Abstract
ABSTRACT This article transcribes eight hitherto unpublished George Eliot letters arranged in chronological order. The sources for the letters are book and autograph dealers’ catalogues, auction houses, the British Library, and recent acquisitions by university libraries. Placed in their context, chronologically they belong to the early years of George Eliot’s intimate relationship with George Henry Lewes, the publication of her first three volume novel Adam Bede in 1859 through to his death in 1878 and Eliot’s return to dealing with everyday business after a period of intense grieving. The letters reveal her empathy for others, friendships, appreciation of gifts, the significance of an object in remembrance of a friend, her taking over Lewes’s business duties when he was trying to complete under pressure his work and following his death her efforts to preserve his legacy.
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