George Robert Gissing (1857-1903) was a popular English novelist and short story writer who also worked as a teacher and tutor throughout his life. His works often reflect the struggle for existence in a hostile world and the many (often tragic) compromises which are made along the way.

In this setting his often complex and endearing characters battle for their own love or artistic integrity, which poverty or social morals threaten to stifle.

Humplebee
The Pig and Whistle
A Poor Gentleman
The Scrupulous Father
The Salt of the Earth
The House of Cobwebs