Bøger af Thomas Hardy

Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid (1883) is a long short story by Thomas Hardy. It follows the life of Margery, a lower-class woman who is young, delicate and beautiful. She is engaged to James Hayward who works in a kiln. When one day Margery goes out to visit her grandmother's house, she encounters a man who is about to commit suicide and somehow saves him unintentionally. The man happens to be a Baron and feels grateful to her. He offers to realize any of her wishes and she says her most cherished wish is to attend a ball and dance like a noble lady. The Baron realizes Margery's dream that she lives to the fullest. She soon feels attracted to the Baron who equally shows his interest in her. However, both are still conscious of the obstacles that prevent such a relationship. Not only is Margery already engaged to a young man who loves her and who is not ready to leave her, there is also the huge social gap between her and the Baron, something that was of extreme importance according to Victorian norms. Generally, Kipling's story follows the evolution of Margery's personality within a context governed by real as well as fantastic powers.

The Hand of Ethelberta: 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. At the beginning of the book, we are told that Ethelberta was raised in humble circumstances but, through her work as a governess, married well at the age of eighteen. Her husband died two weeks after the wedding and, now twenty-one, Ethelberta lives with her mother-in-law, Lady Petherwin. In the three years that have elapsed since the deaths of both her husband and father-in-law, Ethelberta has been treated to foreign travel and further privilege by her benefactress, but restricted from seeing her poor family. The events of the story concern Ethelberta's career as a famous poetess and storyteller as she struggles to support her family and conceal her secret-that her father is a butler. Beautiful, clever, and rational, she easily attracts four very persistent suitors (Mr. Julian, Mr. Neigh, Mr. Ladywell, and Lord Mountclere), but is reluctant to give her much-coveted hand

"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.

"Poems of the Past and the Present" is a collection of poetry written by Thomas Hardy, the celebrated English novelist and poet. First published in 1901, the collection juxtaposes Hardy's reflections on his contemporary society with his poignant explorations of historical and personal themes. The poems offer a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of human emotions, experiences, and the societal changes occurring during the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras. Through evocative language and vivid imagery, Hardy delves into themes such as love, loss, nostalgia, and the inexorable passage of time. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the human condition, Hardy's poetry resonates with readers, offering profound insights into the intertwining of personal narratives and the broader historical context of the period. "Poems of the Past and the Present" remains a testament to Hardy's enduring literary legacy and his ability to capture the essence of life's fleeting moments.

Under the Greenwood Tree, a tender and enchanting pastoral tale by the renowned author Thomas Hardy, transports readers to the idyllic and close-knit village of Mellstock, nestled in the picturesque Wessex countryside. Amidst the natural beauty and charming simplicity of rural life, a heartwarming love story unfolds between Dick Dewy, a young and earnest tranter, and Fancy Day, the village's captivating new schoolmistress.As the seasons change and village life unfolds, the couple's blossoming love is tested by the expectations and traditions of the close-knit community, as well as Fancy's aspirations for a life beyond Mellstock. Hardy skillfully weaves together the lives of the villagers, capturing the essence of rural life and the timeless themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.Under the Greenwood Tree is a celebration of love, the beauty of the natural world, and the enduring charm of rural England. Thomas Hardy's evocative prose and masterful storytelling create an unforgettable portrait of a simpler time, filled with warmth, humor, and the enduring power of the human spirit. This enchanting novel is sure to delight readers and leave them with a lasting appreciation for the joys and trials of life in the countryside.

"Desperate Remedies" is the first published novel by the English author Thomas Hardy. It was initially released in serialized form in 1871 and later published as a book in 1874.The novel is set in a rural English county and follows the lives and intrigues of the central characters, Cytherea Graye and Edward Springrove. Cytherea is a young woman who becomes entangled in a web of secrets and love affairs. The story explores themes of romance, betrayal, and societal expectations."Desperate Remedies" is often classified as sensation fiction, a genre popular in the Victorian era that combined elements of mystery, romance, and melodrama. Hardy's early works, including this novel, have a different tone and style compared to his later, more well-known novels.While not as famous as some of Hardy's later novels, "Desperate Remedies" is an interesting early work that provides insight into the development of the author's storytelling skills and the themes that would become more prominent in his later, more celebrated novels.The novel reflects the societal norms and expectations of the Victorian era, and the characters' decisions and actions are shaped by these conventions. It's an intriguing exploration of the human psyche and the constraints placed on individuals by the conventions of the time.In summary, "Desperate Remedies" by Thomas Hardy is his debut novel, set in rural England and exploring themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations. It provides a glimpse into the author's early writing and the Victorian era's conventions and norms.

In Scarlet and Grey and the Spectre of the Real is a novel written by Florence Henniker in 1896. The story is set in the Victorian era and revolves around the lives of two sisters, Violet and Rosamund, who are members of the aristocracy in England. The sisters are very different in personality, with Violet being more outgoing and adventurous, while Rosamund is more reserved and traditional.The novel follows the sisters as they navigate their way through the social hierarchy of Victorian England. They attend balls, parties, and other social events, where they meet various suitors and potential husbands. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when they become embroiled in a scandal involving a mysterious figure known as the Spectre of the Real.The Spectre of the Real is a shadowy figure who has been terrorizing the aristocracy, stealing valuable items and causing chaos wherever he goes. The sisters become fascinated by this figure and begin to investigate his identity. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including a dashing young detective and a group of eccentric artists.As the sisters delve deeper into the mystery of the Spectre of the Real, they begin to uncover dark secrets about their own family and the society they live in. The novel is a thrilling tale of romance, mystery, and intrigue set against the backdrop of Victorian England.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 Trumpet-Major John Loveday, A Soldier In The War With Buonaparte And Robert His Brother, First Mate In The Merchant Service: A Tale is a novel written by Thomas Hardy. The story is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the lives of two brothers, John and Robert Loveday. John is a soldier in the British army and is stationed in the town of Budmouth. Robert is a sailor in the merchant service and is often away at sea. The two brothers are both in love with the same woman, Anne Garland, who is the daughter of a local farmer. The novel explores the themes of love, loyalty, and duty, as the brothers navigate their relationships with each other and with Anne. The Trumpet-Major is a historical romance that offers a glimpse into life in rural England during the early 19th century.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.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented is a novel by Thomas Hardy. PLOT: Phase the First: The Maiden The novel is set in impoverished rural England, Thomas Hardy's fictional Wessex, during the Long Depression of the 1870s. Tess is the oldest child of John and Joan Durbeyfield, uneducated peasants. However, John is given the impression by Parson Tringham that he may have noble blood, as "Durbeyfield" is a corruption of "D'Urberville", the surname of an extinct noble Norman family. Knowledge of this immediately goes to John's head. That same day, Tess participates in the village May Dance, where she meets Angel Clare, youngest son of Reverend James Clare, who is on a walking tour with his two brothers. He stops to join the dance and partners several other girls. Angel notices Tess too late to dance with her, as he is already late for a promised meeting with his brothers. Tess feels slighted. Tess's father gets too drunk to drive to the market that night, so Tess undertakes the journey herself. However, she falls asleep at the reins, and the family's only horse encounters a speeding wagon and is fatally wounded. Tess feels so guilty over the horse's death and the economic consequences for the family that she agrees, against her better judgement, to visit Mrs d'Urberville, a rich widow who lives in a rural mansion near the town of Trantridge, and "claim kin". She is unaware that, in reality, Mrs d'Urberville's husband Simon Stoke adopted the surname even though he was unrelated to the real d'Urbervilles. Tess does not succeed in meeting Mrs d'Urberville, but chances to meet her libertine son, Alec, who takes a fancy to Tess and secures her a position as poultry keeper on the estate. Although Tess tells them about her fear that he might try to seduce her, her parents encourage her to accept the job, secretly hoping that Alec might marry her. Tess dislikes Alec but endures his persistent unwanted attention to earn enough to replace her family's horse. Despite his often cruel and manipulative behaviour, the threat that Alec presents to Tess's virtue is sometimes obscured for Tess by her inexperience and almost daily commonplace interactions with him. Late one night, walking home from town with some other Trantridge villagers, Tess inadvertently antagonizes Car Darch, Alec's most recently discarded favourite, and finds herself in physical danger. When Alec rides up and offers to "rescue" her from the situation, she accepts. Instead of taking her home, however, he rides through the fog until they reach an ancient grove in a forest called "The Chase", where he informs her that he is lost and leaves on foot to get his bearings. Alec returns to find Tess asleep, and it is implied that he rapes her, although there remains a degree of ambiguity.... Thomas Hardy, OM (2 June 1840 - 11 January 1928) was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in the tradition of George Eliot, he was influenced both in his novels and in his poetry by Romanticism, especially William Wordsworth.He was highly critical of much in Victorian society, though Hardy focused more on a declining rural society. While Hardy wrote poetry throughout his life and regarded himself primarily as a poet, his first collection was not published until 1898. Initially, therefore, he gained fame as the author of such novels as Far from the Madding Crowd (1874), The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886), Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891), and Jude the Obscure (1895). During his lifetime, Hardy's poetry was acclaimed by younger poets (particularly the Georgians) who viewed him as a mentor. After his death his poems were lauded by Ezra Pound, W. H. Auden and Philip Larkin.

Among the few features of agricultural England which retain an appearance but little modified by the lapse of centuries, may be reckoned the high, grassy and furzy downs, coombs, or ewe-leases, as they are indifferently called, that fill a large area of certain counties in the south and south-west. If any mark of human occupation is met with hereon, it usually takes the form of the solitary cottage of some shepherd.

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 Is A New Release Of The Original 1894 Edition.

The Woodlanders is a novel by Thomas Hardy. It was serialised from May 1886 to April 1887 in Macmillan's Magazine and published in three volumes in 1887. It is one of his series of Wessex novels. PLOT: The story takes place in a small woodland village called Little Hintock, and concerns the efforts of an honest woodsman, Giles Winterborne, to marry his childhood sweetheart, Grace Melbury. Although they have been informally betrothed for some time, her father has made financial sacrifices to give his adored only child a superior education and no longer considers Giles good enough for her. When the new doctor - a well-born and handsome young man named Edred Fitzpiers - takes an interest in Grace, her father does all he can to make Grace forget Giles, and to encourage what he sees as a brilliant match. Grace has misgivings prior to the marriage as she sees a village woman (Suke Damson) coming out of his cottage very early in the morning and suspects he has been sleeping with her. She tells her father that she does not want to go on with the marriage and he becomes very angry. Later Fitzpiers tells her Suke has been to visit him because she was in agony from toothache and he extracted a molar. Grace clutches at this explanation - in fact Fitzpiers has started an affair with Suke some weeks previously. After the honeymoon, the couple take up residence in an unused wing of Melbury's house. Soon, however, Fitzpiers begins an affair with a rich widow named Mrs. Charmond, which Grace and her father discover. Grace finds out by chance that Suke Damson has a full set of teeth and realises that Fitzpiers lied to her. The couple become progressively more estranged and Fitzpiers is assaulted by his father-in-law after he accidentally reveals his true character to him. Both Suke Damson and Mrs Charmond turn up at Grace's house demanding to know whether Fitzpiers is all right - Grace addresses them both sarcastically as "Wives -all". Fitzpiers later deserts Grace and goes to the Continent with Mrs Charmond. Grace realises that she has only ever really loved Giles but as there is no possibity of divorce feels that her love seems hopeless.Melbury is told by a former legal clerk down on his luck that the law was changed in the previous year (making the setting of the action 1858) and divorce is now possible. He encourages Giles to resume his courtship of Grace. It later becomes apparent, however, that Fitzpiers' adultery is not sufficient for Grace to be entitled to a divorce. When Fitzpiers quarrels with Mrs. Charmond and returns to Little Hintock to try to reconcile with his wife, she flees the house and turns to Giles for help. He is still convalescing from a dangerous illness, but nobly allows her to sleep in his hut during stormy weather, whilst he insists on sleeping outside. As a result, he dies. Grace later allows herself to be won back to the (at least temporarily) repentant Fitzpiers, thus sealing her fate as the wife of an unworthy man. This is after Suke's husband Timothy Tangs has set a man trap to try to crush Fitzpiers' leg but it only tears Grace's skirt. No one is left to mourn Giles except a courageous peasant girl named Marty South, who has always loved him. Marty is a plain girl whose only attribute is her beautiful hair. She is persuaded to sell this at the start of the story to a barber who is procuring it for Mrs Charmond, after Marty realises that Giles loves Grace and not her. She precipitates the final quarrel between Fitzpiers and Mrs Charmond by writing to Fitzpiers and telling him of the origin of most of Mrs Charmond's hair.... Thomas Hardy, OM (2 June 1840 - 11 January 1928) was an English novelist and poet. A Victorian realist in the tradition of George Eliot, he was influenced both in his novels and in his poetry by Romanticism, especially William Wordsworth.He was highly critical of much in Victorian society, though Hardy focused more on a declining rural society.