Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 4 February 1845: 'Do you think you cd. take courage & attempt the eight volumes of Frederic Soulie[']s Memoires du diable? eight rather thick volumes? I am in the midst & heat of them -- & though they stink in one's nostrils not infrequently & are full of the most gorgeous extravagances, the variety & power, the invention, (flash upon flash), & the vividness of life all through, render them to my mind, a most remarkable work [...] Much in it is most disgusting. But you [italics]must[end italics] be struck by the variety of power in it, -- & I cant keep back any new sight from you. Yes indeed! -- how nearer & nearer we are drawn in this "palpitating literature," as you call it so truly! palpitating is just the word! & it sets me palpitating too, whatever it may do by yourself'.