Author
Thomas Hardy
1840-1928
Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Thomas Hardy
Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman
"Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1891. When a poor country girl discovers her family descends from an ancient noble line, she's sent to claim kinship with wealthy relatives. There she encounters Alec d'Urberville, whose attentions lead to tragedy. Later, working as a milkmaid, Tess finds love with Angel Clare, but her past haunts their future. Set in rural England, this story challenged Victorian morality and explores innocence, guilt, and the harsh judgments society places on women.
A pair of blue eyes
"A Pair of Blue Eyes" by Thomas Hardy is a novel written during the late 19th century. This work explores themes of love and social class through the experiences of Elfride Swancourt, a young woman navigating her emotions and relationships in a rural English setting. The story is set against the backdrop of church restoration and the wild landscapes of Wessex, interweaving the intricacies of love and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Elfride, a twenty-year-old girl, who possesses a depth of emotion but lacks social sophistication. As her father, the parish vicar, is laid up with illness, Elfride prepares to host Stephen Smith, a young architect sent to oversee the restoration of a local church. The beginning paints a picture of Elfride's character—innocent, curious, and somewhat naive—as she contemplates the arrival of Stephen with both excitement and trepidation. Their first meeting hints at a brewing tension, setting the stage for the developing romantic intrigue amidst the constraints of their social surroundings. As Elfride grapples with her feelings in this remote part of England, Hardy begins to weave a tale that explores not just the heart, but also the complex web of class and identity in the 19th-century English society.
Two on a Tower
"Two on a Tower" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1882. Set in Victorian Dorset, it tells the story of Lady Constantine, an unhappily married aristocrat who falls in love with Swithin St. Cleeve, an astronomer ten years younger. Their forbidden romance unfolds against the vast backdrop of the stellar universe, exploring themes of class divide, age difference, and scientific fascination. Hardy sets their emotional lives against the immensity of the cosmos in this controversial tale that defied Victorian social norms.
Desperate Remedies
"Desperate Remedies" by Thomas Hardy is a sensation novel published in 1871. Cytherea Graye, forced into service by poverty, must navigate forbidden love, dark family secrets, and dangerous deceptions. When she reluctantly marries the mysterious Aeneas Manston after his wife reportedly dies in a fire, shocking revelations emerge about murder, impersonation, and blackmail. Hardy's first published novel weaves gothic elements with Victorian intrigue, building to a climactic confrontation that will determine whether love can survive desperate circumstances.
Far from the Madding Crowd
"Far from the Madding Crowd" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1874. It follows the independent Bathsheba Everdene, who inherits a farm in rural England and attracts three very different suitors: the faithful shepherd Gabriel Oak, the obsessive gentleman farmer William Boldwood, and the dashing but reckless Sergeant Frank Troy. Set against the backdrop of Victorian farming life, this tale of love, honor, and betrayal explores the consequences of impulsive choices and the complexity of the human heart.
Jude the Obscure
"Jude the Obscure" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1895. It follows Jude Fawley, a working-class stonemason who dreams of becoming a scholar at Christminster. His ambitions become entangled with his passionate but troubled relationship with his cousin, Sue Bridehead. Through failed marriages, social ostracism, and personal tragedy, the novel explores the crushing weight of Victorian society's institutions—particularly marriage, religion, and class barriers—on those who dare to defy convention.
The Return of the Native
"The Return of the Native" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1878. Set entirely on the wild Egdon Heath over the span of a year, it follows the intertwined fates of several characters trapped by passion and circumstance. When Clym Yeobright returns from Paris, the beautiful but restless Eustacia Vye sees him as her escape from the desolate heath. Their marriage sets off a chain of events involving thwarted desires, family estrangement, and fateful misunderstandings that will test everyone's loyalties and dreams.
The Mayor of Casterbridge
"The Mayor of Casterbridge" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1886. In a drunken moment at a country fair, young hay-trusser Michael Henchard auctions off his wife and infant daughter to a stranger. Years later, filled with remorse and now a successful mayor, Henchard attempts to rebuild his life when his past returns unexpectedly. This tale follows his struggles with ambition, rivalry, and the consequences of his fateful decision in rural England.
The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon
"The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon" by Thomas Hardy is an epic in verse and prose published between 1904 and 1908. Spanning three parts, nineteen acts, and over one hundred thirty scenes, this monumental work chronicles the Napoleonic Wars from 1805 to 1815. Hardy blends historical figures with metaphysical "Spirits" who observe humanity's struggles. The drama follows major battles—Trafalgar, Austerlitz, Waterloo—while exploring themes of power, dynasty, and the futility of war through sweeping landscapes and intimate human moments.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Thomas Hardy
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Thomas Hardy" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of literary works compiled from the writings of the author during the late 19th century. This index serves as a comprehensive listing of Hardy's novels, poems, and other writings, including famous titles like "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" and "Far from the Madding Crowd." Readers can expect a detailed overview of Hardy's prolific contributions to literature, classified for easy navigation and access. The opening of this index starts with a compilation of Hardy’s notable works, organized by title and structured content sections, including chapters and prefaces. It lists various famous novels alongside lesser-known poems and stories, providing a valuable resource for both new readers and those familiar with Hardy's oeuvre. The introduction suggests an emphasis on exploring themes such as fate, love, and the struggles of individuals against societal expectations, all characteristic of Hardy’s narrative style.
Under the Greenwood Tree; Or, The Mellstock Quire A Rural Painting of the Dutch School
"Under the Greenwood Tree; Or, The Mellstock Quire" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1872. Set in the fictional village of Mellstock, it follows young Dick Dewy, a member of the traditional parish choir, as he falls for the beautiful new schoolmistress, Fancy Day. When a new vicar threatens to replace the choir's string music with a modern organ, Dick must navigate both the changing times and romantic rivalry from wealthier suitors competing for Fancy's affections in this charming portrait of rural English life.
A Laodicean : A Story of To-day
"A Laodicean: A Story of To-day" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1880-81. Paula Power inherits a medieval castle and finds herself torn between two suitors: George Somerset, a modern London architect, and Captain De Stancy, representing aristocratic tradition. When De Stancy's illegitimate son schemes to manipulate Paula's affections through falsified telegrams and photographs, the resulting deceptions threaten to destroy her chance at happiness. This unusual Hardy tale explores the conflict between modernity and romantic medievalism through intrigue and subterfuge.
Late Lyrics and Earlier, With Many Other Verses
"Late Lyrics and Earlier, With Many Other Verses" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of poetry written in the early 20th century, reflecting the author's contemplations and observations shaped by the passage of time, personal experiences, and the tumult of the world around him. The collection includes both newly penned works as well as earlier verses that Hardy felt compelled to resurrect, providing insights into themes of love, loss, nature, time, and existential reflections that characterize Hardy's poetic voice. At the start of the collection, Hardy provides an "Apology," which serves as both an introduction and a preface to the reader, explaining the motivations behind publishing this assortment of verses. He expresses a sense of hesitation and vulnerability in bringing forth his works after a period of silence, acknowledging critiques of his previous writings while reaffirming his commitment to exploring profound and often troubling questions of existence. The opening lines of poetry introduce the reader to the elements of nature and personal encounters, revealing Hardy's deep emotional ties to both the beauty and melancholy of life, setting the stage for the themes that will unfold throughout the collection.
The Hand of Ethelberta: A Comedy in Chapters
"The Hand of Ethelberta: A Comedy in Chapters" by Thomas Hardy is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around Ethelberta, a young widow of complex background and cleverness, who seeks to navigate societal expectations and her own aspirations while dealing with her past love and current relationships. The book promises a mix of social commentary and character-driven humor. The opening of the novel introduces us to Ethelberta as she steps out of the Red Lion Inn in a Wessex town, showcasing her charm and the attention she garners from local men, despite being a widow. The narrative hints at her intriguing history, including her rise from a governess to marrying into a nobler family, and her complex relationship with her mother-in-law. As Ethelberta enjoys a walk, she encounters various local characters who speculate about her past and current circumstance, establishing her as a figure of curiosity. The beginning sets the stage for her re-encounter with Christopher Julian, an old acquaintance, hinting at unresolved past feelings and the complexities that surround her life as she balances between her past and the challenges of her present.
Wessex Tales
"Wessex Tales" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of short stories published in 1888. Set in nineteenth-century England, these tales explore the constraints of marriage, rigid class structures, and the limited position of women in society. Hardy examines how social expectations force individuals into unwanted marriages, suppress genuine emotions, and trap people within the narrow confines of Victorian respectability. Each story reveals how these pressures diminish human contentment and freedom, painting a portrait of lives shaped—and often constrained—by the era's strict social codes.
The Well-Beloved: A Sketch of a Temperament
"The Well-Beloved: A Sketch of a Temperament" by Thomas Hardy is a novel serialized in 1892 and published as a book in 1897. It follows Jocelyn Pierston, a celebrated sculptor who searches obsessively for his ideal woman—the "Well-Beloved"—across forty years and three generations of the same family. As he pursues this elusive vision of perfect feminine beauty, shifting his affections from grandmother to daughter to granddaughter, Pierston becomes trapped outside time, unable to settle into the natural cycle of life and love.
Wessex Poems and Other Verses
"Wessex Poems and Other Verses" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. This anthology encapsulates Hardy's reflections on rural life, human experiences, and the passage of time, often highlighting themes of love, loss, and a deep connection with nature. The poems draw heavily from Hardy's own experiences in Wessex—a region that serves as both a setting and a character in his works—infusing them with local dialect and rich imagery. The opening of this collection presents a rich tapestry of emotions through various poems, each exploring different facets of human connection and reflection. The first piece sets a tone of existential musings and the realities of human relationships, while subsequent poems delve into themes such as love's impermanence, the stark truths of life and death, and the interplay between desire and regret. Through vivid depictions and subtle language, Hardy invites readers into a world where nature and personal experience intertwine, leading to poignant reflections on the human condition and the inevitable passage of time.
The Woodlanders
"The Woodlanders" by Thomas Hardy is a novel serialized from 1886 to 1887 and published in 1887. Set in the secluded woodland village of Little Hintock, it follows Giles Winterborne's attempts to marry his childhood sweetheart, Grace Melbury. When her ambitious father pushes her toward a handsome, well-born doctor instead, a web of misguided marriages, infidelities, and unrequited love unfolds. Hardy explores themes of social mobility, betrayed affections, and the consequences of forsaking true love for perceived advantage in this atmospheric Wessex tale.
The Trumpet-Major
"The Trumpet-Major" by Thomas Hardy is a historical novel published in 1880. Set in Weymouth during the Napoleonic Wars, it follows Anne Garland as she navigates the affections of three very different suitors: the honorable John Loveday, a trumpet major; his flighty sailor brother Bob; and the cowardly Festus Derriman. Against a backdrop of military camps and invasion fears, the brothers serve with Wellington and Nelson while Anne's heart wavers between duty and desire. Unusually for Hardy, the ending isn't entirely tragic—though fate looms ominously.
Life's Little Ironies A set of tales with some colloquial sketches entitled A Few Crusted Characters
"Life's Little Ironies" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of tales originally published in 1894. The stories explore what Hardy calls "tricks of Nature" and life's unexpected turns, set in his fictional Wessex region. The collection includes tales of vivid imagination, moral dilemmas, thwarted ambitions, and rural life, ranging from individual character studies to a series of interconnected village sketches. Hardy revised the collection in 1927, rearranging stories to better reflect their thematic connections.
Satires of Circumstance, Lyrics and Reveries, with Miscellaneous Pieces
"Satires of Circumstance, Lyrics and Reveries, with Miscellaneous Pieces" by Thomas Hardy is a poetry collection published in 1914. The volume contains 15 satirical sketches, 39 miscellaneous lyrics, and 34 lyrics and reveries, along with the celebrated "Poems of 1912–13" sequence mourning Hardy's wife Emma—considered his finest poetic work. From philosophical meditations like "Wessex Heights" to contemporary observations in "Channel Firing," the collection showcases Hardy's range while exploring loss, memory, and the ironies of human existence with what one critic called "the subtle disturbing force of poetry."
Poems of the Past and the Present
"Poems of the Past and the Present" by Thomas Hardy is a diverse collection of poetry written in the early 20th century, reflecting the author's deep engagement with themes of life, war, and human experience. This anthology encompasses a range of subjects, from personal reflections on love and loss to poignant commentary on the devastation of war, suggesting a tapestry of emotions and experiences that traverses time and space. At the start of the collection, Hardy introduces a reflective poem that hints at life's transitory nature and the profound impact certain individuals can have over time. Following this, the opening segment features a series of war-related poems, such as “Embarcation” and “Departure,” which poignantly capture the emotions tied to soldiers leaving for battle amidst the backdrop of historical events and personal relationships. Each piece resonates with the tension between hope and despair, illustrating the personal costs of war while delving into the poignant sentiments of those left behind. Overall, the beginning of this collection sets the stage for a profound exploration of the human condition through Hardy's evocative and resonant verse.
Moments of Vision and Miscellaneous Verses
"Moments of Vision and Miscellaneous Verses" by Thomas Hardy is a poetry collection published in 1917. Hardy's largest poetic volume explores consciousness, memory, and human emotion through introspective meditation. The collection includes wartime poems and approximately thirty pieces relating to his first wife Emma, along with tributes to friends and family. Opening with an examination of consciousness in a material world, these poems balance vivid memories against time's passage, representing some of Hardy's finest late work.
A Group of Noble Dames
"A Group of Noble Dames" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of short stories published in 1891. Ten members of a club gather to share tales of aristocratic women from the 17th and 18th centuries. Each storyteller—from a local historian to a surgeon to a churchwarden—reveals the dramatic lives and fates of these noble ladies. Framed as an evening's entertainment, the collection blends romance, tragedy, and the complexities of upper-class society across two centuries of English history.