This classic novel by George Eliot explores the complexities of human relationships in a small rural community in England during the early 19th century. The protagonist Adam Bede is a carpenter who is deeply in love with a beautiful young woman named Hetty Sorrel. But when Hetty falls in love with a wealthy young squire, Adam is left heartbroken and alone. Eliot's powerful prose captures the joys and sorrows of rural life with unflinching honesty and deep compassion. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.