Charlotte wrote to her publisher William Smith Williams about a review of JANE EYRE:

...He says 'if "Jane Eyre" be the production of a woman - she must be a woman unsexed.'

In that case the book is an unredeemed error and should be unreservedly condemned. 'Jane Eyre' is a woman's autobiography - by a woman it is professedly written - if it is written as no womn would write - condemn it - with spirit and decision - as it is bad - but do not first eulogise and then detract. I am reminded of the 'Economist.' The literary critic of that paper praised the book if written by a man - and pronounced it 'odious' if the work of a woman.

To such critics I would say - 'To you I am neither Man nor Woman - I come before you as an Author only - it is the sole standard by which you have a right to judge me - the sole ground on which I accept your judgment.'

Tuesday, April 7, 2009