 | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Letter to Arthur Helps February 1858
Author: G.H.Lewes
Recipient: Arthur Helps
Date: undated
Collection: The Helps Letters
County Record Office Ref: CR3989/3/1/1
Nuneaton Library Facsimile: yes | | |
Description
G H Lewes critically reviews the work 'Oulita', in his letter to the author and friend, Arthur Helps. Lewes regrets he cannot see Helps to tell him a 'delicious story about John Forster', and instead recites an anecdote about the actor, Lemaitre and Atala Dachêne. Lewes goes onto remark that not only are his books selling, but that he has received good reviews from Sir Henry Holland, Simon, Huxley, Carpenter, Harvey, Sharpey and others. The only date on this letter is ‘Wednesday’, however a watermark in the paper gives the year 1857; on the reverse of the letter in fainter ink is Feb 1858. Written from 8 Park Shot, Richmond. Signed G H Lewes.
NB Parts of this letter are in French.The Nuneaton Library index gives the letter the date of 17 February 1858.
Facsimile
pages 1 and 4
pages 2 and 3 | |
Transcript
8 Park Shot
Richmond
Wednesday
My dear Helps
I have just finished a careful and delighted reading of 'Oulita', 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' 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 & manners. This, which is permissible in a poem, will have a distractive 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 anyone 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. Altho' 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. When Atala Dachene 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 derriere - je viens veus 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, Huxley, Carpenter, Harvey, Sharpey 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". - Voila.
Love to all let me see you before I flit.
Ever faithfully yours
G.H. Lewes
G. H. Lewes Esqre
Feb: 1858
|
|
Discover Imagine Learn with libraries |
|
