The Autobiography of William Jerdan
Edward Bulwer-Lytton to William Jerdan, 1 December 1828
“I feel that it is a very difficult task to thank you
for your review of
‘The
Disowned,’ and equally so to express the pleasure I have derived
from it. I cannot, however, pass in silence over so flattering and public a
testimony of your approbation—a testimony which becomes ![]()
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still more flattering to me, by the belief that somewhat
of the partiality and indulgence of the acquaintance have, insensibly to
yourself, mingled with your opinions as the critic. I am aware that my works as
yet have been but rude and unequal attempts, and I shall not again trespass on
the public, unless it be in a shape much more worthy of its attention; but I
can readily believe that no literary success is so dear as its first foretaste,
and that we never feel so warm a gratitude for assistance in maturer
enterprises, as we do to those who first launched our vessel, and wished well
to its prosperity. It is a source of pride as well as pleasure to think that I
shall owe that gratitude to one whose own reputation sheds a light upon the
reputation he assists to create, and that I may set a value upon your auguries
of future success, not only from the pleasure derived from the prophecy, but
from the respect due to the prophet.
“Acting upon Shenstone’s maxim, that a well-dressed friend is never
discreditable company, be his interior deficiencies what they may, I have
directed a copy of ‘The
Disowned,’ and one of ‘Pelham’ to be bound and sent to you, in
the hope that their dress may be admitted as a qualification that entitles them
to admission among the more dignified and important occupants of your library.
“Your very faithful and obliged Servant,
“Weymouth, Dec. 1, 1828.
“We hope Miss
Landon is recovered. Should you see her, may we request you
to remember us kindly to her.”*
Letitia Elizabeth Landon [L. E. L.] (1802-1838)
English poet who came to attention through the
Literary Gazette;
she published three volumes in 1825. She was the object of unflattering gossip prior to her
marriage to George Maclean in 1838.
William Shenstone (1714-1763)
English poet and landscape gardener; author of
The Schoolmistress
(1737, 1742) "A Pastoral Ballad" (1743).
