Most Popular Books by Thomas Hardy

One of Hardy''s most powerful novels, "The Mayor of Casterbridge" opens with a shocking and haunting scene: In a drunken rage, Michael Henchard sells his wife and daughter to a visiting sailor at a local fair. When they return to Casterbridge some nineteen years later, Henchard--having gained power and success as the mayor--finds he cannot erase the past or the guilt that consumes him. "The Mayor of Casterbridge" is a rich, psychological novel about a man whose own flaws combine with fate to cause his ruin. This Modern Library Paperback Classic reprints the authoritative 1912 Wessex edition, as well as Hardy''s map of Wessex.

A strong woman who recklessly throws away her strength, she is worse than a weak woman who has never had any strength to throw away. - Thomas Hardy ; Tess of the d''UrbervillesTess of the d''Urbervilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented is a novel by Thomas Hardy. It initially appeared in a censored and serialised version, published by the British illustrated newspaper The Graphic in 1891, then in book form in three volumes in 1891, and as a single volume in 1892. Though now considered a major 19th-century English novel, even Hardy''s fictional masterpiece, Tess of the d''Urbervilles received mixed reviews when it first appeared, in part because it challenged the sexual morals of late Victorian England.

The Return of the Native - Thomas Hardy - One of Thomas Hardy''s most powerful works, The Return of the Native centers famously on Egdon Heath, the wild, haunted Wessex moor that D. H. Lawrence called ''the real stuff of tragedy.'' The heath''s changing face mirrors the fortunes of the farmers, inn-keepers, sons, mothers, and lovers who populate the novel. The ''native'' is Clym Yeobright, who comes home from a cosmopolitan life in Paris. He; his cousin Thomasin; her fiancé, Damon Wildeve; and the willful Eustacia Vye are the protagonists in a tale of doomed love, passion, alienation, and melancholy as Hardy brilliantly explores that theme so familiar throughout his fiction: the diabolical role of chance in determining the course of a life.

Two on a Tower Thomas Hardy - Two on a Tower is a novel by English author Thomas Hardy, classified by him as a romance and fantasy and now regarded as one of his minor works. The book is one of Hardy''s Wessex novels, set in a parallel version of late Victorian Dorset

"Tess of the d''Urbervilles: A Pure Woman" by Thomas Hardy is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that examines the complexities of fate, morality, and societal expectations. Set in rural England, the story follows Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman of humble origins who discovers that her family is descended from the once-great d''Urberville family. This revelation leads Tess to cross paths with Alec d''Urberville, a man whose actions will forever alter her life. The novel traces Tess’s struggles as she attempts to navigate a world that is often unkind to women, particularly those who, like her, are caught between their desires and the rigid moral codes of Victorian society. Hardy explores themes of innocence, purity, and social justice, highlighting how Tess''s choices are constrained by the oppressive structures around her. The novel portrays Tess as a tragic heroine, whose virtues are continuously tested by the harsh realities of her world. "Tess of the d''Urbervilles" is famous for its stark critique of Victorian morality and class distinctions, as well as its exploration of the consequences of social hypocrisy. Tess’s tragic journey is a reflection of Hardy’s belief in the power of fate and the inevitability of human suffering. The novel’s portrayal of Tess’s relationships—first with the manipulative Alec and later with the loving but ultimately distant Angel Clare—reflects the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. Hardy’s writing in "Tess of the d''Urbervilles" is both poetic and deeply realistic, with rich descriptions of the English countryside juxtaposed against the emotional turmoil of Tess’s life. The novel’s structure, which weaves together elements of tragedy and romance, creates a powerful narrative that grips the reader and evokes sympathy for Tess as she faces challenges beyond her control. Hardy’s exploration of Tess’s inner conflict and the societal forces that shape her fate is a timeless commentary on the human experience. At its core, "Tess of the d''Urbervilles" is a story about the struggle for personal autonomy in a world that is often indifferent to individual needs and desires. Hardy''s portrayal of Tess as a "pure woman" is a critique of the moral double standards that were prevalent in his time, particularly the way women were judged by a different set of criteria than men. Tess’s purity is both her greatest strength and her greatest vulnerability, as it leads her to make sacrifices and endure suffering in a society that punishes rather than rewards virtue. "Tess of the d''Urbervilles" remains one of Hardy’s most celebrated works, praised for its emotional depth, moral complexity, and its examination of the human condition. It is a compelling exploration of the interplay between fate and free will, and an enduring classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Hardy’s ability to weave universal themes of love, guilt, and redemption into a tale that is both tragic and beautiful makes this novel an essential read for anyone interested in the darker sides of human nature and the complexities of society''s moral expectations.

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was a celebrated English novelist and poet known for his profound exploration of human nature and social issues. His works, including "Tess of the d''Urbervilles", "Jude the Obscure", and "Far from the Madding Crowd," portrayed characters grappling with moral dilemmas in Victorian society. Hardy''s lyrical prose and honest depictions of human flaws have secured his place as a literary icon, with his works remaining influential and relevant to this day. Jude the Obscure is a renowned novel that explores ambition, love, and societal constraints in Victorian England. Follow the determined protagonist, Jude Fawley, as he confronts rigid social norms and grapples with the clash between personal aspirations and societal expectations. Hardy''s compelling storytelling and thought-provoking themes make this a captivating read.

Far From the Madding Crowd (1874) is Thomas Hardy''s fourth novel and his first major literary success. It originally appeared anonymously as a monthly serial in Cornhill Magazine, where it gained a wide readership. In Thomas Hardy''s first major literary success, independent and spirited Bathsheba Everdene has come to Weatherbury to take up her position as a farmer on the largest estate in the area. Her bold presence draws three very different suitors: the gentleman-farmer Boldwood, the soldier-seducer Sergeant Troy, and the devoted shepherd Gabriel Oak. Each, in contrasting ways, unsettles her decisions and complicates her life, and tragedy ensues, threatening the stability of the whole community. One of his first works set in the semi-fictional region of Wessex, Hardy''s novel of swift passion and slow courtship is imbued with his evocative descriptions of rural life and landscapes, and with unflinching honesty about sexual relationships.The novel was listed at number 48 on the BBC''s survey The Big Read in 2003. The book finished 10th on The Guardian''s list of greatest love stories of all time in 2007.The novel has been dramatised several times, notably in the Oscar-nominated 1967 film directed by John Schlesinger.

The four seasons of the Wessex year form the backdrop for the delightful romance of Dick Dewy and Fancy Day. The ups and downs of their courtship are set alongside the story of the rustics who form the church choir.

Tess of the d''Urbervilles , by Thomas Hardy, is a poignant exploration of fate, social hypocrisy, and the tragic consequences of rigid moral codes. The novel follows Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman of humble origins who discovers a connection to a noble lineage. Her journey, marked by hardship and societal judgment, unfolds against the backdrop of a Victorian England grappling with shifting values and enduring injustices. Through Tess''s experiences, Hardy critiques the harsh treatment of women and the double standards imposed by a patriarchal society. Since its publication, the novel has been acclaimed for its emotional depth and naturalistic portrayal of rural life. Hardy''s lyrical prose and powerful symbolism highlight the tension between individual agency and societal expectations. Tess emerges as a complex, dignified character whose suffering exposes the cruelty and indifference of the world around her. The novel''s lasting relevance lies in its examination of innocence, guilt, and the human cost of moral rigidity. Tess of the d''Urbervilles continues to resonate with readers for its unflinching portrayal of injustice and its profound empathy for those silenced by convention.

This classic novel tells the story of how the poor rural couple John and Joan Durbeyfield become convinced that they are descended from the ancient family of d’Urbervilles. They encourage their innocent daughter Tess to cement a connection with the d’Urberville family, including their unprincipled son Alec, with tragic consequences. “A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented,” as Hardy subtitled the novel, represented a direct challenge to conventional Victorian notions of sexuality and femininity. This is a revised, updated, and expanded Broadview edition that highlights a feminist interpretation of the novel in an extensive introduction. The range of historical appendices (including contemporary articles, letters, maps, news stories, and reviews) will greatly enhance a reader’s understanding of the text.

Hardy''s classic novel follows Bathsheba Everdene, a young woman with plenty of men trying to marry her. But she has a small problem: she doesn''t love them. It''s the story of love and scandal just as relevant today as it was over a hundred years ago. Far from the Madding Crowd has long been considered one of Hardy''s most successful and thematic works. This edition is annotated with a short biography about the life and times of Thomas Hardy. It also includes a plot summary.

Educated beyond her station, Grace Melbury returns to the woodland village of little Hintock and cannot marry her intended, Giles Winterborne. Her alternative choice proves disastrous, and in a moving tale that has vibrant characters, many humorous moments and genuine pathos coupled with tragic irony, Hardy eschews a happy ending.

Bathsheeba Everdene (the only girl in this, ahm, m nage quatre) has three suitors she must choose among: Gabriel Oak; wealthy, temperate, and middle-aged Farmer Boldwood; and Sergeant Francis Troy. And you know she picks the wrong one, don''t you? -- This is a Thomas Hardy novel, for God''s sake; things never work out right for anybody. But all the same, there''s a lot to be learned from the way fate finds the characters . . .

Thomas Hardy, OM, was an English author of the naturalist movement, although in several poems he displays elements of the previous romantic and enlightenment periods of literature, such as his fascination with the supernatural. He regarded himself primarily as a poet and composed novels mainly for financial gain. The bulk of his work, set mainly in the semi-fictional land of Wessex, delineates characters struggling against their passions and circumstancesIn a fit of drunken anger, Michael Henchard sells his wife and baby daughter for five guineas at a country fair. Over the course of the following years, he manages to establish himself as a respected and prosperous pillar of the community of Casterbridge, but behind his success there always lurk the shameful secret of his past and a personality prone to self-destructive pride and temper. Subtitled ''A Story of a Man of Character'', Hardy''s powerful and sympathetic study of the heroic but deeply flawed Henchard is also an intensely dramatic work, tragically played out against the vivid backdrop of a close-knit Dorsetshire town.

Featuring an appendix of discussion questions, this Diversion Classics edition is ideal for use in book groups and classrooms. A penniless orphan with dreams of becoming a scholar, Jude Fawley is instead thrust into a life of hard labor. Forced to abandon his passion and working as a mason in the shadow of the University he wishes to attend, he meets his true love, his cousin, Sue Bridehead. Trapped between their feelings for one another and a society that condemns the relationship, Jude and Sue’s hopes are painfully snuffed out. Thomas Hardy’s final complete novel is an unflinching look at a life choked by the strict morals of an oppressive age and a must-read take on the human condition.

Thomas Hardy, OM, was an English author of the naturalist movement, although in several poems he displays elements of the previous romantic and enlightenment periods of literature, such as his fascination with the supernatural. He regarded himself primarily as a poet and composed novels mainly for financial gain. The bulk of his work, set mainly in the semi-fictional land of Wessex, delineates characters struggling against their passions and circumstances

Elfride Swancourt was a girl whose emotions lay very near the surface. Their nature more precisely, and as modified by the creeping hours of time, was known only to those who watched the circumstances of her history. Personally, she was the combination of very interesting particulars, whose rarity, however, lay in the combination itself rather than in the individual elements combined. As a matter of fact, you did not see the form and substance of her features when conversing with her; and this charming power of preventing a material study of her lineaments by an interlocutor, originated not in the cloaking effect of a well-formed manner (for her manner was childish and scarcely formed), but in the attractive crudeness of the remarks themselves. She had lived all her life in retirement-the monstrari gigito of idle men had not flattered her, and at the age of nineteen or twenty she was no further on in social consciousness than an urban young lady of fifteen.