Showing results by author "Thomas Hardy" in All Categories

Can desire, that never-ending pursuit of something magical and special - be ever satisfied? This last novel by 19th century realist Thomas Hardy (Tess of the D'Ubervilles, Jude The Obscure, Far From The Madding Crowd) tells the story of the sculptor Jocelyn Pierston's search for the ideal woman, through three generations of a Portland family. One of Hardy's most neglected novels and a precursor to Shaw's Pygmalion, it is a semi-autobiographical tale of an artist pursuing his muse through the forms of many women.

When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D’Urbervilles and seek a portion of their family fortune, meeting her ‘cousin’ Alec proves to be her downfall. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer her love and salvation, but Tess must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent in the hope of a peaceful future.

Dive into the enchanting world of Wessex Tales, a captivating collection of six short stories penned by Thomas Hardy in the 1880s. Perfect for those new to Hardys works, these stories offer a delightful glimpse into his literary genius. While they may not be as extensive as his major novels, they are rich with the distinctive elements that define Hardys style. Join narrator T. Hynes as he brings these timeless tales to life.

In a quiet corner of Wessex, where the lanes wind between hedgerow and hill, the stories of Thomas Hardy are spoken anew. The Thomas Hardy Library invites listeners to wander through tales of love and loss, chance and consequence, where humble lives unfold beneath wide and watchful skies. Each episode offers a complete reading, unhurried and faithful, allowing the rhythm of Hardy’s prose to breathe as it once did beside the hearth. Here, the past lingers gently, a lantern held against the dusk, guiding travellers through the enduring landscapes of memory, fate, and the English countryside.

Dive into a captivating collection of eleven short stories that explore the complexities of human nature and transformation. Each tale is a unique journey, masterfully narrated by David Wales, inviting you to reflect on the changes we all face.

Considered one of the greatest tragic novels in English literature, TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES (1891) tells the poignant tale of a pure woman ensnared by the rigid constraints of conventional morality and its stark opposites. Set in the picturesque region between Berkshire and Dorset in the fictional county of Wessex, Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) masterfully weaves a narrative that exposes the harsh realities of late 19th-century rural life. Known for his controversial views, Hardy often challenged the strict Victorian moral code; his novel JUDE THE OBSCURE was even burned by the Bishop of ...

Dive into a captivating collection of eighteen short stories, masterfully woven by a storyteller at the top of their game. Get ready to explore the delightful quirks and peculiarities of life through colloquial sketches that bring each character to life. - Summary by David Wales

In the heart of the English countryside, our heroine, Anne Garland, enjoys a peaceful life until the unexpected arrival of military regiments preparing for an impending invasion turns her world upside down. Anne, a graceful and captivating young woman, finds herself torn between three suitors John Loveday, the honorable trumpet-major of a British regiment; his charming but reckless brother Robert, a merchant seaman; and the cowardly Festus Derriman, the local squires son. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars, this unique historical novel by Hardy offers a refreshing twist, as some ...

Tess of the dUrbervilles A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented is a poignant novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1891. Initially released in a censored, serialized format by The Graphic, this powerful narrative explores the complexities of love, societal expectations, and moral dilemmas. Although it faced mixed reviews upon its release for challenging the sexual norms of its time, it has since earned its place as a cornerstone of English literature. The original manuscript, once titled Daughter of the dUrbervilles, is now preserved at the British Library. (Summary by Wikipedia) This project ...

Experience the tragic tale of a young woman's struggle against societal norms and fate in 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' audiobook, narrated with emotive depth and vivid imagery. Follow Tess' journey through love, betrayal, and redemption in this masterpiece of Victorian literature.

Explore the intricate dynamics of personal downfall and redemption in a world shaped by choices and consequences. This podcast delves into the complex realm of human nature and societal expectations, where every decision carries weight and every character is a reflection of their environment. Each week, we feature a different complete audiobook that captures these compelling themes, offering listeners a diverse range of perspectives from various time periods and narrative styles. Whether you're seeking insight into human behavior or simply enjoy thought-provoking stories, there's something for...

In "A Changed Man and Other Tales," Thomas Hardy delivers a captivating collection of stories exploring the complexity of human nature, the unpredictability of life, and the consequences of our choices. With vivid descriptions, well-crafted characters, and unexpected twists, these tales will transport you to Victorian England and leave you pondering the human condition. From the tale of a reformed convict seeking redemption to a wealthy woman's surprising generosity, each story is a journey that will leave you changed.

"A Group of Noble Dames" is a collection of short stories by Thomas Hardy, exploring the lives and loves of noble women in England during the 19th century. From a tragic love triangle to a woman's secret past, each tale is filled with passion, drama, and unexpected twists. The audiobook brings to life Hardy's vivid characters and atmospheric settings, drawing listeners into a world of privilege, scandal, and intrigue.

Once more the year begins. The first month of the Gregorian calendar. Cold winds howl, the landscape shivers, frost, snow, ice are the many blankets for the land. Daylight is thin; it arrives late and leaves early, ceding the hours to shadow and the ink of night. From the pens of our remarkable poets, including Shelley, Dickenson, Shakespeare, Whitman, Gilbran and a wealth of others, come sumptuous verse that describe our moods, feelings, travels and desires of the dawning year.

"A Laodicean" by Thomas Hardy is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of Paula Power, a wealthy heiress torn between her duty to marry for financial stability and her desire to follow her heart. As she navigates through the obstacles of love, social status and personal growth, Paula discovers the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment. This audiobook is filled with vivid descriptions of the Victorian era, complex characters and unexpected plot twists that will keep you engaged until the very end.

Immerse yourself in the rural charm and romance of Wessex as you listen to 'Under the Greenwood Tree', a delightful tale of love, music, and community. Thomas Hardy's vivid descriptions of country life and his tender portrayal of the budding romance between the young schoolmistress Fancy Day and the handsome church musician Dick Dewy will captivate your heart and transport you to another time and place. With its lively cast of characters, humorous anecdotes, and beautiful melodies, this audiobook is a true gem of English literature.

"Two On A Tower", a novel by Thomas Hardy, tells the story of an astronomical artist, Lady Constantine, and her love affair with a young astronomer. This tale of love, sacrifice and societal constraints is brought to life in the audiobook, accompanied by beautiful descriptions of the celestial world.

Between then and now poets have written verse, both serious and humorous, in attempts to keep a poetic track both of feelings and as a tribute to our four-legged friends and their adventures.

Nel momento in cui si conoscono, Gabriel Oak e Bathsheba Everdene sono due persone antitetiche: fattore benestante, dai modi un po’ frugali, il primo; bellissima e nullatenente, ospite di una zia, la seconda. Nonostante l’invidiabile posizione sociale del signor Oak, Bathsheba rifiuta la sua appassionata corte. Dopo una terribile tempesta, tuttavia, i ruoli si invertono: Bathsheba ha ora ereditato la florida azienda agricola dello zio, mentre Gabriel, caduto in miseria, è costretto a farsi assumere proprio da lei come pastore.

Explore the complexities of society, morality, and fate through the lens of classic literature. This podcast presents a rotating collection of complete audiobooks, each week showcasing a different narrative that delves into themes of societal norms, personal struggle, and the consequences of choices. With each episode, listeners are introduced to a new story, offering a diverse array of perspectives from various time periods and literary styles. This is not a continuous saga but a series of distinct tales that provide insight, provoke thought, and offer an escape into different worlds. New ...