Under the influence of rum, Michael Henchard sells his wife and daughter to a sailor. Years later, the widowed wife returns to find her husband the Mayor of Casterbridge.
Thomas Hardy Books
June 2, 1840 – January 11, 1928
Thomas Hardy was an English author renowned for his novels, though he considered himself primarily a poet. His works, largely set in the semi-fictional region of Wessex, often explore characters battling their passions and circumstances. Hardy's poetry, published later in his life, has garnered acclaim comparable to his novels. He is also noted for popularizing the literary device of the 'cliffhanger,' which he literally employed in one of his novels.
Tales of Folk Horror
- 148 pages
- 6 hours of reading
This collection presents five classic horror stories that delve into themes of unsettling dread and the unknown. Each tale, from Grant Allen's eerie "Pallinghurst Barrow" to H.P. Lovecraft's chilling "The Very Old Folk," explores the darker aspects of human experience. Notable works like Arthur Machen's "The Great God Pan" and Thomas Hardy's "The Withered Arm" contribute to an atmosphere of suspense and terror, ensuring a sleepless night for readers seeking the macabre.
Omnibus
- 1136 pages
- 40 hours of reading
Five novels are augmented by a biographical introduction and enhanced with contemporary photographs of the Wessex landscape
A portrayal of a picturesque rural society, tinged with gentle humour and irony, it is Hardy's most bright, confident and optimistic novel.
Tess of the d'Urbervilles
- 384 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Story of Tess Durbeyfield, the daughter of a poor and dissipated villager.
Satires of Circumstance: Lyrics & Reveries with Miscellaneous Pieces
- 120 pages
- 5 hours of reading
This poetic collection reveals Thomas Hardy's lyrical prowess and deep contemplation of the human condition. Published in the early 20th century, it highlights his versatility as a writer, showcasing a seamless transition from prose fiction to verse. The anthology features a blend of satirical elements and reflective pieces, offering readers insight into Hardy's thoughts and emotions during a transformative era in literature.
This work comprises a collection of the poetic works of Thomas Hardy. Hardy's poetry spanned over 50 years from the last half of the 19th century to the period after World War I, and ranges from pessimistic works to those which were witty and fanciful.
Level 5: The Mayor of Casterbridge
- 108 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Classic / British EnglishMichael Henchard is a wealthy and respected man, but he has a terrible secret. Twenty years ago, when he was unemployed and penniless, he sold his wife to a sailor. Now she is looking for him again. Why? And what will happen when she finds him?
Time's Laughingst Ocks, And Other Verses
- 172 pages
- 7 hours of reading
This poetry collection features Thomas Hardy's reflections on life's transience and the human experience, capturing societal changes of his era. The verses explore themes of love, loss, and complex relationships, providing an intimate look at the emotional landscape of humanity. Hardy's elegant language and introspective tone highlight his poetic craftsmanship, offering profound contemplation of existence's challenges. This anthology stands as a significant contribution to English literature and poetry, resonating with timeless relevance.
With unfailing honesty and lyrical writing, Thomas Hardy captured his heroes' intimate relationship with the natural and social environment. Here are three of his finest works, uncut. "Tess of the Durbervilles" tells the tragic tale of a poor girl's coming of age and traumatic relationships with two men. Michael Henchard, in "The Mayor of Casterbridge," reaches the pinnacles of power-only to lose everything. Set in Hardy's beloved Wessex, "Far From the Madding Crowd" centers on Bathsheba Everdene and the men who love her.
