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A Modern Lover (1883) is a novel by George Moore. His debut novel marked a turning point in Moore's early career, characterized to that point by poorly written French poetry and a failed attempt at becoming a painter. Although less acclaimed than such novels as Esther Waters (1894), A Modern Lover is credited with being the first English novel to employ the experimental methods of Moore's French contemporaries. Like much of Moore's work, A Modern Lover shows the influence of French naturalist writer Émile Zola, who sought to portray the influence of heredity and social environment on the lives of his characters without shying away from poverty, sex, disease, and suffering. Lewis Seymour is a young artist who moves to London in search of fame and achievement. Although he shows promise, he quickly falls into a pattern of social climbing rather than focusing on honing his craft. As he uses one wealthy, well-connected woman after the next in a tireless journey upward, he begins to lose sight of his artistic dreams. Eventually, he settles on three women whose affection and support allow him to make a name for himself-Gwinnie, a shopgirl; Mrs. Bethan, a middle-class divorcee; and Lady Helen, a powerful aristocrat. A Modern Lover is a story of sexuality and ambition from a pioneering figure in the formation of the modern English novel. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of George Moore's A Modern Lover is a classic of Irish literature reimagined for modern readers.
About the author
George Moore was an influential Irish novelist, poet, and playwright, born in 1852. He is best known for his contributions to modernist literature and for his candid exploration of themes such as love, desire, and identity. One of his notable works, "Spring Days," exemplifies his ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships through lyrical prose and keen psychological insight.
His early works, including "A Modern Lover" and "Esther Waters," showcase his interest in the struggles of individuals against societal norms. Moore's innovative narrative style and focus on character development helped pave the way for later modernist writers. He was also a prominent figure in the Irish literary renaissance and had a significant influence on contemporaries like James Joyce. In addition to fiction, Moore wrote poetry and essays, often reflecting on art and aesthetics. His works remain notable for their emotional depth and their exploration of the human condition.
