Thomas Hardy enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a novelist before devoting his talents to writing poetry for the remainder of his life. This book focuses on Hardy's remarkable achievements as a novelist. Although Victorian readers considered some of his works controversial, his novels remained highly regarded. His novels still appear in the syllabi of courses in Victorian literature and the British novel, as well as courses in feminist/gender studies, environmental studies, and other topics.
For scholars, students, and the general reader, this companion helps to makes Hardy's novels accessible by providing a detailed biography of Hardy, plot summaries of each novel, and analyses of the critical contexts surrounding them. Entries focus on the people, cultural forces, literary forms, and movements that influenced Hardy's novels. The companion also suggests approaches for original interpretations and suggestions for further study.

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments deletev

Abbreviations deleteix

Preface

Introduction: Thomas Hardy's Significance to Literature

Biography of Thomas Hardy

Chronological Listing of Hardy's Major Published Works

The Companion

Works Cited

Index

Ronald D. Morrison is a professor emeritus of English at Morehead State University in Kentucky. He has published critical essays on Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens, Richard Jefferies, and other 19th-century writers.