George Eliot, born Mary Ann Evans on November 22, 1819, in Arbury, Warwickshire, England, remains one of the most influential authors of the Victorian era. She was the third of five children in a modestly affluent family, and her early life was marked by a rigorous education that nurtured her intellectual pursuits. Eliot’s father, a land agent, encouraged her to read widely, which sparked her passion for literature and philosophy from a young age.

Eliot’s literary career began in earnest in the 1850s. She initially wrote under the male pseudonym George Eliot to ensure her work would be taken seriously in a male-dominated literary world. Her first major novel, "Adam Bede," published in 1859, was met with critical acclaim and established her reputation as a serious novelist. Her subsequent works, including "The Mill on the Floss," "Silas Marner," and "Middlemarch," explored complex themes of morality, society, and human psychology, solidifying her status as a pioneer of realism in literature.

In her personal life, Eliot defied societal norms. She had a long-term relationship with George Henry Lewes, a married man, which caused significant scandal during her time. Their partnership, however, was based on intellectual companionship and mutual respect, and it lasted until Lewes's death in 1878. Eliot later married John Cross, a younger man, in 1880, shortly before her own passing.

George Eliot died on December 22, 1880, in London, leaving behind a legacy of profound insights into human nature and social dynamics. Her notable works continue to resonate with readers today, showcasing her remarkable ability to weave intricate character studies with overarching themes of societal change and personal growth.