Demos

by George Gissing

Overview

George Gissing's "Demos" offers a powerful glimpse into the social and political landscape of 19th-century England. Set against a backdrop of burgeoning socialism and stark class conflict, this work of political fiction explores the lives of the working class and the challenges they faced. As a significant example of 19th-century literary fiction, "Demos" delves into the tensions between different social strata, reflecting the era's anxieties and aspirations. Gissing's novel presents a historical view of social ideals and their practical implementation. "Demos" remains a compelling read for those interested in the history of socialism, the dynamics of class, and the enduring power of political narratives. This meticulously prepared print edition ensures the accessibility of this important work of literature.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781022939882
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/28/2025
Pages:	428
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Gissing was born on November 22, 1857, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, the eldest of five children to Thomas Waller Gissing, a chemist, and Margaret. His siblings included William, who died at the age of twenty, Algernon, who later became a writer, Margaret, and Ellen. The Gissing Trust maintains his childhood house in Thompson's Yard, Wakefield. Gissing attended Back Lane School in Wakefield, where he excelled academically. His real interest in reading began when he was ten years old, when he read Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop, and it expanded over time, thanks to his father's encouragement and the family library. Juvenilia written at this time was published in 1995 as The Poetry of George Gissing. After returning to England, Gissing and Nell lived in London, where he wrote novels and worked as a private instructor. When his debut novel, Workers in the Dawn, was rejected by a publisher, he self-published it using funds from an inheritance. Gissing married Nell on October 27, 1879. Their marriage was marred by poverty, and they were frequently separated while Nell was in the hospital due to ill health. Morley Roberts, a fellow novelist and Owens College alumni, published The Private Life of Henry Maitland, a novel inspired by Gissing's life, in 1912. He was acquaintances with Eduard Bertz, a German socialist whom he met in 1879.