Far from the Madding Crowd
(Author) Thomas HardyPart of Penguin's beautiful hardback Clothbound Classics series, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith, these delectable and collectible editions are bound in high-quality colourful, tactile cloth with foil stamped into the design 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, 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. The first of his works set in Wessex, Hardy's novel of swiftpassion and slow courtship is imbued with his evocative descriptions of rural life and landscapes, and with unflinching honesty about sexual relationships.
Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet known for his novels set in the fictional county of Wessex, which explored themes of rural life, social class, and the changing landscape of England. Some of his most notable works include "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," "Far from the Madding Crowd," and "The Mayor of Casterbridge."
Hardy's writing style is characterized by his use of natural imagery, detailed descriptions of the English countryside, and his exploration of the complexities of human relationships. His works often challenge Victorian moral conventions and highlight the struggles of ordinary people in a rapidly changing society.
Hardy's contributions to literature include his innovative use of symbolism, his exploration of the impact of modernization on rural communities, and his portrayal of strong, independent female characters. His novels have had a lasting impact on the literary genre of the English novel, influencing later writers such as D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf.
One of Hardy's most famous works is "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," which tells the tragic story of a young woman who is betrayed by the social expectations of her time. This novel is considered a classic of English literature and continues to be studied and admired for its powerful storytelling and social commentary.