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.
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.
The phrase `life's little ironies' is now proverbial, but it was coined by Hardy as the title for this, his third volume of short stories. While the tales and sketches reflect many of the strengths and themes of the great novels, they are powerful works in their own right. Unified by his quintessential irony, strong visual sense, and engaging characters, they deal with the tragic and the humorous, the metaphysical and the magical. The collection displays the whole range of Hardy's art as a writer of fiction, from fantasy to uncompromising realism, and from the loving re-creation of a vanished rural world to the repressions of fin-de-siecle bourgeois life.
Young Tess Durbeyfield attempts to restore her family's fortunes by claiming their connection with the aristocratic d'Urbervilles. But Alec d'Urberville is a rich wastrel who seduces her and makes her life miserable. When Tess meets Angel Clare, she is offered true love and happiness, buther past catches up with her and she faces an agonizing moral choice.Hardy's indictment of society's double standards, and his depiction of Tess as "a pure woman," caused controversy in his day and has held the imagination of readers ever since. Hardy thought it his finest novel, and Tess the most deeply felt character he ever created. This unique critical textis taken from the authoritative Clarendon edition, which is based on the manuscript collated with all Hardy's subsequent revisions.
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.
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?
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.