Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. From Myopia to vision. 3. From selfishness to social obligation. 4. Retribution and rise of social sensibility. 5. Progress involves culture not legislation. 6. Character is not cut in marble. Bibliography. Index.

"This study presents an entirely new approach to the interpretation of George Eliot's work. In his examination and analysis of the theme of her novels which, in fact, constitutes the book, Dr. Dalal exhaustively treats each of her novels discovering in each the underlying philosophy of progress on which all of them are based. George Eliot characterised her novels as a "set of experiments in life". These experiments relate among other things, to the five basic canons of her philosophy of progress which enshrine the universal truth behind it.

Interest in George Eliot's work has continued unabated since the publication of her first fictional attempt in 1858. But there has never been a single consistent study of the philosophic aspect of her great creative achievement. In this regard the opinion of late Professor Jagdish Chander of Punjab University is significant. In his opinion--

Dr. Dalal substantiates his argument by a close analysis of the text and a logical organisation of the critical evidence around well defined points of view.... The point of view that he has established has often been suggested but if has not been explored in depth with the consistency and comprehensiveness displayed in this study. As such, his work is a valuable contribution to George Eliot scholarship." (jacket)