Details
RUSKIN, John (1819-1900). Two autograph letters signed ('J. Ruskin') to 'Miss Alice', Brantwood, 8 and 10 March 1887, together 2 pages, 8vo (remnants of corner mounts).
ADVICE TO A PROMISING AUTHOR: 'I rarely read writing -- nor indeed often printing, unless on compulsion -- but I liked your letter', going on to encourage the recipient to write 'anything that easily and naturally comes into your mind. You have a most true and sweet feeling for beauty -- and ought to be able in time to write well & usefully'. The second letter responds to Alice's (evidently fulsome) reply, though in an amusingly vague spirit: 'I don't often get such a gush of thanks for a letter ... but I've forgotten what it was you asked me about, and am a little curious to know more about you -- if you don't mind telling me'. (2)
ADVICE TO A PROMISING AUTHOR: 'I rarely read writing -- nor indeed often printing, unless on compulsion -- but I liked your letter', going on to encourage the recipient to write 'anything that easily and naturally comes into your mind. You have a most true and sweet feeling for beauty -- and ought to be able in time to write well & usefully'. The second letter responds to Alice's (evidently fulsome) reply, though in an amusingly vague spirit: 'I don't often get such a gush of thanks for a letter ... but I've forgotten what it was you asked me about, and am a little curious to know more about you -- if you don't mind telling me'. (2)