George Eliot and Print Media: Woman of Letters

It is helpful to understand George Eliot as a ‘woman of letters’ whose literary work extends beyond the novel, even fiction. The considerable variety of formats and range of genres of which Marian Evans/George Eliot availed herself between 1840 and 1880 are directly related to the coincidence of her lifespan with the efflorescence of the press. This article examines the trajectory of her career through three networks of print production: that of the Brays in Coventry, including Charles Bray and his newspaper in which Marian Evans published early work, and his family, Cara Bray and Sara Hennell with whom she made close emotional and literary bonds; that of John Chapman and his publishing and periodical circles in London, where she was afforded a unique opportunity to edit in its office one of the famous quarterlies of the day, the Westminster Review,  and to read, meet and edit its contributors and their work; and lastly, the network of George Henry Lewes, her partner in life and work, whose range of journalism and publications — including fiction, drama, science, and  criticism of German literature offered her access to reliable advice, wide experience, and contacts with editors, publishers, and authors across the literary spectrum.