
Only this afternoon, after post time, did my box arrive, thanks to the G. W. Railway which has taken exactly a week to send it!
Your letter, proofs, and the checque arrived in due course. I have found your criticism always so just that I am disposed to accept it even against my own judgement -- for on reading the proof 289 this evening I do not feel that the story reads like a play -- at least not so much as I thought it would. It is too curt and hurried; indeed I was afraid of getting lengthy and have fallen into the opposite extreme. This it is perhaps which causes your objection -- and this is an objection. However, as I said before, the story is an unambitious one, and if it amuse the reader its object will be gained. Part I seemed to do this -- at least those readers I heard of, and as no one knew the story to be mine, I had their unbiassed opinion.
I have tried to remedy the curtness as far as a few minor sentences would do so, and dispatched the 2nd Part to your brother. I quite agree with you about Lestang giving way too soon -- but there again I dreaded prolonging the episode. I have not ventured on altering it.
As you have probably stopped the checque, according to my last note, (though I see it would not have been paid if stolen) I shall not present it till I hear from you. 290 By the way my initials are G. H. not H. J.
I don't know whether you are familiar with this lovely coast? It is an enchanting spot; with hills and valleys to employ painters for a life time, and rock pools to make every naturalist's heart thrill with expectation. I have already been very fortunate -- alighting upon some rare species, and on animals I long wanted to put under the microscope. I haven't opened a book yet, and shall do my best to be as idle as possible.
You don't say when you will return to London for a prolonged stay -- but I hope it will be in the Autumn, as I shall not leave the seaside till August or the end of July and then I take my two eldest boys to Switzerland, so that before the first week in September I shall not be back -- yet I should like to spend one evening with you.
Ever faithfully yours
G. H. Lewes.
MS: National Library of Scotland.
Ilfracombe | Monday night.
My dear Sir
Only this afternoon, after post time, did my box arrive, thanks to the G. W. Railway which has taken exactly a week to send it!
Your letter, proofs, and the checque arrived in due course. I have found your criticism always so just that I am disposed to accept it even against my own judgement -- for on reading the proof 289 this evening I do not feel that the story reads like a play -- at least not so much as I thought it would. It is too curt and hurried; indeed I was afraid of getting lengthy and have fallen into the opposite extreme. This it is perhaps which causes your objection -- and this is an objection. However, as I said before, the story is an unambitious one, and if it amuse the reader its object will be gained. Part I seemed to do this -- at least those readers I heard of, and as no one knew the story to be mine, I had their unbiassed opinion.
I have tried to remedy the curtness as far as a few minor sentences would do so, and dispatched the 2nd Part to your brother. I quite agree with you about Lestang giving way too soon -- but there again I dreaded prolonging the episode. I have not ventured on altering it.
As you have probably stopped the checque, according to my last note, (though I see it would not have been paid if stolen) I shall not present it till I hear from you. 290 By the way my initials are G. H. not H. J.
I don't know whether you are familiar with this lovely coast? It is an enchanting spot; with hills and valleys to employ painters for a life time, and rock pools to make every naturalist's heart thrill with expectation. I have already been very fortunate -- alighting upon some rare species, and on animals I long wanted to put under the microscope. I haven't opened a book yet, and shall do my best to be as idle as possible.
You don't say when you will return to London for a prolonged stay -- but I hope it will be in the Autumn, as I shall not leave the seaside till August or the end of July and then I take my two eldest boys to Switzerland, so that before the first week in September I shall not be back -- yet I should like to spend one evening with you.
Ever faithfully yours
G. H. Lewes.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to John Blackwood, Ilfracombe, [19 May 1856], 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/94607