The moving, humane tragedy of a deeply flawed and self-destructive man, The Mayor of Casterbridge is the story of Michael Henchard, who sells his wife and baby daughter at a country fair in a fit of drunken anger.
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.
Collins Classics: Selected Novels of Thomas Hardy
- 1440 pages
- 51 hours of reading
The volume includes five of Hardy's best-loved novels, Under the Greenwood Tree, Far from the Madding crowd, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, and Hardy's own favourite The Woodlanders.These much loved novels demonstrate the full range and power of Hardy's greatest fiction, including tragic heroes and heroines such as Michael Henchard and Tess, the bittersweet romance of Bathsheba and her lovers, and Hardy's matchless evocation of the shifting patterns of English rural life.
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
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?
The setting is gentler than in some of Hardy's novels, but the story is similar - thwarted love and ruined lives.
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.
STAGE 3 - 1000 headwords | B1 | Preliminary | Classic A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented” The story, set in a poor rural area of England in the 19th century, centres around Tess Durbeyfield, a sweet, innocent, country girl who is a victim of fate and her own beauty. When her lazy father finds out that his ancestors were the noble d’Urberville family, he dreams of winning back this glory for his own family. Tess, 16 years old at the start of the story and the eldest of seven children, is pushed by her parents to go and work for Alec d’Urberville who will change Tess’s life in a dramatic way. In the middle of the chaos caused by Alec d’Urberville, Tess meets Angel Clare. Will he love her forever as he promises, without judging her for her past? Or will Alec d’Urberville become her master? Read and find out. Syllabus Grammar and structures Present simple and continuous, past simple and continuous, present and past perfect simple. Future with go-ing to and will. Passive forms. Modal verbs. Verb + infinitive, verb + ing. Phrasal verbs. First and second condi- tional. Comparatives and superlatives. In this Reader you will find: Information about Thomas Hardy and his times | Focus on section about Stonehenge | Glossary of difficult words | Comprehension and extension activities including B1 Preliminary style activities Tags Classic literature | Relationships | Fate | Judgement
