Newly installed as vicar of Shepperton Church, the Revd Amos Barton is quick to learn that change is not on his parishioners' agenda - and being a rather middling man, his powers of persuasion are somewhat lacking. The parish is in danger of becoming a hothouse of gossip and prejudice; there is, however, one subject on which everyone is in agreement: that his wife, the angelic Milly, is a pure delight, an entirely virtuous woman who would never turn a soul away. But this, too, soon becomes fuel for the parson's critics as Milly opens their home to a 'desperate' woman, and at a time when there is scarcely enough to feed her own children. The reaction of the congregation is altogether harsh - but must surely be regretted when tragedy begins to unfold before them.
Published as part of George Eliots fictional debut, Amos Barton is an honest and expressive work, displaying the same warm irony and keen observations that distinguish so many of her later novels. Parson Amos Barton is responsible not only for the spiritual welfare of his flock, but also for his extensive family. Burying himself in the works of the Evangelical greats, he may find food for thought for his parishioners, but the familys poverty only worsens. For all his learning, it seems not even the Parson can contain their inevitable tragedy. Victorian novelist George Eliot is the author of a number of remarkable works, including Middlemarch, her masterpiece.
Published as part of George Eliots fictional debut,
Amos Barton is an honest and expressive work, displaying the same warm irony and keen observations that distinguish so many of her later novels. Foreword by Matthew Sweet.
Parson Amos Barton is responsible not only for the spiritual welfare of his flock, but also for his extensive family. Burying himself in the works of the Evangelical greats, he may find food for thought for his parishioners, but the familys poverty only worsens. For all his learning, it seems not even the Parson can contain their inevitable tragedy. Victorian novelist George Eliot (18191880) is the author of a number of remarkable works, including Middlemarch, her masterpiece.
