Showing results for "Thomas Hardy" in Politics & Social Sciences

In Laodicean, we meet Paula Power, a woman whose religious beliefs are as lukewarm as her namesake. Determined to breathe new life into the ancient De Stancy castle she has purchased, Paula connects the historic site to modern technology, including the telegraph, which she utilizes throughout her journey. Enter George Somerset, a young architect vying for the chance to restore the castle and who quickly finds himself captivated by Paula. However, complications arise when the aristocratic family’s scheming brother, along with his nefarious illegitimate son, sets his sights on winning Paulas ...

Dive into the world of The Woodlanders, one of Thomas Hardys later masterpieces, originally envisioned as a follow-up to Far From The Madding Crowd. This poignant tale explores the intertwined lives and romantic entanglements of Giles Winterborne, Grace Melbury, Edred Fitzpiers, Felice Charmond, and Marty South. With themes of class, fidelity, and loyalty, Hardys lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of the enchanting woodlands of Hintock.

Dive into the fascinating world of our county families, where seemingly dry genealogical charts come to life with rich stories and hidden dramas. With just a hint of tradition and whispers of the past, these pedigrees transform from mere facts into captivating tales full of intrigue and emotion. Most of the stories that follow have been crafted from these once-barren records, revealing the vibrant histories that lie beneath the surface.

Tess of the dUrbervilles, subtitled A Pure Woman, follows the poignant journey of Tess Durbeyfield, a young working-class woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when her father urges her to seek out her wealthy relatives. Her fateful encounter with the charming yet dangerous Alec dUrberville sets off a chain of events that lead to unforeseen consequences, ultimately sealing her tragic destiny. (Summary by Alisson Veldhuis) Files edited by TriciaG & Cody Russell

Set in the quaint woodland village of Little Hintock, Woodlanders follows the heartfelt journey of Giles Winterborne, a dedicated woodsman who yearns to marry his childhood love, Grace Melbury. Despite their informal betrothal, Graces father has invested heavily in her education and now believes that Giles is unworthy of her. Thomas Hardys The Woodlanders delves into complex themes of love, societal expectations, and moral dilemmas, marking a pivotal moment in his literary career as he boldly explores the intricacies of sex, attraction, and the challenges of unconventional relationships.

In this captivating tale, Elfride Swancourt finds herself at the center of a tumultuous love triangle, torn between two very different suitors. On one side is Stephen Smith, a determined young man from humble beginnings who shares her rural roots and harbors a deep affection for her. On the other is Henry Knight, a distinguished, older gentleman who embodies the sophistication of London society. As Elfride navigates her feelings and the expectations of her world, the story unfolds with emotional depth and complexity. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Hardy's third novel, A Pair of Blue Eyes, follows the story of Elfride Swancourt. The daughter of the rector of Endelstow, a sparse, sea-swept parish in Cornwall, Elfride is caught between two suitors of very different backgrounds: Stephen Smith, a young architect restoring the old parish church; and the respectable, older man of London society, Henry Knight. The blue-eyed and high-spirited protagonist must untangle the conflicting messages of her heart and her mind.

The Woodlanders is vintage Hardy. The story revolves around the young woman Grace Melbury, who returns to the leafy world of Little Hintock and soon finds herself at the center of a number of tragic events. In penetrating, incisive, and beautiful prose, Hardy tells a moving tale of unrequited love as fate and the constraints of society thwart the happiness of our heroine. The leafy world of Blackmoor Vale and the hamlet of Little Hintock are all lovingly described by Hardy, who named The Woodlanders as the favorite of all his novels.

Penguin Classics presents Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, adapted for audio and available as a digital download as part of the Penguin English Library series. Read by Samuel West. 'As you got older, ... you were seized with a sort of shuddering, he perceived. All around you there seemed to be...

Paula Power, the daughter of a wealthy railway magnate, inherits De Stancy Castle, an ancient castle in need of modernization. She commissions a young architect from London, George Somerset, to undertake the work. Somerset falls in love with Paula. But Paula, the Laodicean of the title, meaning a person who is lukewarm or halfhearted, is torn between George's admiration and that of Captain De Stancy, whose old-world romanticism contrasts with Somerset's forward-looking outlook.

The Napoleonic Wars are at their height, and upheaval and uncertainty plague British soil. In the midst of it all, the impoverished beauty Anne Garland finds herself at the center of a love quadrangle. She is torn between the persistent and annoying Festus Derryman, her womanizing childhood sweetheart Bob Loveday, and the reliable and thoughtful John Loveday, the eponymous Trumpet-Major. Who will she choose?

A Book of the Year in The Times, Guardian, Independent, New Statesman, Bookseller and at Waterstones 'He understands only the women he invents – the others not at all' Thomas Hardy is one of the most beloved and most-read British authors. His influence on literature and the minds of his...

A great collection of short stories based on the theme of love. Stories by famous writers including Katherine Mansfield and Oscar Wilde.