The above downloadable Word document comprises an inventory of books by and about the late Victorian writer George Gissing in my personal home library.
— Roger W. Smith
May 2023
Roger's Gleanings
Roger W. Smith's writings: personal essays and reminiscences; views; literature; culture; day to day jottings; people and places.
I can see why writers would be drawn to this particular novel. Gissing goes into great depth as to the financial problems that writers face and as to the emotional agony that some writers go through when they are either suffering from writers’ block or when they fear the necessity of “lowering their writing standards” in order to make enough money to survive.
Reardon seems to be making disparaging remarks about using plots in novels (when he is discussing their current financial situation with his wife). But how does he expect to get through a 2 or 3 volume novel without a plot?!!!
In the description of where Edwin Reardon and Amy live, it mentions the eight flights of stone steps up to their apartment (!!!) and the view on the rooftop affording a distant glimpse or glimmer of the Crystal Palace.
Here are two of the best links about it that I particularly enjoy.
Rare Photos of the Crystal Palace During The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London – YouTube
https://www.bl.uk/victorian-britain/articles/the-great-exhibition
Perceptive observations. Janet. Thank you!