"Mary Ann Evans (later known by the pen name of George Eliot) was born in 1819, the same year as Queen Victoria. In terms of intellect, she was way ahead of her time. Early on, Mary Ann displayed signs of superior intelligence, though her physical beauty was greatly lacking. Seeing it was not likely that his daughter would attract a mate, her father, Robert Evans, provided for her private tutoring beyond the age that was expected for females of that era. Mary Ann had no problem with furthering her education, and in fact loved reading and research. She was a quick learner and easily handled foreign languages, philosophy, theology and literature. In addition, she enjoyed music and art. To say the least, Mary Ann grew into an unusual young woman with the intelligence that she felt was akin to the intellect of men. It would seem that the lack of beauty that served to drive away potential mates created for the world a darling of literary genius." From the Introduction of GEORGE ELIOT LIVES by Freda M. Chaney, D.D.
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