WCP3300

[1]¹

Angmering

Jan[uary] 28^th 1911

To

D^r Alfred Russel Wallace

Dear D^r Wallace

I have just finished my first reading of of the 2nd volume of your "Life".²

This volume brings together such an amazing amount of varied study & achievement, which, though I am well acquainted with your books, completely surprised me.

The standard, too, of your thought & work is of the highest possible class. I think your earlier freedom from hide-bound narrowness, has enabled you in whatever study you [word illeg. crossed-out] ^{have taken} up, to surpass the particular expert.

For instance; where is the "Literary Man" who, for pure descriptive literature, has equaled, or even approached, the 94 pages describing your American Tour?

And this is but one of your many powers. or (as I think) "gifts", in almost everyone of which you equal, or excel, the specialist.

I have noted 17 passages to touch upon, commencing at page 50 & ending at Page 408, but the book has made me feel so incompetent, little & mean, that I am to miserable to say a word. Too utterly insignificant and miserable.

If the books were not a gift, and a precious, highly valued gift, I [2] wouldn't[?] even find fault: out of revenge.

I would say "That 40 years is too long to remember the British Museum Incident".³

Or "What can I for D^r Purland's⁴ wit would there were a dozen humourous happenings to yourself recorded, of which the cabman on fire is only one. It ^would takes nothing from the book, & relive the strain from the reader". — So! Now I am revenged! —.

Now I feel rather better! —.

But as I may never write again, I must say now that your fearless championship of right & justice, not considering the immediate unpopularity & loss to yourself, has won you a great and lasting place in every true man's affection & esteem.

And that you have not flinched (Jonah-like), as you might well have done, will doubtless by & bye bring a still greater weed of praise.

"For why should God be less ready than man to appreciate & value self sacrifice."

Thus you cannot get away, either here or here after, from the "doctrine of reward". (P.54)

"Reward must follow self sacrifice, motive or no motive, & I see no objection to anticipating it. To do so, would be to lose a very great deal of genuine & refined[?] pleasure. Everyone expects a present money reward for his work and works to earn it. Why not in spiritual or self sacrificing work! It is often very bitter & wearying, and carries no present promise of reward, that I know of. — Now — I won't read this through. Else I know I shall not send it, but write some stodgy painstaking stuff instead. — Your letters & books has given me much joy. Will you please accept my ever sincere & grateful thanks, & always be assured of my greatest respect.

Ever yours | Edwin A. Harris [signature]