Showing results by author "Thomas Hardy" in All Categories

Thomas Hardys Far from the Madding Crowd (1874) is a captivating exploration of English rural life, infused with the authors signature touch for tragedy. Originally published anonymously as a monthly magazine serial, it quickly garnered both a devoted readership and critical acclaim. Virginia Woolf praised it as a masterpiece, noting the perfect blend of character and setting that brings to life the essence of its time. This novel is often seen as an early work of feminist literature, featuring the strong-willed Bathsheba Everdene, who defies societal norms by running her own farm. While her ...

In a moment of reckless abandon fueled by alcohol, Michael Henchard makes the shocking decision to sell his wife and infant daughter to the highest bidder at a local fair. Haunted by his actions, he vows to give up drinking and rebuild his life. Eighteen years later, just as he has achieved success and become the esteemed Mayor of Casterbridge, fate intervenes when his wife and daughter return, forcing him to confront the past and the choices that shaped his destiny. - Summary by Alisson Veldhuis

In a moment of frustration and intoxication, a wayward farm-worker makes a life-altering decision by selling his wife and child to a stranger. This marks the beginning of The Mayor of Casterbridge, a poignant tale set against the backdrop of rural England in the mid-1800s. Hardy referred to this narrative as the story of a man of character, and the protagonist, Michael Henchard, stands out as one of the most compelling figures in English literature. Henchards complex personality and his tragic flaws mirror the essence of a Greek or Shakespearean hero—his fierce determination matched only by ...

In 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. Hardy’s powerful and sympathetic study of the heroic but deeply flawed Henchard is also an intensely dramatic work.

An exceptional collection of strange and uncanny tales which cast various slants on that most grisly of events, the execution.

When a stranger turns up at Shepherd Fennel's party, held in honour of his daughter's christening, he is welcomed and treated to home-brewed mead, a pipe and tobacco and a seat by the fire. When a second, altogether more sinister stranger arrives, he too is welcomed, although he makes rather too free with the host's liquor and sings a song revealing his terrible secret. When a third stranger arrives in the midst of the second stranger's song and taking one look into the room, flees in terror, the guests are mystified.

A collection of six classic chilling horror stories including "The Three Strangers", "The Phantom Coach", "The Open Window", and "The Travellers Story of a Terribly Strange Bed".

Delve into the world of Thomas Hardys Far From The Madding Crowd, his fourth novel that intricately weaves together the lives of five unforgettable characters Gabriel Oak, Bathsheba Everdene, Mr. Boldwood, Sgt. Troy, and Fanny Robin. This compelling narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and the inevitability of death, all portrayed in Hardys masterful prose. The vivid imagery of both character and nature brings the story to life, while Hardys innovative use of the Greek chorus adds a unique blend of humor and momentum to the plot. Join us on this literary journey, beautifully ...

In Laodicean, we meet Paula Power, a woman whose religious beliefs are as lukewarm as her namesake. Determined to breathe new life into the ancient De Stancy castle she has purchased, Paula connects the historic site to modern technology, including the telegraph, which she utilizes throughout her journey. Enter George Somerset, a young architect vying for the chance to restore the castle and who quickly finds himself captivated by Paula. However, complications arise when the aristocratic family’s scheming brother, along with his nefarious illegitimate son, sets his sights on winning Paulas ...

Dive into the world of The Woodlanders, one of Thomas Hardys later masterpieces, originally envisioned as a follow-up to Far From The Madding Crowd. This poignant tale explores the intertwined lives and romantic entanglements of Giles Winterborne, Grace Melbury, Edred Fitzpiers, Felice Charmond, and Marty South. With themes of class, fidelity, and loyalty, Hardys lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of the enchanting woodlands of Hintock.

Tess of the dUrbervilles, subtitled A Pure Woman, follows the poignant journey of Tess Durbeyfield, a young working-class woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when her father urges her to seek out her wealthy relatives. Her fateful encounter with the charming yet dangerous Alec dUrberville sets off a chain of events that lead to unforeseen consequences, ultimately sealing her tragic destiny. (Summary by Alisson Veldhuis) Files edited by TriciaG & Cody Russell

Set in the quaint woodland village of Little Hintock, Woodlanders follows the heartfelt journey of Giles Winterborne, a dedicated woodsman who yearns to marry his childhood love, Grace Melbury. Despite their informal betrothal, Graces father has invested heavily in her education and now believes that Giles is unworthy of her. Thomas Hardys The Woodlanders delves into complex themes of love, societal expectations, and moral dilemmas, marking a pivotal moment in his literary career as he boldly explores the intricacies of sex, attraction, and the challenges of unconventional relationships.

In Two On A Tower, we delve into the poignant tale of two star-crossed lovers the youthful amateur astronomer Swithin St. Cleeve and the disenchanted Viviette Constantine, a woman several years his senior, trapped in an unfulfilling marriage. Each night, Swithin ascends the ancient tower nestled within the grounds of the Constantine estate, where Lady Constantine joins him in his celestial pursuits. As she encourages his astronomical dreams by providing him with the necessary equipment, their bond deepens, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns. This beautifully woven narrative ...

Dive into the fascinating world of our county families, where seemingly dry genealogical charts come to life with rich stories and hidden dramas. With just a hint of tradition and whispers of the past, these pedigrees transform from mere facts into captivating tales full of intrigue and emotion. Most of the stories that follow have been crafted from these once-barren records, revealing the vibrant histories that lie beneath the surface.

The Essential Classics: Volume 3 brings together 5 of the greatest classics ever written, perfectly read by an esteemed cast including Lucy Scott, Kristin Atherton, Peter Noble, Robert G. Slade, and Olivia Dowd. Spanning British, German, and American literature, this collection includes stories of the high seas in Moby Dick, small town comedy in Queen Lucia, as well love, honour, and betrayal in Far From the Madding Crowd, and more.

Thomas Hardys letzter und kontroversester Roman aus dem Jahr 1895 zeichnet ein erschütterndes Bild des viktorianischen Englands und seiner erstickenden sozialen Konventionen. Die Geschichte folgt Jude Fawley, einem ehrgeizigen jungen Steinmetz aus der Arbeiterklasse, der davon träumt, an der Universität von Christminster zu studieren. Sein Streben nach Bildung und sozialer Mobilität wird jedoch durch Klassenbarrieren, gesellschaftliche Vorurteile und schicksalhafte Wendungen immer wieder vereitelt.

"A Pair of Blue Eyes" is a compelling tale of love, loss, and regret set in the rugged landscapes of Cornwall. This novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the tragic consequences that arise from the choices we make. With vivid descriptions and unforgettable characters, Thomas Hardy invites the listener on a journey of self-discovery and emotional depth.

Tout en exerçant son métier de maçon, Jude Fawley rêve d'une vie meilleure et s'acharne à acquérir le savoir et la culture. La passion qui naît en lui pour sa cousine Sue, mariée à un maître d'école, va lui faire entrevoir d'autres horizons de bonheur et les conduire tous deux à la perdition.

"A Pair of Blue Eyes" (1873) is a novel by Thomas Hardy. The book describes the love triangle of a young woman, and her two suitors from very different backgrounds. One is a socially inferior but ambitious young man who adores her and with whom she shares a country background. The other is the respectable, established, older man who represents London society. Although the two are friends, the older is not aware of the younger's previous liaison with her.

Tess Derbyfield växer upp i fattigdom på en bondgård. Hon är vacker och troskyldig så när hennes pappa skickar iväg henne till den välbärgade släkten d'Urberville anar hon inget ont, trots de lystna blickar hon får av adelsfamiljens son, Alec d'Urberville. Senare i sitt liv tar Tess anställning som mjölkerska och faller då handlöst för den blivande missionären Angel Clare. Tess vill gifta sig med Angel, men det förflutna plågar henne. I originalöversättning av Karin Wenström.