Mary Ann Evans (1819-1880), writing under the pseudonym George Eliot, was one of the most influential literary figures of the 19th century. Born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, she challenged the social conventions of her time by pursuing a literary career, which was unusual for women. Her relationship with the philosopher George Henry Lewes, with whom she lived without marrying, was also considered scandalous. Eliot is known for novels such as "Middlemarch", "The Mill on the Floss", and "Silas Marner". Her works are notable for their psychological introspection, exploration of moral and social dilemmas, and rich, scholarly prose. "Middlemarch" is often cited as one of the greatest English-language novels, admired for its broad cast of characters and its depiction of life in an English provincial town. Eliot died in London in 1880 at the age of 60.