SD2562. George Henry Lewes to John Blackwood

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 344 (in part).

16, Blandford Square, N.W.

18 March 62

My dear Blackwood

Will “A Box of Books” do? or “Books in rainy weather”? Touching Mrs Browning, I agree with you that she is often strained and obscure; but she has nevertheless the rare genius of a true poet, and as such affects mankind. I have reread the few remarks with great attention & see nothing to alter; except to strike out a phrase. You will observe that I cover any amount of detailed criticism in the passages marked X—and neither dwell on her defects nor on her merits. If on reconsideration you still think the praise too high I have no objection to the whole being cut out. …

Publication: The Letters of George Henry Lewes, ed. William Baker (Victoria, BC, 1995), II, 30–31.

Manuscript: National Library of Scotland.

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