Item 164 - Letter from F. W. H. Myers to Henry Sidgwick

1 doc

Copy of letter. Thanks Sidgwick for 'the very great pleasure' which Sidgwick's article on [A.H.] Clough has given him. Describes how he had read it in the W[estminster] R[eview], and had written to Symonds to ask whose it was. Declares it to be 'as good a critical essay' as he had ever read, and 'worthy to take a permanent place in English literature.' Hopes to read similar articles in the future. Warns him of the danger of being led 'to admire what is not admirable' and to add his 'more potent voice to the general chorus of the praises of twaddle and folly.' Refers to Sidgwick's article on Courthope's book [Ludibria Lunae], and illustrates the meaning of his warning with an analogy involving Myers and Sidgwick walking in the street and the former dragging the latter along 'after some dressed-out shop-keeper's daughter with a certain prettiness', who he tries to get to walk along with them.