George Gissing

Date of Birth: November 22, 1857

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: December 28, 1903

Biography

George Gissing was a prominent English novelist born on November 22, 1857, in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England. He is best known for his realistic and often grim depictions of lower-middle-class life in late Victorian England. Gissing’s works explore themes of poverty, social class, and the struggles of intellectuals in a rapidly industrializing society. Gissing attended Owens College in Manchester, where he excelled academically but was expelled after stealing money to support a woman named Marianne Helen Harrison, whom he later married. This event marked the beginning of a tumultuous personal life, reflected in the often somber tone of his novels. His first novel, “Workers in the Dawn,” was published in 1880, but it was his later works, such as “New Grub Street” (1891) and “The Odd Women” (1893), that solidified his reputation as a significant literary figure. Despite critical acclaim, Gissing struggled financially and faced numerous personal challenges, including failed marriages and health issues. Gissing’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, and his works continue to be studied for their detailed portrayal of Victorian society and their critique of social norms. He died on December 28, 1903, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, at the age of 46.

5 Interesting Facts about George Gissing

1. George Gissing was expelled from Owens College for stealing money to support a woman, leading to his first marriage.

2. His novel “New Grub Street” is considered one of the most important works of the 19th century, offering a critical look at the literary world.

3. Gissing struggled with chronic respiratory issues and spent several periods in sanatoriums.

4. He was an avid traveler and spent significant time in Italy, which influenced some of his later works.

5. Gissing kept detailed diaries and letters, providing extensive insights into his life and thoughts.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Gissing

1. “Money is the one thing needful.”

2. “Time is money says the proverb, but turn it around and you get a precious truth. Money is time.”

3. “The great majority of men whose lives have been worthy of record are known as much by what they have suffered as by what they have achieved.”

4. “For the rational, psychologically healthy man, the desire for happiness is natural.”

5. “Literature nowadays is a trade. Putting food on a table is more pressing than putting words on a page.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George Gissing never achieved significant financial success during his lifetime. At his peak, his net worth was modest, reflecting the struggles of many intellectuals of his era.