George Meredith

George Meredith (1828–1909) was an English Victorian novelist and poet. His poetry is noted for its psychological depth, intricate imagery, and innovative use of the sonnet form, especially in Modern Love (1862), a 50-poem sequence about the disintegration of a marriage. Recurring themes include the conflict between nature and society, the complexities of love, and the struggle for personal freedom. His verse often employed a dense, metaphorical style that anticipated modernist poetry. Meredith also wrote ballads, lyrics, and philosophical poems such as The Lark Ascending. While his novels, including The Egoist, brought him recognition, his poetry has gained appreciation for its technical mastery and emotional honesty. He was appointed to the Order of Merit in 1905, reflecting his stature in English letters.