Adam Bede was the first novel by George Eliot, and was published in 1859. It was published pseudonymously, even though Eliot was a well-published and highly respected scholar of her time.
Adam, a local carpenter much admired for his integrity and intelligence, is in love with Hetty. She is attracted to Arthur, the local squire's charming grandson and heir, and falls in love with him. When Adam interrupts a tryst between them, Adam and Arthur fight. Arthur agrees to give up Hetty and ...