George Eliot
Список книг автора George EliotDaniel Deronda (with an introduction by Esther Wood)
First published in 1876, “Daniel Deronda” was George Eliot’s final novel. Controversial in its time for its morally ambiguous characterizations and its sympathy for the proto-Zionist movement, the novel is regarded today as one of the great social satires of the Victorian era. The story begins with the meeting of Daniel Deronda and the beautiful but stubborn and selfish, Gwendolen Harleth, whom he witnesses loses all her money at a game of roulette. The following day, Gwendolen learns that her family is bankrupt and consequently pawns her necklace, which is fortunately returned to her in a sympathetic gesture by Daniel. Faced with the loss of the family fortune in an economic downturn, Gwendolen ponders her options for obtaining financial security. She is reluctant to take a position as a governess desiring to become an actress and singer instead. Ultimately she chooses to marry the wealthy but manipulative Henleigh Mallinger Grandcourt, a decision she quickly regrets. Meanwhile Daniel becomes acquainted with Mirah Lapidoth, a young Jewish woman, whom he rescues from drowning. Daniel seeking a purpose in his life begins to identify with the cause of establishing a Jewish nation. Through the portrayals of Gwendolen and Daniel, Eliot provides a robust tale of the search for meaning amidst the decadence and materialism of Victorian British society. This edition includes an introduction by Esther Wood and a biographical afterword.
Middlemarch
Set during the early part of the 19th century, George Eliot’s “Middlemarch” is a work of epic scope that centers on the intersecting lives of the inhabitants of the fictitious titular town of Middlemarch. The themes of the novel are as numerous as its characters. Through the narrative of the story the author addresses the status of women, the nature of marriage, politics, religion, and education in the 19th century. The story is principally concerned with the lives of Dorothea Brooke, an energetic, intelligent, wealthy young woman and of Tertius Lydgate, an idealistic, talented, yet naïve young doctor. Strong parallels can be drawn between the two characters; they both have great aspirations in their work and find themselves in marriages in which they are not happy with. In addition, numerous sub-plots draw together the lives of the inhabitants of the town. Considered one of the great achievements of English literature, George Eliot’s “Middlemarch” was immensely popular upon its original publication and remains to this day one of the finest examples of the author’s prolific and accomplished literary career.
Silas Marner
As a young man, Silas Marner shut himself off from the world after being wrongly accused of theft and losing the girl he loved. Much later in life, the lonely, embittered weaver experiences two jolting events: he is robbed of his meager hoard of gold and he becomes the guardian of Eppie, a little orphan girl who makes her way to his cottage one wintry night. Eppie grows into a charming young woman who cares for the alienated Silas, helping him find love and hope in his life.First published in 1861, this classic English novel by George Eliot (pen name of Mary Anne Evans) is widely admired for its brevity and perfection of form. It has also long delighted students of literature and general readers alike with its masterly portrait of moral and psychological behavior in Victorian England, and with its mystery, intrigue, and heartwarming denouement.
The Mill on the Floss
Misunderstood Maggie Tulliver is torn. Her rebellious and passionate nature demands expression, while her provincial kin and community expect self-denial. Based closely on the author's own life, Maggie's story explores the conflicts of love and loyalty and the friction between desire and moral responsibility. Written in 1860, The Mill on the Floss was published to instant popularity. An accurate, evocative depiction of English rural life, this compelling narrative features a vivid and realistic cast, headed by one of 19th-century literature's most appealing characters. Required reading for most students, it ranks prominently among the great Victorian novels.
Daniel Deronda
George Eliot was considered one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era and in this classic 1876 work, the last that she had completed, we find the only novel set in that era. «Daniel Deronda» begins by exploring the romantic relationship of its title character with Gwendolen Harleth and then through two separate flashbacks explores the history of the two characters. The novel, which was controversial for its exploration of the Jewish Zionist movement, is a mixture of social satire and an exploration of the morality of Victorian society. «Daniel Deronda» remains one of Eliot's most popular works and is an excellent example of the author's immense literary talent.
Adam Bede
Originally published in 1859, «Adam Bede» is the first novel by George Eliot. The story concerns a love triangle that develops between Adam Bede, a young carpenter, who is competing for the affection of the beautiful young Hetty Sorrel with Captain Arthur Donnithorne, a young squire. When Hetty discovers herself to be pregnant, a series of bad decisions results in tragic conse quences. A classic of 19th century literature, «Adam Bede» is a popular choice for English literature courses of that era.
Silas Marner
"Silas Marner", is the story of its title character, a weaver who when falsely accused of theft retreats to a life of exile focusing on his work in solitude and the amassing of gold from his earnings. After carrying on this way for a period of fifteen years Silas returns one day to his cottage to find his stash of gold stolen. While deeply depressed by the loss of his treasure, Silas soon finds consolation in the unexpected adoption of a lovely young girl, Eppie.
Romola
George Eliot, the pen named used by Mary Anne Evans, wrote popular works that mirrored the settings and ideology of contemporary Victorian England. She was brought up in the Church of England, where she developed strong moral convictions that carried over into her fiction. During a visit to Florence in 1860 it was suggested to Eliot that the historical Fra Girolamo Savonarola would make a good subject for a novel, so Eliot spent her visit, and many months after, exhaustively researching Florentine history and culture. Her effort is undeniably evident within the pages of «Romola», however Eliot has been criticized for using a 15th Century setting to deal with the 19th Century issues of Victorian England. Romola is the female protagonist through which the story is rendered; her intellectual and religious growth, often painful, reflects the religious and cultural transitions of the Italian Renaissance in Florence.
Middlemarch
Set in the fictitious Midlands town of Middlemarch during the years 1830-32, George Eliot's «Middlemarch» is a work of epic scope filled with numerous characters, which explores a plethora of themes including the status of women, the nature of marriage, idealism and self-interest, religion and hypocrisy, political reform, and education. Considered one of the great works of the English language, George Eliot's «Middlemarch» was immensely popular upon original publication and remains one of the finest examples of the author's prolific and accomplished literary career.
The Mill on the Floss
"The Mill on the Floss" is George Eliot's 1860 novel, which tells the story of Tom and Maggie Tulliver, a brother and sister growing up on the river Floss near the village of St. Oggs. Set in the early 1800s over a period of ten to fifteen years, «The Mill on the Floss» follows the two main characters from childhood. Central to the theme of the novel is the struggle of man between spiritual determinism and free will. A classic work of 19th century literature, «The Mill on the Floss» remains a popular and enduring example of George Eliot's impact on English literature.