John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 19 June 1868
Title
John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 19 June 1868
Title
John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 19 June 1868
Sender
John Blackwood
Recipient
George Henry Lewes
Date(s)
- 1868-06-19
Place
Edinburgh
Letter Content
John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 19 June 1868
MS: National Library of Scotland. Hitherto unpublished.
Edinburgh June 19/68.
My Dear Lewes
It gives me much pleasure to receive your letter and to hear that Mrs. Lewes and you are well in so delightful a spot as Petersthal seems to be.
I am happy to say that the Poem is going on well. I inclose a mem. of London sales up to 11th, which is the last consecutive statement I have, but from the daily reports from the Row I see that the sale is going on satisfactorily. The Spectator of 6th contained the best review that has appeared. 773 The writer I see had felt some of the doubts which occasionally disquieted me. My doubts ceased long ago, fixed admiration putting them to flight, and I have no doubt that the case is the same with the Spectator reviewer if he has had time to turn again and again to the Poem. It certainly is the case that no review of a book, especially a great Poem which one has thoroughly read, ever seems satisfactory. I inclose a note from Patterson 774 which is about the right kind of thing. It is evidently truly felt and I think Mrs. Lewes would like to have it. I inclose also some letters. 775 There ought to be something made from the setting of the songs to music, and I expect there will be other overtures so the matter can stand until you come home.
I have ordered a copy of The Earthly Paradise as you recommend and am taking it to Fife with me this afternoon.
Willie will drop you a note with the actual sale of the Gypsy in a day or two as Mr. Simpson has written to London for a return of state.
My private friends are enthusiastic about the Poem and I think the feeling grows. A friend of Mrs. Scott Siddons 776 has applied to us in her name as to whether the author would be willing to adapt or have it adapted to the stage. Her friend whom we know well and who lives here is in raptures about the Poem.
With best regards to the great Novelist and Poetess I am
always yours truly
John Blackwood.
G. H. Lewes Esq.
MS: National Library of Scotland. Hitherto unpublished.
Edinburgh June 19/68.
My Dear Lewes
It gives me much pleasure to receive your letter and to hear that Mrs. Lewes and you are well in so delightful a spot as Petersthal seems to be.
I am happy to say that the Poem is going on well. I inclose a mem. of London sales up to 11th, which is the last consecutive statement I have, but from the daily reports from the Row I see that the sale is going on satisfactorily. The Spectator of 6th contained the best review that has appeared. 773 The writer I see had felt some of the doubts which occasionally disquieted me. My doubts ceased long ago, fixed admiration putting them to flight, and I have no doubt that the case is the same with the Spectator reviewer if he has had time to turn again and again to the Poem. It certainly is the case that no review of a book, especially a great Poem which one has thoroughly read, ever seems satisfactory. I inclose a note from Patterson 774 which is about the right kind of thing. It is evidently truly felt and I think Mrs. Lewes would like to have it. I inclose also some letters. 775 There ought to be something made from the setting of the songs to music, and I expect there will be other overtures so the matter can stand until you come home.
I have ordered a copy of The Earthly Paradise as you recommend and am taking it to Fife with me this afternoon.
Willie will drop you a note with the actual sale of the Gypsy in a day or two as Mr. Simpson has written to London for a return of state.
My private friends are enthusiastic about the Poem and I think the feeling grows. A friend of Mrs. Scott Siddons 776 has applied to us in her name as to whether the author would be willing to adapt or have it adapted to the stage. Her friend whom we know well and who lives here is in raptures about the Poem.
With best regards to the great Novelist and Poetess I am
always yours truly
John Blackwood.
G. H. Lewes Esq.
Signature
John Blackwood.
Citation
John Blackwood, John Blackwood to GHL, Edinburgh, 19 June 1868, 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/95377