[Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to G. H. Lewes, 22 November 1847:] 'I have now read "Ranthorpe." I could not get it till a day or two ago; but I have got it and read it at last; and in reading "Ranthorpe" I have read a new book -- not a reprint -- not a reflection of any other book, but a [italics]new book[end italics]. 'I did not know such books were written now. It is very different to any of the popular works of fiction; it fills the mind with fresh knowledge. Your experience and your convictions are made the reader's; and to an author, at least, they have a value and an interest quite unusual.'