1859: The Ordeal of Richard Feveral to "Out of the Cradle...."

Chronology of World, British and American Literature

George Meredith. British. 1859. Novel. The Ordeal of Richard Feveral. Father attempts to educate his son to be a perfect specimen of manhood. Fails tragically. Problem is his attempt to keep him away from women.

Ivan Turgenev. Russian. 1859. Novel. A Nest of the Greatfolk. Tragic love affair ended because his wife who was thought to be dead returns and he must resume his duty. Evokes the peaceful atmosphere of a provincial Russian estate.

George Eliot. British. 1859. Novel. Adam Bede. Principled Adam loves pretty, superficial Hetty Sorrel who is seduced by Squire Donnithorne; she kills the baby. Adam eventually marries Dinah Morris, a young Methodist preacher.

Ivan Goncharov. Russian. 1859. Oblomov. Hero is the embodiment of physical and mental laziness.

Walt Whitman. American. 1859. Poetry. “Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking.” Interprets the song of a bird at seaside to mean death.