Anthem Press Unsettled Accounts: Money and Narrative in the Novels of George Gissing (Anthem Nineteenth-Century Series)

Simon J. James examines how Gissing's work reveals an unhappy accommodation with money's underwriting of human existence and culture, and how daily life in all its forms – moral, intellectual, familial and erotic – is transcended or made irrelevant by its commodification. Review 'James's study begins with an excellent survey of the role of money in Victorian plots, and works down to careful readings on the specifics of Gissin's art.' —'Victorian Studies' Review '"Unsettled Accounts" is a splendidly documented study of Gissing's fiction...it constantly impresses by its new insights and the freshness of its approach to a major Victorian theme. "Unsettled Accounts" is a book of stimulating suggestiveness which greatly enhances the status of Gissing's art. It will become one of the most frequently quoted critical studies devoted to his impressive achievements.' —Pierre Coustillas, Emeritus Professor, Department of English, University of Lille '"Unsettled Accounts" offers new and fresh insights into Gissing's contradictory social vision...and provides a rare critical understanding of the complexity of Gissing's prose. Simon J. James' book constitutes an invaluable contribution to the growing body of criticism on this most singular of Victorians.' —Scott McCracken, Principle Lecturer, Department of English Studies, Sheffield Hallam University Book Description Examines how Gissing's work reveals an unhappy accommodation with money's underwriting of human existence and culture. About the Author Simon J. James is Lecturer in Victorian Literature in the Department of English Studies at the University of Durham. His research interests include Victorian fiction, masculinity in literature and contemporary writing.