Bücher von Thomas Hardy

With an essay by Ronald Blythe.'I cannot allow any man to - to criticise my private conduct!' she exclaimed. 'Nor will I for a minute.'Hardy's powerful novel of swift sexual passion and slow-burning loyalty centres on Bathsheba Everdene, a proud working woman whose life is complicated by three different men - respectable farmer Boldwood, seductive Sergeant Troy and devoted Gabriel - making her the object of scandal and betrayal. Vividly portraying the superstitions and traditions of a small rural community, Far from the Madding Crowd shows the precarious position of a woman in a man's world.The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.

Penguin Classics presents Thomas Hardys moving epic Tess of the DUrbervilles, available as an abridged downloadable audiobook read by Eleanor Bron. When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy DUrbervilles and seek a portion of their family fortune, meeting her cousin Alec proves to be her downfall. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer her love and salvation, but Tess must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent in the hope of a peaceful future. With its sensitive depiction of the wronged Tess and powerful criticism of social convention, Tess of the DUrbervilles is one of the most moving and poetic of Hardys novels.

Each volume in the Collector's Library series has a specially commissioned Afterword, brief biography of the author and a further reading list. The Afterword is by leading UK playwright, novelist and eminent Sherlockian, David Stuart Davies.

"Desperate Remedies" is one of Thomas Hardy's first works. The book belongs to the sensation novel genre, which gained popularity in the Victorian era and included dramatic and suspenseful plotlines mixed with themes of romance and melodrama. Cytherea Graye, the main character, and her brother Owen are at the centre of the narrative. Following their parents' unexpected deaths, Owen and Cytherea are having financial difficulties. They relocate to Budmouth, a thriving town, where Cytherea works as a governess. When architect Edward Springrove develops feelings for Cytherea, the storyline takes a turn. But after a misunderstanding, Edward proposes to a different woman. Aeneas Manston, a mysterious and wealthy guy, appears in the story as it is being told. He takes a liking to Cytherea and hires her to keep his wife company. But as secrets are divulged and characters' pasts resurface, the book takes a darker turn. The film "Desperate Remedies" delves into topics of love, treachery, and conformity to social norms. Hardy experiments with several storytelling forms and approaches in the book, setting the stage for his later, more well-known works.

"Wessex Poems and Other Verses" is a collection of poetry by the English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy. Published in 1898, the collection features a selection of Hardy's poems that reflect his deep connection to the landscape, people, and traditions of the fictional region of Wessex, which encompasses parts of southwestern England.Key features of "Wessex Poems and Other Verses" include:1. **Regionalism:** The poems in this collection often celebrate the local landscapes, traditions, and dialects of Wessex, a region that became central to many of Hardy's novels and poems.2. **Nature and the Past:** Hardy's poetry frequently explores the relationship between humans and nature, often with a sense of nostalgia for a vanishing rural way of life.3. **Melancholy and Fatalism:** Many of Hardy's poems carry a sense of melancholy and fatalism, reflecting his deep contemplation of the human condition and the inevitability of change.4. **Reflections on Love and Loss:** Hardy, known for his novels exploring tragic love stories, also delves into themes of love and loss in his poetry, presenting a nuanced and sometimes somber perspective on relationships.5. **Symbolism and Imagery:** Hardy employs rich symbolism and vivid imagery in his poetry, creating evocative and memorable scenes that capture the essence of Wessex.Notable poems within "Wessex Poems and Other Verses" include "The Going," "The Darkling Thrush," and "The Voice." The collection is recognized for its contribution to regionalist literature and its influence on the landscape-oriented poetry of the early 20th century.

"Time's Laughingstocks" is a poem by Thomas Hardy that explores the themes of time, love, and the inexorable march of life. Hardy, known for his poignant and reflective poetry, uses this piece to contemplate the transient nature of human existence.The title "Time's Laughingstocks" suggests a sense of mockery or derision from time towards human endeavors. The poem likely delves into the idea that time is indifferent to human joys and sorrows, and it continues to progress regardless of our experiences.Hardy often grapples with the inevitability of change and the impact of time on relationships and emotions. In "Time's Laughingstocks," readers can expect the poet's characteristic use of language and imagery to evoke a contemplative mood, inviting reflection on the complexities of the human experience in the face of an indifferent and ever-moving time.

"Time's Laughingstocks and Other Verses" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of poems that showcases the renowned English author's poetic prowess. In this anthology, Hardy explores a diverse range of themes, including love, nature, time, and the human condition. The title poem, "Time's Laughingstocks," is emblematic of Hardy's keen sense of irony and his contemplative perspective on the passage of time.Throughout the collection, readers can expect Hardy's characteristic use of vivid imagery, poignant reflections, and a deep engagement with the complexities of life. The verses may reveal Hardy's philosophical musings on fate, mortality, and the inevitability of change."Time's Laughingstocks and Other Verses" adds another dimension to Thomas Hardy's literary legacy, showcasing his ability to convey profound emotions and observations through the medium of poetry. It remains a valuable collection for those appreciative of Hardy's prose and poetry alike.

""Two on a Tower"" is a novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1882. The story is set in the late 19th century and follows the lives of two characters, Lady Constantine and Swithin St. Cleeve. Lady Constantine is a wealthy widow who lives in a grand estate called Welland House, while Swithin is a young astronomer who lives in a nearby cottage. Despite their different backgrounds, the two become romantically involved and begin a secret relationship.Their love affair is complicated by societal expectations and the class divide between them. Lady Constantine is expected to marry someone of her own social status, while Swithin is seen as beneath her. Additionally, Swithin's passion for astronomy takes him away from Lady Constantine for long periods of time, causing tension in their relationship.As the story progresses, the two must navigate their feelings for each other and the challenges of their circumstances. They also face unexpected obstacles, including the interference of Lady Constantine's family and a tragic accident that threatens to tear them apart.""Two on a Tower"" is a poignant exploration of love, class, and the struggle to find happiness in a world that often seems determined to keep people apart. Hardy's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the English countryside make this novel a timeless classic of English literature.All night the astronomer's mind was on the stretch with curiosity as to what the Bishop could wish to say to him. A dozen conjectures entered his brain, to be abandoned in turn as unlikely. That which finally seemed the most plausible was that the Bishop, having become interested in his pursuits, and entertaining friendly recollections of his father, was going to ask if he could do anything to help him on in the profession he had chosen.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

""The Hand of Ethelberta"" is a novel by Thomas Hardy that was first published in 1876. The story follows the life of Ethelberta, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who is forced to make her own way in the world after the death of her father. Despite her humble beginnings, Ethelberta is determined to rise above her circumstances and become a lady of means.To achieve her goals, Ethelberta uses her wit and charm to win the hearts of several wealthy suitors, including the handsome and wealthy Lord Mountclere. However, Ethelberta's plans are complicated when she falls in love with a poor but talented musician named Christopher Julian.As Ethelberta struggles to navigate the complex social and romantic relationships in her life, she must also confront the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated society. Along the way, she must make difficult choices about love, loyalty, and personal ambition.""The Hand of Ethelberta"" is a compelling tale of love, ambition, and social class that showcases Hardy's skill as a storyteller and his keen observations of human nature. It is a must-read for fans of Victorian literature and anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.Perhaps not. And when a man checks all a woman's finer sentiments towards him by marrying her, it is only natural that it should find a vent somewhere. However, she probably does not know of my downfall since father's death. I hardly think she would have cared to do it had she known that.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

The Mayor of Casterbridge: The Life and Death of a Man of Character is an 1886 novel by the English author Thomas Hardy. One of Hardy's Wessex novels, it is set in a fictional rural England with Casterbridge standing in for Dorchester in Dorset where the author spent his youth. It was first published as a weekly serialisation from January 1886.The novel is considered to be one of Hardy's masterpieces, although it has been criticised for incorporating too many incidents, a consequence of the author trying to include something in every weekly published instalment. (wikipedia.org)

The Hand of Ethelberta: A Comedy in Chapters is a novel by Thomas Hardy, published in 1876. It was written, in serial form, for The Cornhill Magazine, which was edited by Leslie Stephen, a friend and mentor of Hardy's. Unlike the majority of Hardy's fiction, the novel is a comedy, with both humour and a happy ending for the major characters and no suicides or tragic deaths. The late nineteenth century novelist George Gissing, who knew Hardy, considered it "surely old Hardy's poorest book". It was adapted for BBC Radio 4 by Katherine Jakeways. The one-hour play was released just before International Women's Day 2021, as part of a series on Hardy's women. (wikipedia.org)

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Two on a Tower: A Romance (1882) is a novel by English author Thomas Hardy, classified by him as a romance and fantasy it is one of his minor works. The book is one of Hardy's Wessex novels, set in late Victorian Dorset. Because the book defied the social norms of the day, upon release the book was called shocking, repulsive, and one critic called it Hardy's "worst yet." Hardy's biographer, Claire Tomalin, says Hardy was "writing for serialization, which drove him to pack in far too much plot," and he wrote too fast "without time to think or reconsider."Hardy wrote in a letter to Edmund Gosse on 10 Dec 1882, "I get most extraordinary criticisms of T. on a T. Eminent critics write & tell me in private that it is the most original thing I have done...while other eminent critics (I wonder if they are the same) print the most cutting rebukes you can conceive-show me (to my amazement) that I am quite an immoral person..." (wikipedia.org)

The Trumpet-Major is a novel by Thomas Hardy published in 1880, and his only historical novel, and Hardy included it with his "romances and fantasies". It concerns the heroine, Anne Garland, being pursued by three suitors: John Loveday, the eponymous trumpet major in a British regiment, honest and loyal; his brother Bob, a flighty sailor; and Festus Derriman, the cowardly nephew of the local squire. Unusually for a Hardy novel, the ending is not entirely tragic; however, there remains an ominous element in the probable fate of one of the main characters.The novel is set in Weymouth during the Napoleonic wars; the town was then anxious about the possibility of invasion by Napoleon. Of the two brothers, John fights with Wellington in the Peninsular War, and Bob serves with Nelson at Trafalgar. The Napoleonic Wars was a setting that Hardy would use again in his play, The Dynasts, and it borrows from the same source material.Edward Neill has called the novel an attempt to repeat the success of his earlier work Far from the Madding Crowd (1874), after the limited success of his intervening works. The novel originally appeared in 1880 in the Evangelical serial Good Words (January-December) with 33 illustrations by John Collier. The three-volume first edition was published in October 1880. (wikipedia.org)

The Return of the Native is Thomas Hardy's sixth published novel. It first appeared in the magazine Belgravia, a publication known for its sensationalism, and was presented in twelve monthly installments from January to December 1878. Because of the novel's controversial themes, Hardy had some difficulty finding a publisher; reviews, however, though somewhat mixed, were generally positive. In the twentieth century, The Return of the Native became one of Hardy's most popular and highly regarded novels. With its deeply flawed heroine and its (for the time) open acknowledgement of illicit sexual relationships, The Return of the Native raised some eyebrows when it first appeared as a serial in Victorian Britain. Although he intended to structure the novel into five books, thus mirroring the classical tragic format, Hardy submitted to the tastes of the serial-reading public sufficiently to tack on a happy ending for Diggory Venn and Thomasin in a sixth book, Aftercourses. In Hardy's original conception, Venn retains his weird reddleman's character, while Thomasin lives out her days as a widow.Hardy's choice of themes-sexual politics, thwarted desire, and the conflicting demands of nature and society-makes this a truly modern novel. Underlying these modern themes, however, is a classical sense of tragedy: Hardy scrupulously observes the three unities of time, place, and action and suggests that the struggles of those trying to escape their destinies will only hasten their destruction. To emphasise this main part he uses as setting an ancient heath steeped in pre-Christian history and supplies a Chorus consisting of Grandfer Cantle, Timothy Fairway, and the rest of the heathfolk. Eustacia, who manipulates fate in hopes of leaving Egdon Heath for a larger existence in Paris, instead becomes an eternal resident when she drowns in Shadwater Weir; Wildeve shares not only Eustacia's dream of escape, but also her fate; and Clym, the would-be educational reformer, survives the Weir but lives on as a lonely, remorseful man.Some critics-notably D. H. Lawrence-see the novel as a study of the way communities control their misfits. In Egdon Heath, most people (particularly the women) look askance at the proud, unconventional Eustacia. Mrs. Yeobright considers her too odd and unreliable to be a suitable bride for her son, and Susan Nunsuch, who frankly believes her to be a witch, tries to protect her children from Eustacia's supposedly baleful influence by stabbing her with a stocking pin and later burning her in effigy. Clym at first laughs at such superstitions, but later embraces the majority opinion when he rejects his wife as a murderer and adulteress. In this view, Eustacia dies because she has internalised the community's values to the extent that, unable to escape Egdon without confirming her status as a fallen woman, she chooses suicide. She thereby ends her sorrows while at the same time-by drowning in the weir like any woman instead of floating, witchlike-she proves her essential innocence to the community. (wikipedia.org)

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.The novel is set in Thomas Hardy's Wessex in rural southwest England, as had been his earlier Under the Greenwood Tree. It deals in themes of love, honour and betrayal, against a backdrop of the seemingly idyllic, but often harsh, realities of a farming community in Victorian England. It describes the life and relationships of Bathsheba Everdene with her lonely neighbour William Boldwood, the faithful shepherd Gabriel Oak, and the thriftless soldier Sergeant Troy.On publication, critical notices were plentiful and mostly positive. Hardy revised the text extensively for the 1895 edition and made further changes for the 1901 edition.The novel has an enduring legacy. In 2003, the novel was listed at number 48 on the BBC's survey The Big Read, while in 2007, it was ranked 10th on The Guardian's list of greatest love stories of all time. The novel has also been dramatised several times, notably in the Oscar-nominated 1967 film directed by John Schlesinger. (wikipedia.org)

A Pair of Blue Eyes is a novel by Thomas Hardy, published in 1873, first serialised between September 1872 and July 1873. It was Hardy's third published novel, and the first not published anonymously upon its first publication. Hardy included it with his "romances and fantasies". A Pair of Blue Eyes normally is categorised as one of Hardy's minor works, "a book with a few good points but a failure as a whole". Like Desperate Remedies, it contains melodramatic scenes that appear disconnected from the characters and plot.A focus of critical interest of the novel is the scene in which Henry Knight reviews the entire history of the world as he hangs over the edge of a cliff (reputedly the origin of the term "cliffhanger"), and eventually is rescued by a rope of Elfride's underwear. Carl J. Weber sources the scene to a picnic Hardy and his wife had, in which he was sent to search for a lost earring, claiming this passage is the "first indication in the novels of Hardy's ability to sustain interest in a tense situation by sheer power of vivid description." On the other hand, Millgate claims the scene forms part of the "irrelevant" description suited to the "rag-bag" of a novel. For Jean Brooks, the scene is "macabre" and an illustration of "cosmic indifference", also highlighting the comic in the rescue.However, Gittings and Halperin claim it is more likely the idea for this scene comes from an essay by Leslie Stephen titled "Five minutes in the Alps". The "cliff without a name", as it is referred to, is probably based on Beeny Cliff. (wikipedia.org)

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Das Meisterwerk der englischen Literatur Kaum ein viktorianischer Roman ist lebendiger und raffinierter als Thomas Hardys Bürgermeister von Casterbridge . Geschildert wird der Aufstieg und selbstverschuldete Niedergang eines einzelnen »Mannes mit Charakter«: Der Heubinder Michael Henchard gibt sich auf einem Volksfest dem Alkohol hin und versteigert seine Frau und seine Tochter an einen Seemann. Erst als er wieder nüchtern wird, erkennt er seinen Fehler und beschließt, keinen Alkohol mehr zu trinken. Im Laufe der Jahre bringt er es bis zum Bürgermeister und erfolgreichen Getreidehändler, doch die Vergangenheit lässt sich nicht ungeschehen machen ... Mit einer kompakten Biographie des Autors.

"The Mayor of Casterbridge," penned by the literary master Thomas Hardy, stands as a compelling and tragic exploration of one man's tumultuous journey through the twists of fate. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the fictional Wessex, the novel unfolds with an air of inevitability, weaving a tale that delves deep into the complexities of human character, societal expectations, and the relentless march of time.At its heart, the narrative revolves around Michael Henchard, a man whose life takes an irrevocable turn on a fateful night in a fit of drunken impulsivity. In a moment of perceived levity, Henchard auctions off his wife, Susan, and their young daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, to the highest bidder at a local fair. This shocking and morally reprehensible act sets the stage for the inexorable tragedies that befall him and those entwined in the tapestry of his existence.The character of Henchard is a study in contradictions-a man driven by pride, haunted by remorse, and forever grappling with the consequences of his impulsive actions. Rising from humble beginnings, Henchard ascends to the position of Mayor of the town of Casterbridge, a title that becomes both a testament to his ambition and a harbinger of his ultimate downfall. Hardy deftly crafts Henchard as a complex and flawed protagonist, inviting readers to both empathize with his struggles and recoil from the moral abyss into which he descends.The novel's exploration of love and relationships is equally poignant. Susan, the wife auctioned off by Henchard, embodies resilience in the face of adversity, while Elizabeth-Jane, the daughter unwittingly traded in the marketplace of familial bonds, grapples with her own identity and sense of belonging. As the plot unfolds, romantic entanglements and the complexities of human connection are explored with a depth that adds layers of emotional richness to the narrative.Casterbridge itself emerges as a vivid and dynamic backdrop-a town pulsating with life, aspirations, and the whispers of its own history. Hardy's meticulous attention to detail paints a canvas that captures the essence of rural England, from the bustling marketplace to the serene countryside. The ebb and flow of life in Casterbridge become inseparable from the destinies of its inhabitants, serving as both witness and accomplice to the unfolding drama.Throughout the novel, Hardy weaves a tapestry of themes that transcend time and place. The inexorable influence of fate, the inescapable consequences of one's actions, and the intricate dance between societal expectations and individual desires are expertly explored. The Mayor of Casterbridge, while rooted in its Victorian milieu, resonates with universal truths that continue to captivate readers across generations.As the narrative hurtles toward its tragic climax, "The Mayor of Casterbridge" remains a testament to Thomas Hardy's narrative prowess. The novel's power lies not only in its vivid characters and evocative setting but also in its unflinching examination of the human condition. Hardy, with his keen understanding of the human psyche, invites readers to confront the complexities of morality, redemption, and the relentless march of time-a literary journey that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

"Life is an oasis which is submerged in the swirling waves of sorrows."Published in 1886, The Mayor of Casterbridge is one of Thomas Hardy's famous Wessex novels. The novel depicts the life of a hay trusser, Michael Henchard, who auctions his wife and baby girl to a sailor in a drunken state.Nineteen years later, Henchard establishes himself as the mayor of Casterbridge but the deplorable truth of his erstwhile life lies buried in his heart. His past revisits him when his wife and daughter return to Casterbridge.A tragic account of a deceptive man, this novel is considered to be a masterpiece of Hardy's deeply imagined dramatic works.

""Times Laughingstocks, and Other Verses"" is a collection of poetry written by Thomas Hardy, the renowned English novelist and poet, and was first published in 1909. This anthology encapsulates Hardy's poignant reflections on the transient nature of life, the human experience, and the societal changes of his time. Through his evocative and lyrical verses, Hardy delves into themes such as love, loss, the passage of time, and the complexities of human relationships, offering readers a profound and intimate glimpse into the emotional landscape of the human condition. ""Times Laughingstocks, and Other Verses"" showcases Hardy's poetic craftsmanship, characterized by its elegant language, introspective tone, and profound contemplation of the vicissitudes of existence, making it a timeless and enduring contribution to the world of English literature and poetry.

""Under the Greenwood Tree; Or, The Mellstock Quire"" is a pastoral novel written by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1872. Set in the idyllic English countryside, the story revolves around the rustic lives of the members of the Mellstock parish choir and their interactions with the changing social and cultural landscape of the Victorian era. Hardy's rich and descriptive prose captures the essence of rural life, depicting the customs, traditions, and romantic entanglements of the characters. The novel exudes a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, exploring themes of love, courtship, and the impact of modernity on traditional village life. Through its portrayal of the gentle rhythms of rural existence and the emotional complexities of its characters, ""Under the Greenwood Tree"" remains a timeless depiction of pastoral charm and the human experience within a close-knit community.

"Two on a Tower" by Thomas Hardy is a novel set in Victorian England that tells the story of Lady Constantine and Swithin St. Cleeve. Their passionate and forbidden love, rooted in their shared interest in astronomy, defies societal norms and leads to a series of challenges and consequences as they navigate the complexities of their relationship in a rigid society.

In The Mayor of Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy transports readers to the bucolic world of Wessex, where a moment of drunken recklessness irrevocably alters the life of Michael Henchard, an ambitious and proud man. Haunted by the impulsive decision to sell his wife and daughter at a country fair, Henchard's quest for redemption is fraught with hardship, betrayal, and the relentless workings of fate.Years later, when his wife and daughter unexpectedly return to Casterbridge, Henchard must face the consequences of his past actions and attempt to rebuild his life. As he grapples with love, rivalry, and the weight of his own ambition, the rise and fall of Henchard's fortunes are inextricably linked to the ever-changing landscape of rural England.The Mayor of Casterbridge is a powerful tale of a man's struggle against the inexorable forces of destiny and the unforgiving nature of human pride. With his remarkable ability to create unforgettable characters and vividly evoke the beauty and tragedy of the English countryside, Hardy weaves a compelling story of love, loss, and redemption that will linger in readers' hearts long after the final page.