George Meredith 1828-1909 George Meredith was born on February 12, 1828 in Portsmouth, England. He was a poet, novelist, and essayist of Victorian England and wrote 15 full-length novels, eight collections of poetry, and numerous minor works. Meredith is best known for powerful imagery, brilliant psychological insights, and carefully chosen diction. His works include The Ordeal of Richard Feverel, The Egoist, The Adventures of Harry Richmond, and Diana of the Crossways. His last collection of poems A Reading of Life, with Other Poems was published in 1901. In 1905 he was awarded the Order of Merit. He died on May 18, 1909.