George Gissing

George Gissing was an English novelist who wrote twenty-three novels between 1880 and 1903. He is noted for his realistic portrayal of the lower middle class and for his insightful and compassionate depiction of the lives of women and the urban poor. His best-known works include 'New Grub Street,' 'The Odd Women,' and 'The Nether World.' Gissing's work is characterized by his detailed character development, social commentary, and exploration of the social and economic pressures of Victorian society.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. New Grub Street: A Novel

    Cover of 'New Grub Street: A Novel' by George Gissing

    "New Grub Street" is a novel set in the literary and journalistic circles of 1880s London. The story revolves around two writers, one who seeks wealth and status and the other who values artistic integrity over material success. It provides a stark and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by writers, including financial hardship, the pressure to compromise artistic integrity for commercial success, and the destructive effects of these pressures on personal relationships and mental health. The book is a critique of the commercialization of literature and journalism during the period, and a commentary on the conflict between art and commerce.

  2. 2. The Odd Women

    Cover of 'The Odd Women' by George Gissing

    This novel explores the lives of several women in late 19th-century England, focusing on the challenges they face due to societal expectations and the limited opportunities available to them. It delves into themes of marriage, independence, and the emerging feminist movement, portraying the struggles of "odd" women—those who are left over when men are subtracted from the population, deemed surplus and facing a life without the prospect of marriage. Through its characters, the book critiques the social and economic pressures that force women into unhappy marriages or condemn them to a life of poverty and loneliness, advocating for women's education and autonomy as essential to their liberation and fulfillment.