Mathilde Blind letter, circa 1889-1896

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Summary

Creator:
Blind, Mathilde, 1841-1896, correspondent
Baskin, Lisa Unger, former owner
Abstract:
Mathilde Blind was a writer and feminist active in late 19th century England. This letter was written by Blind thanking a correspondent for sending her a newspaper clipping containing a review of her work. She expresses gratitude for his thoughtfulness and for his "sympathetic spirit" towards her work.
Extent:
0.1 Linear Feet (1 item)
Language:
Materials in English
Research Center:
Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture
Collection ID:
RL.11407

Background

Scope and content:

The collection comprises a single autograph manuscript letter on a single folded sheet of paper with text on three sides dated June 19, but lacking a year. The manuscript address given at the top of the first page reads: Holly Cottage, The Mount, Hampstead, London, N.W. In the letter, Mathilde Blind writes to thank an unknown male correspondent for sending her a clipping from the Liverpool Mercury containing a review of one of her works. Blind writes, "Sitting here this evening, somewhat tired, somewhat despondent, there comes to me your letter. I cannot tell you how it cheered and strengthened me. There is something profoundly stirring in the thought that far away, among the great unknown multitude of one's fellow beings, there are people who have entered into one's work with a kindly sympathetic spirit."

Biographical / historical:

Mathilde Blind was a German-born English writer and radical feminist thinker active during the late 19th century. She was influenced by her Bavarian parents who were labor activists granted political asylum in London. Stylistically, Blind's influences include George Eliot, George Sand, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Although chiefly known as a poet, Blind also wrote biographies of George Eliot, Lord Byron, and Madame Roland, as well as reviews, translations, and the novel "Tarantella." She traveled extensively in Europe, which was reflected in her work. Recent scholarship (including James Diedrick's 2017 critical biography) has reexamined Blind in the context of her status as a pioneering feminist thinker.

Acquisition information:
The Mathilde Blind letter was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2015.
Processing information:

Processed by Megan E. Lewis, March 2017

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2015-0050-LUBMSS128

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Mathilde Blind letter, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

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