A sweeping portrait of a fictional English town and its residents, newly grappling with the changes wrought by industrialism, Middlemarch (1831-1832) is widely regarded to be George Eliot's masterpiece and a triumph of literary realism. With an introduction and explanatory endnotes by Claire Jarvis, the Norton Library edition presents the text of the 1874 edition, the last corrected by the author.
George Eliot
George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a prominent Victorian-era novelist known for her insightful and complex characterizations. Her most notable works include "Middlemarch," considered one of the greatest novels in the English language, and "Silas Marner," a poignant tale of redemption and community. Eliot's literary style is characterized by its psychological depth, moral complexity, and social commentary. She was a pioneer in the realist tradition, exploring themes of morality, religion, and human relationships in her writing. Eliot's contributions to literature include challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms, as well as expanding the scope and depth of the novel as an art form. Her work continues to be celebrated for its profound insights into the human condition and its enduring relevance in contemporary society.