Impressions of Theophrastus Such

by George Eliot

Overview

George Eliot (1819-80) is one of the most widely-read of the 19th-century novelists and story-writers. "Impressions of Theophrastus Such" appeared in 1879, Eliot's last completed work. It consists of 18 short essays narrated by a middle-aged bachelor, Theophrastus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781315477879
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/29/2021
Series:	Pickering Women's Classics
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	250
File size:	769 KB

About the Author

George Eliot (born Mary Ann Evans in 1819) is one of the greatest writers of the English language. Her best-known works are Middlemarch, Adam Bede, and Silas Marner.

Table of Contents

Looking inward, Looking backward, How we encourage research, A man surprised at his Originality, A too deferential man, Only temper, A political molecule, The watch-dog of knowledge, A half-breed, Debasing the moral currency, The wasp credited with the Honeycomb, So Young!, How we come to give ourselves false testimonials and believe in them, The too ready writer, Diseases of small authorship, Moral swindlers, Shadows of the coming race, The modern Hep! Hep! Hep!

Editorial Reviews

Released in 1879, this was Eliot's last published work. Via protagonist Theophrastus Such, Eliot commented on society, especially the arts, drawing on her own experiences with the speculation that circulated about her during her life.

Library Journal

George Eliot's last published work has been overlooked, underrated, and long out of print in the U.S. In her enlightening introduction, editor Henry expresses surprise at this neglect, but the fact is, Eliot's last novel is a bit forbidding. It takes the form of a set of essays, or impressions, by a fictional narrator whose name, contrary to the title's suggestion, is not Theophrastus Such: Theophrastus was a student of Aristotle. The author of this set of character sketches and intellectual fables is an unnamed London bachelor blessed with a great deal of wisdom, patience, and discernment regarding the foibles of his species. In 1879, critics found "Theophrastus Such" cryptic, "ponderous and moralizing," but with a little help from an editor, modern readers will find Eliot's viewpoints relevant and often brilliant, her style sophisticated, and her humor sharp. Eliot has her alter ego consider such topics as the consequences of self-importance and prejudice. He also mocks academia and the confusion of reputation with achievement and condemns the "habit of contempt," which ultimately "debases moral currency." Eliot's great intellect and insight radiate from every page of this clever and provoking narrative, inspiring renewed respect.

Donna Seaman

Eliot's last published work has been overlooked, underrated, and long out of print in the U.S. In her enlightening introduction, editor Henry expresses surprise at the neglect…with a little help from an editor, modern readers will find Eliot's viewpoints relevant and often brilliant, her style sophisticated, and her humor sharp…Eliot's great intellect and insight radiate from every page of this clever and provoking narrative, inspiring renewed respect.”—Booklist

From the Publisher