The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1882-01-19
LETTER OF GEORGE ELIOT.


From the Athensum.I
We owe the opportunity of publ shing
the following letter to the courtesy OF
Professor D. Kaufman, to whom IT
was addressed. Professor Kaufman Is
we'll known by his remarks on "Danlei
Deronda," and it will be seen that his
criticisms attracted the notice OF the
novelist, and led her to writing to him
The Pn1oRY, 81 NORTH BANK,
May 81, 1877. !
MY DEAR SIR-Hardly, since 1 became an
author, have I had a deeper satisfaction, l
may say . more heartfelt joy, than you have
given me in your estimate OF "Danlei De-
ronda."
I must tell you that it is my rule, very
strictly observed, not to read the criticisms on
my writings. For years l have found tnis 40.
stinence necessary to preserve me from that
encouragement as an artist which 1l-]udgeo
praise, no less than ll-judged blame, tends to
produce in me- For far worse than any verdict
as to the proportion Of good and evil In our
work is the painful impression that we write
for public which has no discernment OF good
and evil.
My husband reads any notices of me that
comes before him, and reports to me (or else
refrains from reporting) the general character
of the notice, or something in particular which
strikes him as showing either an exceptional
insight or an obtuseness that is gross enough
to be amusing. Very rarely, when he has read
q critique of me, he has handed it to me, say
ing, "You must read this" And your estl-
mate Of "Daniel Deronda" made one OF these
rare instances.
Certainly, if had been asked to choose what
should be written about my book and who
should write it, should have sketched-well,
not anything so good as what you nave VIII
ten, but an article which must be written by
Jew who showed not merely sympathy with the
hoof kioy of 10 a
insight into the nature of art and the processes
of the artistic mind. Believe me I should not
have cared to devour even ardent praise II II
had not come from one who showed the DIS
eliminating sensibility, the perfect response TO
the artists intention, which must make the
fullest, rarest Joy to one who works from IN
ward conviction, and not in compliance with
current fashions. Such response holds Ior
An author not only what is best in tine iiIe
that now is" but the promise OF that nnei nmnlcn
native, narrow perception of what one has been
intending and professedly feeling IN ones
work, impresses one with the sense that IL must
be poor, perishable stuff without roots, to take
any lasting hold in the minds of men while
any instance of complete comprehension en-
courages one to hope that the creative prompt
ing has foreshadowed, and will continue TO sat-
isfy, a need in other minds.
Excuse me that write imperfectly, and per-
haps dimly, what have felt in reading your
&ft1Cl0. IL mas &u6CGeQ me Oeoply. aLu eAOu6Aa
the prejudice and ignorant obtuseness which
has met my effort to contribute something to
the ennobling of Judaism in the conception OF
| the Christian community and in the conscious
ness of the Jewish community, has never for a
moment made me repent my choice, but rather
has been added proof to me that the effort was
needed-yet confess that had an unsatisfed
hunger for certain signs of sympathetic dis
cernment, which you only have given. may
| mention as one instance your clear perception
of the relation between the presentation Of the
| Jewish element and those of English social
| life.
I work under the pressure of small hurries
| for we are Just moving into the country for the
| summer and all things are in vagrant condl-
ton around me. But wish not to defer an
swering your letter to an uncertain opportu-
| nifty.
NV husband has said more than once that he
| feels grateful to you. For he is more sensitive
| on my behalf than on his own.
Hence he unites with me in the assurance Of
the high regard with which I remain always
yours faithfully. NJ. E. LEwEs.