GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 17 March [1859]
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 17 March [1859]
Title
GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 17 March [1859]
Sender
George Henry Lewes
Recipient
John Blackwood
Date(s)
- 1859-03-17
Place
Wandsworth
Letter Content
GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 17 March [1859]
MS: National Library of Scotland. Hitherto unpublished.
Holly Lodge, Wimbledon Park | Wandsworth. 17 March.
My dear Blackwood
Your letters are a succession of surprises. The success surpasses all expectation formed by E. or myself. It is intensely gratifying -- not merely as success -- but in a purely moral and literary point of view -- showing that truth will move even the unthinking public as well as the thoughtful and feeling public. I confess I had never any doubts about the success of the book among the best readers; but it was always dubious how a work which flattered none of the reigning tastes or prejudices would be accepted by those who are led by these tastes and prejudices. The effect upon G.E. has been almost sad, instead of joyful -- but the sadness lies near joy -- and you will understand the effect on such a nature.
Respecting the edition or editions, as I am referred to, I suggest this. By all means print the 2 volumes at 12/ -- that will be ready, and is certain to be wanted sooner or later. But as printing small editions is very expensive -- a ruinous proceeding in most cases -- I should only do that if the demand made it imperative. My view of the case is this: with a history, or biography, which is purchased by private persons, there is an obvious unfairness to the purchasers of the first expensive edition, in rapidly bringing out a cheap edition -- or rather there is the appearance of unfairness, since in point of fact a publisher is at liberty to affix his own price. But in the case of a novel, almost exclusively purchased by the libraries, this does not obtain. The libraries prefer three volumes, and they never take a copy more than they are forced to take. Many libraries can't afford 31/6, which would gladly give 12/- and thus accommodate subscribers. Then too private persons gladly purchase a book which has delighted them, if at 12/-. Voil'e0!
As you say nothing more about the "Food and Drink" question (mooted by the Major) I conclude you have settled to stint the public of the 8 pages in consideration of previous and succeeding excesses! 72
Ever yours faithfully
G. H. Lewes.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Hitherto unpublished.
Holly Lodge, Wimbledon Park | Wandsworth. 17 March.
My dear Blackwood
Your letters are a succession of surprises. The success surpasses all expectation formed by E. or myself. It is intensely gratifying -- not merely as success -- but in a purely moral and literary point of view -- showing that truth will move even the unthinking public as well as the thoughtful and feeling public. I confess I had never any doubts about the success of the book among the best readers; but it was always dubious how a work which flattered none of the reigning tastes or prejudices would be accepted by those who are led by these tastes and prejudices. The effect upon G.E. has been almost sad, instead of joyful -- but the sadness lies near joy -- and you will understand the effect on such a nature.
Respecting the edition or editions, as I am referred to, I suggest this. By all means print the 2 volumes at 12/ -- that will be ready, and is certain to be wanted sooner or later. But as printing small editions is very expensive -- a ruinous proceeding in most cases -- I should only do that if the demand made it imperative. My view of the case is this: with a history, or biography, which is purchased by private persons, there is an obvious unfairness to the purchasers of the first expensive edition, in rapidly bringing out a cheap edition -- or rather there is the appearance of unfairness, since in point of fact a publisher is at liberty to affix his own price. But in the case of a novel, almost exclusively purchased by the libraries, this does not obtain. The libraries prefer three volumes, and they never take a copy more than they are forced to take. Many libraries can't afford 31/6, which would gladly give 12/- and thus accommodate subscribers. Then too private persons gladly purchase a book which has delighted them, if at 12/-. Voil'e0!
As you say nothing more about the "Food and Drink" question (mooted by the Major) I conclude you have settled to stint the public of the 8 pages in consideration of previous and succeeding excesses! 72
Ever yours faithfully
G. H. Lewes.
Signature
G. H. Lewes.
Citation
George Henry Lewes, GHL to John Blackwood, Wandsworth, 17 March [1859], 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/94810