Denzil Quarrier by George Gissing is a classic Modern American story. Tobias Liversedge was a man of substance, but in domestic habits he followed the rule of the unpretentious middle-class.... More > Breakfast at eight, dinner at one, tea at five, supper at nine -- such was the order of the day that he had known in boyhood, and it suited him well enough now that he was at the head of a household. The fare was simple, but various and abundant; no dishes with foreign names, no drinks more luxurious than sherry and claret. If he entertained guests, they were people of his own kind, who thought more of the hearty welcome than of what was set before them.< Less
Eve's Ransom by George Gissing was first published in 1895. The story deals with the two prominent issues of late Victorian fiction, money and marriage.Maurice Hilliard works as a draughtsman,... More > drawing an endless series of machine designs and details for two pounds a week, while dreaming of great architecture and of living without having to work, as he believes a truly free man does. Hilliard gets his chance after a chance meeting on the train with Mr. Dengate who once owed Hilliard's father money. Hilliard's father died while Dengate was in bankruptcy and since the debt was too small, Dengate never repaid it. Young Hilliard shames Dengate by repeatedly insulting him. To prove his own worth, Mr. Dengate repays the entire sum, 436 pounds. Dengate believes Hilliard will waste the money on drink and says so, but Hilliard has other plans. He intends to live as a free man, without working, for as long as the money will last.< Less
In the Year of Jubilee by George Gissing begins in the year1895. The story is basically dominated by dialogue, supported by the narrative passages, which maintain the flow of the story.
The book... More > begins: At eight o'clock on Sunday morning, Arthur Peachey unlocked his front door, and quietly went forth. He had not ventured to ask that early breakfast should be prepared for him. Enough that he was leaving home for a summer holiday-the first he had allowed himself since his marriage three years ago.< Less
