Wit And Wisdom Of George Eliot - 1890 - Roberts Brothers Publisher

Description: "Wit And Wisdom Of George Eliot" - 1890 - Roberts Brothers Publisher - Hardcover - 358 pages. Good Condition. See photos. Previous owner's name written in pencil on front facing page, reads "H.W. Davenport 1891". The book "Wit and Wisdom of George Eliot" is a compilation of quotes and aphorisms drawn from the works of George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a prominent English novelist of the Victorian era. Known for her insightful and often profound commentary on human nature, society, and morality, Eliot’s works are rich in both wit and wisdom, making her an ideal subject for such a collection.Content and Structure The book is organized thematically, grouping Eliot’s quotes and sayings by subject matter such as love, life, morality, society, religion, and human nature. This thematic approach allows readers to explore Eliot’s thoughts on specific topics in a concentrated manner, providing both inspiration and reflection. Each section typically begins with a brief introduction that contextualizes Eliot’s thoughts on the particular theme, often referencing the novels, essays, or letters from which the quotes are drawn. For example, her reflections on love might be accompanied by insights from her novels Middlemarch or Adam Bede, where relationships and the complexities of love are central themes.Style and Tone The tone of the book is both scholarly and accessible, aiming to present Eliot’s insights in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and easily digestible. The wit in her writing often emerges in her sharp observations of society and human folly, while her wisdom shines through in her deep empathy for her characters and her nuanced understanding of moral and ethical dilemmas.Audience "Wit and Wisdom of George Eliot" appeals to a broad audience, from literary scholars and students to general readers who appreciate Eliot’s work or Victorian literature in general. It serves as an excellent introduction to George Eliot’s thought for those unfamiliar with her novels, as well as a handy reference for fans and academics who wish to revisit her most memorable lines.Significance This compilation is significant because it distills the essence of Eliot’s literary genius into a compact format, offering a treasure trove of memorable quotes that reflect her deep philosophical engagement with the world. Whether read in small doses or in a single sitting, the book provides a window into the mind of one of the 19th century’s most important writers. Overall, "Wit and Wisdom of George Eliot" is both a delightful and thought-provoking read, showcasing the timeless relevance of George Eliot’s observations and the enduring power of her prose. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans (November 22, 1819 – December 22, 1880), was one of the leading writers of the Victorian era and is celebrated for her deeply intellectual novels that explored the complexities of human character and social issues. Her works are renowned for their realism, psychological insight, and moral seriousness.Early Life and Education Mary Ann Evans was born in the rural village of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. She was the third child of Robert Evans, a land agent, and Christiana Evans. Mary Ann, known as "Marian" to her family, showed intellectual promise from a young age. She was a voracious reader and received an education that was somewhat unusual for girls of her time, attending several schools, including Miss Wallington’s School in Nuneaton and Miss Franklin’s School in Coventry. After her mother’s death in 1836, Mary Ann returned home to care for her father. During this period, she continued her self-education, delving into a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, literature, and languages. She became fluent in German and Italian and familiarized herself with the works of prominent intellectuals and writers, such as Ludwig Feuerbach, Baruch Spinoza, and Auguste Comte.Early Writing and Literary Career Mary Ann’s early writings were largely confined to translations and essays. In 1846, she translated The Life of Jesus by David Friedrich Strauss into English, a significant work that reflected her growing interest in theological and philosophical issues. Her translation work earned her respect in intellectual circles, particularly among the freethinkers and radical intellectuals of the time. In 1850, she moved to London, where she became involved with the Westminster Review, a leading journal of radical and progressive thought. Initially, she served as an assistant editor, but she quickly became the primary editor, although her role was not publicly acknowledged. During her time at the Review, she wrote many essays and reviews, contributing to her growing reputation as an intellectual force.Relationship with George Henry Lewes A pivotal moment in Mary Ann’s life came in 1854 when she met George Henry Lewes, a philosopher, critic, and writer. Lewes was married, but his marriage was unconventional, and his wife had multiple relationships. Despite this, Mary Ann and Lewes began a close relationship, living together as a couple. This relationship was considered scandalous by Victorian society, but Lewes provided her with the emotional support and encouragement she needed to begin her career as a novelist.Literary Success as George Eliot In 1857, Evans adopted the pseudonym "George Eliot" to publish her fiction, partly to avoid the prejudice against women writers and partly to separate her private life from her public literary persona. Her first work of fiction, Scenes of Clerical Life (1857), a collection of short stories, was published in Blackwood’s Magazine and received favorable reviews. Critics and readers alike were impressed by the depth of character and realism in her stories. Her first full-length novel, Adam Bede (1859), was a resounding success, establishing her as a significant novelist. Set in a rural community, the novel explored themes of morality, religion, and human fallibility, marking the beginning of Eliot’s exploration of complex social issues through fiction. Eliot’s subsequent novels, including The Mill on the Floss (1860), Silas Marner (1861), and Romola (1863), further solidified her reputation. However, it was Middlemarch (1871-1872), considered by many to be her masterpiece, that established her as one of the greatest novelists in the English language. Middlemarch is a sprawling, multi-faceted narrative set in a provincial town, examining the lives of its inhabitants with a blend of psychological insight and social critique.Later Life and Legacy George Eliot continued to write throughout the 1870s, producing her final novel, Daniel Deronda (1876), which explored themes of identity, idealism, and Jewish culture. By this time, she had achieved significant literary success and was widely respected, despite the continuing societal disapproval of her relationship with Lewes. After Lewes’s death in 1878, Eliot was devastated but continued to work on his unfinished projects. In 1880, she married John Walter Cross, a man twenty years her junior, who had been a close friend and admirer. The marriage was short-lived, as Eliot fell ill and died just a few months later on December 22, 1880. Eliot’s death marked the end of an extraordinary literary career. She was buried in Highgate Cemetery in London, alongside George Henry Lewes.Legacy George Eliot’s novels are celebrated for their rich character development, intricate plotting, and deep philosophical and moral questions. She is often considered one of the founders of the psychological novel, and her works have influenced countless writers, both in her own time and in the generations that followed. Eliot’s exploration of the complexities of human motivation, her depiction of provincial life, and her sympathetic portrayal of both the strong and the weak have left an indelible mark on English literature. Her novels remain widely read and studied, and Middlemarch is often cited as one of the greatest novels in the English language. Through her writing, George Eliot challenged the conventions of her time, advocating for greater empathy, understanding, and social reform. Her work continues to resonate with readers today, offering profound insights into the human condition.

Price: 80 USD

Location: Dallas, Texas

End Time: 2025-01-01T23:21:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD