George Eliot

150th ANNIVERSARY GIFT EDITION WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY ZADIE SMITH Discover one of the most admired, best loved and influential novels in the history of English literature. 'If we had a keen vision and feeling of all ordinary human life...'Dorothea is bright, beautiful and rebellious. Lydgate is the ambitious new doctor in town. Both of them long to make a positive difference in the world. But their stories do not proceed as expected and both they, and the other inhabitants of Middlemarch, must struggle to reconcile themselves to their fates and find their places in the world. Middlemarch contains all of life: the rich and the poor, the conventional and the radical, literature and science, politics and romance, but above all it gives us a vision of what lies within the human heart. VINTAGE CLASSICS 150th ANNIVERSARY GIFT EDITIONGeorge Eliot's novel was first published in eight instalments, in an innovative new style of serialisation. The earliest part, entitled MIDDLEMARCH, Book 1 - Miss Brooke, was published on 1st December 1871. It was an instant commercial and critical success, and continues to captivate readers 150 years later.**One of the BBC's 100 Novels That Shaped Our World**

Gentle linen weaver Silas Marner is wrongly accused of a heinous theft, and he exiles himself from the world-until he finds redemption and spiritual rebirth through his unselfish love for an abandoned child who mysteriously appears one day at his isolated cottage. Somber, yet hopeful, Eliot's realistic depiction of an irretrievable past, tempered with the magical elements of myth and fairy tale, remains timeless in its understanding of human nature and is beloved by every generation.

Everyone knew that little Maggie Tulliver's world revolved around her elder brother, Tom. He could do no wrong and no one else's-not even her beloved father's-opinion mattered. And though Tomcould not completely understand his free-spirited sister, he a do red her. But time changes everything for the Gulliver. Deep in debt, the Gulliver lose their flour Mill on the river Flossto the cruel Mr Wakem. Their financial downfall compels Tom Maggie to grow up before time and the once-close siblings driftapart as adulthood brings with it the trappings of propriety, societal and morality. Both Tom and Maggie are forced to take decisions that lead to a series of events that irrevocably alter not just their lives, but also the fates of those around them. George Eliot's the Mill on the Floss brings out the complexities of family relationships and individual choices in the face of adversity, while addressing a mix of various themes that were pertinent to 19th-century England.

With new illustrations and a brilliant original introduction by New Yorker writer and author of My Life in Middlemarch Rebecca Mead, the Restless Classics edition of Middlemarch presents George Eliot’s masterpiece of Victorian fiction in an appealing new light. Long regarded as one of the greatest of the great English-language novels, Middlemarch by George Eliot has endured as the archetypal Victorian novel and an eternally resonant exploration of society and the individual. Centuries removed from the world of the landed gentry in 1830s England, the characters of Middlemarch remain as exquisitely drawn and deeply alive as any in literature: the pedantic, obsessive Reverend Casaubon, the idealistic Dr. Lydgate, and the spirited, striving Dorothea Brooke. A novel of marriage, Eliot’s “study of Provincial Life” is also a strikingly fresh commentary on scientific and technological change, cultural and class divides, and the upheavals of a rural community experiencing global transformation. In her insightful introduction, Rebecca Mead, New Yorker writer and author of My Year in Middlemarch, explores Eliot’s “meliorism”—her belief that individuals can improve society in small, everyday ways. Dorothea’s successes and failures not only in love but as an ardent social reformer will resonate with all of us who look at the world today and ask, as Dorothea did in her time, “What could she do, what ought she to do?” With bold illustrations by artist Keren Katz, the Restless Classics edition of Middlemarch is a thoroughly modern edition of one of the most important novels ever written. Praise for Middlemarch“Middlemarch is so careful to correct any habit to side with one person rather than another that the narrator even corrects herself.” —John Mullan, author of What Matters in Jane Austen?“A novel without weaknesses, it renews itself for every generation.” —Martin Amis, author of Inside Story“Middlemarch, the magnificent book which with all its imperfections, is one of the few English novels written for grown-up people.” —Virginia Woolf“Middlemarch shows us the contours and indeed the very language of the characters’ inner lives.”—Michael Gorra, author of Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece

Part of the Chiltern Classics rangeSilas Marner tells the story about a weaver and how his life changes. The story begins with Silas, who has been displaced from his former home after being falsely accused of stealing money from his chapel. He settles in Raveloe and takes up the profession as a weaver. The only happiness he gets from his solitary life is with the gold he has acquired by working sixteen hours a day. His reclusive and depressive attitude has driven away most of the villagers. Chiltern are publishers of exquisitely crafted editions of the world’s finest classic literature. These beautiful books are a perfect mix of tradition and the very latest in printing techniques. With wonderful original, detailed and embossed covers, sparkling gilt edges, cream art paper, ribbon markers and stitched binding they are simply the most beautiful classics ever published.

Daniel Deronda is a goodhearted man who’s often occupied with the struggles of others including the selfish Gwendolen Harleth and the young runaway, Mirah Lapidoth. In an effort to help Mirah, Daniel is exposed to a different culture and experiences that challenge everything he knows. Daniel Deronda grew up without a clear understanding of his family or heritage. He was raised as the ward of a wealthy gentleman called Sir Hugo Mallinger. Despite his unusual circumstance, Daniel always finds time to help others in need. He attempts to counsel a young woman, Gwendolen, who struggles to find stability after her family loses their fortune. He also intervenes with a Jewish girl, Mirah, who tries to drown herself in a river. In the midst of their troubles, Daniel makes a stunning revelation about his own history and potential future. This story gives insight into the social and political outlook of Jewish culture in Victorian era England. Eliot’s depiction of the community was a rarity at the time and provided unique representation. Daniel Deronda remains a standout amongst the author’s illustrious catalog. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Daniel Deronda is both modern and readable.

Adam Bede falls in love with a teenage orphan, who is being secretly seduced by a wealthy squire, which leads to a series of tragedies. Adam attempts to navigate the situation exposing lies and unexpected betrayals. In the small village of Hayslope, a group of men and women are pulled into an unconventional love story that changes the trajectory of their lives. Adam Bede is a young carpenter who adores Hetty, the 17-year-old cousin of Dinah, a Methodist preacher. Hetty is a flirtatious beauty who engages in a romance with Captain Arthur Donnithorne. When their relationship is discovered, Adam insists Arthur leave Hetty to which he quickly obliges. Despite his interference, Adam is unaware of a looming development that will send Hetty down and dark and inevitable path. George Eliot brilliantly composes a multilayered story driven by selfish desires. It explores the hidden consequences of behavior, as well as the superficial nature of romance. Adam Bede is a complex tale that questions elements of chivalry, marriage and the traditional family. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Adam Bede is both modern and readable.

Romola is a brilliant young woman who unknowingly falls in love with a handsome stranger whose true nature is fueled by greed, status and ego. Over the course of the novel, she uncovers his many transgressions and secret dealings. A handsome stranger called Tito Melema arrives in Florence and is immediately smitten by Romola—the daughter of a local scholar. The two eventually marry as Tito gains access to various social circles. He becomes an influential figure who’s eager to gain more status and approval. His selfish desires come at the detriment of his loved ones including Romola and his adoptive father. As Florence erupts into political warfare, Tito’s need for self-preservation comes at an unexpected cost. Romola is a period drama that was originally released from 1862-1863 as a fourteen-part series in Cornhill Magazine. The scope of Eliot’s storytelling incorporates critical historical events alongside a fictional family conflict. It’s a complex story that pushes the limits of compassion and understanding during a dire circumstance. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Romola is both modern and readable.

Maggie Tulliver is a brilliant woman who finds herself at the center of a love triangle between her childhood crush and a cousin’s potential fiancé. The controversial romance makes her a town pariah, damaging her most beloved relationships. Maggie adores her older brother Tom, who’s a consistent yet sometimes adversarial figure. She’s an idealistic student of the world, while Tom is more of a conservative. Their sibling dynamic is tested by Maggie’s interactions with two male suitors: Philip Wakem and Stephen Guest. Philip is the son of their father’s mortal enemy, while Stephen is already linked to their cousin Lucy. When Maggie’s dalliance with the latter is exposed, she is immediately shunned by the locals, including her brother. The Mill on the Floss is an examination of the complex dynamic between family and friends. Like many of Eliot’s novels, it highlights the dangers of groupthink and individual oppression. In this case, Maggie must sacrifice her personal happiness for the acceptance of others. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Mill on the Floss is both modern and readable.

Felix Holt is an endearing but opinionated Radical, who returns to Treby Magna just as the wealthy landowner, Harold Transome, announces his bid for election. It marks the beginning of a tumultuous time as unethical players seek to undermine the voting process. Treby Magna is a small English community that’s home to Felix Holt and Harold Transome. Both men have returned after stints abroad with Harold eager to elevate his status in the political realm. He seeks election to a county seat as a Radical, which surprises the residents. The election process becomes a point of contention as Felix considers some of Harold’s methods unethical. Despite his pure motivations, Felix is roped into the election day chaos, leading to an unexpected outcome. George Eliot’s works often explore morality as well as political and personal ethics. In Felix Holt, The Radical these issues are evident with characters attempting to navigate the political landscape. Felix and Harold have different values but are connected to the same cause. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Felix Holt, The Radical is both modern and readable.

Silas Marner is a lowly weaver who is wrongfully accused of a crime, loses the woman he loves and the respect of his conservative neighbors. Shamed and broken, he attempts to build a new life without the reminder of everything he’s lost. In the early nineteenth century, Silas Marner, is part of a small congregation where he earns a living as a weaver. When the group is suddenly robbed, members suspect Silas, prompting him to leave and embrace a life of isolation. His attempts to rebuild are thwarted when his own small fortune is stolen forcing him to start all over. Despite a desire for solitude, Silas stumbles across an abandoned child and decides to raise her as his own. Her presence changes his outlook, creating something he never thought he’d have – a family. Eliot examines the dangers of oppressive institutions that cast away members without mercy. It addresses groupthink and a fear of individualism. The story is a cautionary tale that emphasizes the importance of perspective, empathy and hope. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Silas Marner is both modern and readable.

Although the shortest of George Eliot's novels, Silas Marner is one of her most admired and loved works. The classic novel of hope, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit, from beloved novelist George Eliot. The novel is notable for its strong realism and its sophisticated treatment of a variety of issues ranging from religion to industrialisation to community. In this classic by George Eliot, A gentle linen weaver named Silas Marner is wrongly accused of a heinous theft actually committed by his best friend. Exiling himself to the rustic village of Raveloe, he becomes a lonely recluse. Ultimately, Marner finds redemption and spiritual rebirth through his unselfish love for an abandoned child who mysteriously appears one day in his isolated cottage. Somber, yet hopeful, Eliot's realistic depiction of an irretrievable past, tempered with the magical elements of myth and fairy tale, remains timeless in its understanding of human nature and has been beloved for generations.

One of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World' George Eliot's Victorian masterpiece: a magnificent portrait of a provincial town and its inhabitants Middlemarch is a complex tale of idealism, disillusion, profligacy, loyalty and frustrated love. This penetrating analysis of the life of an English provincial town during the time of social unrest prior to the Reform Bill of 1832 is told through the lives of Dorothea Brooke and Dr Tertius Lydgate and includes a host of other paradigm characters who illuminate the condition of English life in the mid-nineteenth century. Middlemarch displays George Eliot's clear-eyed yet humane understanding of characters caught up in the mysterious unfolding of self-knowledge.

One of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World' HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics. ‘People glorify all sorts of bravery except the bravery they might show on behalf of their nearest neighbours’ Rejecting the conventional narratives of the time, Middlemarch shows a realistic portrayal of Victorian village life. Peopling this ground-breaking work are Tertius Lydgate, a talented yet naive young doctor; Dorothea Brooke, stuck in a loveless marriage; and the religious hypocrite Bulstrode, hiding shocking crimes from his past. An intricate story weaving together many lives, Middlemarch is described as one of the best-loved novels of all time and heralded as ‘one of the few English novels written for grown-up people’ by Virginia Woolf. It is a richly nuanced drama that is a quintessential English classic.