A Brief George Meredith Bio

Meredith (George), philosophical poet and novelist, b. Hampshire, 1828, and educated partly on the Continent. Intended for the law, he adopted literature in preference. He first appeared as a poet with Poems (’51). Of his powerful novels we mention the Ordeal of Richard Feveril (’59), Emilia in England (’64), now Sandra Belloni, with Vittoria (’66) for a sequel. Rhoda Fleming, Beauchamp’s Career (’76), The Egoist (’79), The Tragic Comedians (’81) and Diana of the Crossways (’85). Deep thought and fine grace characterise his writings. As a poet Mr. Meredith is not popular, but his volumes of verse are marked by the highest qualities, and give him a place apart from the throng of contemporary singers.