Adam Bede

Adam Bede is a hardworking, honest, and intelligent young carpenter, known for his determination to achieve his goals. However, his heart is set on Hetty Sorrel, an incredibly beautiful but superficial young dairymaid. Despite her humble position, Hetty dreams of joining the upper class and has her eyes on Arthur Donnithorne, a captain and heir to much of the town’s wealth. Meanwhile, Dinah Morris, Hetty’s compassionate cousin, struggles with her own romantic feelings for Adam.

This tangled love story forms the basis of one of the greatest English novels of all time. First published in 1859, Adam Bede was quickly hailed as a seminal work for its authentic portrayal of rural English life at the turn of the 19th century, receiving praise from writers such as Charles Dickens.

George Eliot‘s first complete novel masterfully captures themes of seduction, faith, and redemption set against the rural backdrop of the time. The narrative blends humor and tragedy, highlighting the interactions of common people and introducing a new level of social realism to the novel form.

With an introduction that contextualizes the work and explores George Eliot’s connection to Methodism, this edition also delves into the true story of Mary Voce, whose execution inspired the plot of Adam Bede. Eliot’s profound portrayal of life, aspirations, and the struggles of rural society has made Adam Bede a timeless classic of world literature.