Middlemarch
Complete & Unabridged Original Classic Edition
by George Eliot
Considered the masterpiece of of the career of George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans 1819-1880) “Middlemarch” is also regarded as one of the greatest books in English literature.
Not a machine-scanned text or reproduction of an old version, this quality edition includes the unabridged classic tale of “Middlemarch”, prepared by professional human editors and printed on heavyweight, bright white paper in a large 7.44″x9.69″ format, with a fully laminated cover featuring an original design. Also included is introductory analytical commentary making the novel more accessible to today’s readers and an author biography discussing the life and works of George Eliot.
Published in six volumes in 1871 and 1872, “Middlemarch” is a panoramic portrait of a small English town and its inhabitants during the early 19th century. Against the backdrop of change brought about by the Industrial Revolution, the narrative navigates through the strata of society, from the landed gentry to the growing middle class and the working poor. With keen insight and sharp wit, Eliot brings to life a cast of characters who are both familiar and unique, each dealing with their own desires, ambitions, and moral dilemmas.
Central to the narrative is Dorothea Brooke, a young woman of great intelligence and idealism who finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage to the much older Edward Casaubon. As Dorothea searches for meaning and purpose in her life, she becomes entangled in a web of relationships that test her principles and challenge her convictions. Through Dorothea, Eliot explores themes of marriage, gender roles, and the pursuit of intellectual fulfillment in a society that often stifles individual expression.
But “Middlemarch” is far more than just Dorothea’s story. Eliot paints a sprawling canvas populated by a diverse array of characters, each with their own hopes, fears, and ambitions. From the ambitious young doctor Tertius Lydgate to the charming but morally dubious Will Ladislaw and the opportunistic banker Nicholas Bulstrode, the denizens of Middlemarch are brought vividly to life.
Interwoven with the central narrative are a myriad of subplots, each offering a rich tapestry of human experience. “Middlemarch” teems with intrigue and moral ambiguity. Eliot’s keen eye for detail and psychological acuity imbue each subplot with depth and nuance, revealing the intricate web of relationships that binds the inhabitants of Middlemarch together.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its exploration of the tension between individual desires and the expectations of society. Throughout “Middlemarch,” characters grapple with the consequences of their choices, whether it be pursuing personal happiness at the expense of social convention or sacrificing one’s own dreams for the sake of duty and obligation. Eliot’s nuanced portrayal of these moral dilemmas serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in human existence, and the perennial struggle to reconcile one’s own aspirations with the demands of a changing world.
In addition to its incisive social commentary, “Middlemarch” is also a masterclass in narrative technique. Eliot’s prose is at once elegant and incisive, her sentences flowing effortlessly from one thought to the next as she skillfully weaves together multiple plotlines and perspectives. Through her meticulous attention to detail and keen psychological insight, Eliot creates a world that feels at once familiar and utterly immersive, inviting readers to lose themselves in the rich tapestry of Middlemarch and its inhabitants.
Perhaps the greatest attribute of “Middlemarch” is its enduring relevance. Eliot’s novel speaks to universal truths about the human condition that transcend the confines of its historical context. Whether grappling with questions of love and marriage, ambition and failure, or the pursuit of meaning in a world fraught with uncertainty, the characters of Middlemarch continue to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the enduring power of great literature to illuminate the complexities of the human experience.
Product Details
Publisher: Apex Publications, Independently published (June 27, 2024)
Language: English
Paperback: 545 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8327059146
Item Weight: 2.63 pounds
Dimensions: 7.44 x 1.23 x 9.69 inches
List Price: $20.97
