Middlemarch is one of the great classic novels of the Victorian Age and has also been seen as a key turning point in the history of the genre. George Eliot's novel is widely studied and this guide will provide an introduction to its context, language, themes, criticism and afterlife, leading students to a more sophisticated understanding of the text. It is the ideal guide to reading and studying the novel, setting Middlemarch in its historical, intellectual and cultural contexts, offering analyses of its themes, style and structure, providing exemplary close readings, presenting an up-to-date account of its critical reception. It also discusses the cultural afterlife including film and TV adaptations. It includes points for discussion, suggestions for further study and an annotated guide to relevant reading.