George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, an English novelist, poet, journalist, translator and one of the leading writers of the Victorian era. She is best known for her novel 'Silas Marner', which was published in 1861. The novel tells the story of a weaver who is betrayed by his community and finds solace in the love of a young girl. Eliot's work is noted for its realism and psychological insight.