George Henry Lewes (1817-1878)

George Henry Lewes was an English philosopher, writer and literary critic. However he is most well known for being the partner of Mary Ann (Marian) Evans better known as the novelist George Eliot. The couple lived together, calling themselves Mr and Mrs Lewes, for almost 25 years but were unable to marry due to the fact that Lewes was unable to get a divorce from his wife. Lewes was a renowned theatre critic and also published many scientific articles and books. He had a life long interest in psychology, with probably his most important contribution being his writings on social and historical conditions on mental development. 

"Mrs Lewes (who by the way has ceased the Miss Evans

for the last 7 years)…"

In this interesting letter from George Eliot's partner George Lewes, he refers to a 90-page book currently being written by her. The letter is addressed from 10 Harewood Square near Regents Park where the couple lived after moving from Holly Lodge in September 1860. The date of the letter, December 1860, reveals that the book he refers to is 'Silas Marner' which Eliot began writing in the second half of 1860 and was completed in March 1861 and subsequently published by William Blackwood & Sons. 

In his letter George Lewes also reminds Sampson Low that George Eliot has ceased to be called Miss Evans for the past seven years, and uses the name Mrs Lewes. 

View George Henry Lewes' letter [opens in a new window]

Image Rights: © National Portrait Gallery. London cc-by-nc-nd Elliott & Fry albumen carte-de-visite 1870s