George Robert Gissing (1857-1903) was an English novelist of the late Victorian era. Born in Yorkshire, Gissing was a gifted student whose literary interests dated from an early age. He won a scholarship to Owens College where he excelled at his studies, even winning several prizes before his academic career ended in disgrace. Gissing was arrested for stealing from his fellow students, expelled, and briefly jailed. After his release, he went to America for a year, then returned to England where he settled in London. There he supported himself as a tutor and teacher, and began writing. His first novel was completed in 1880. Gissing published 23 novels by the time of his death in France in 1903.