Rare manuscript of George Eliot's Middlemarch now on display in Nuneaton

[dutchman]

It is believed to be the last known surviving handwritten copy of Middlemarch



A draft manuscript of George Eliot's most famous novel is now on show in her hometown.

In what is the first loan from the national collection at the British Library, Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery is currently displaying the last known surviving handwritten copy of Middlemarch.

The manuscript is in four volumes - one of which will be on display in the White Gallery of the museum.

Middlemarch is widely believed to be Eliot’s masterpiece and it frequently appears in listings of the world’s greatest novels.

Visitors can also enjoy the accompanying Scenes of Eliot’s Life exhibition, which offers an introduction to George Eliot’s early days and work.

Securing such a coup is something to be celebrated, according to Councillor Ian Lloyd, cabinet member for leisure and culture at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.

“We are incredibly grateful that the British Library, with financial assistance from the Helen Hamlyn Trust, have enabled us to bring Middlemarch to the borough," Cllr Lloyd said.

"It is the perfect end to the celebrations which have taken place over the last 12 months to celebrate her 200th birthday.”