Showing results by author "Thomas Hardy" in All Categories

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 ...

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)

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

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.

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.

Dive into the enchanting world of Under the Greenwood Tree, subtitled The Mellstock Quire A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. This charming novel centers around Dick Dewy, a young man smitten with the new schoolmistress, Fancy Day. As we follow their budding romance, we also witness the tension between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the progressive local vicar, Parson Maybold, who introduces a church organ that challenges age-old customs. Set against the backdrop of the Victorian era, Hardy paints a vivid picture of a community grappling with change and the impact of technology ...

In Two On A Tower, we delve into the poignant tale of two star-crossed lovers the youthful amateur astronomer Swithin St. Cleeve and the disenchanted Viviette Constantine, a woman several years his senior, trapped in an unfulfilling marriage. Each night, Swithin ascends the ancient tower nestled within the grounds of the Constantine estate, where Lady Constantine joins him in his celestial pursuits. As she encourages his astronomical dreams by providing him with the necessary equipment, their bond deepens, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns. This beautifully woven narrative ...

A thoroughly engaging collection of classic short stories from some of the greatest writers who lived.

Barbara, a young and impetuous heiress, rejects the stern Lord Uplandtowers to elope with a poor but handsome man, Edmund Willowes. When Barbara's parents send Edmund to Europe, they hope to change him into a more suitable match for their daughter. But after disaster strikes, Edmund returns in a way nobody could have imagined.

Barbara, a young and impetuous heiress, rejects the stern Lord Uplandtowers to elope with a poor but handsome man, Edmund Willowes. When Barbara’s parents send Edmund to Europe, they hope to change him into a more suitable match for their daughter. But after disaster strikes, Edmund returns in a way nobody could have imagined.

This fine novel sets in opposition two of Thomas Hardy’s most unforgettable creations: his heroine, the sensuous, free-spirited Eustacia Vye, and the solemn, majestic stretch of upland in Dorsetshire he called Egdon Heath. The famous opening reveals the haunting power of that dark, forbidding...

Grace Melbury, la preciosa y delicada hija de un próspero maderero que haría cualquier cosa por ella, regresa al pequeño pueblo de su infancia después de haber recibido una refinada educación lejos de allí. Su reencuentro con quien siempre estuvo destinado a ser su marido, Giles...

"The Mayor of Casterbridge" by Thomas Hardy is a tragic story of ambition, regret, and fate. This podcast explores the life of Michael Henchard, a man whose past misdeeds and impulsive actions catch up with him in this tale of personal downfall, redemption, and the unforgiving forces of destiny.

"Tess of the d'Urbervilles" by Thomas Hardy is a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and societal injustice. This podcast unpacks the life of Tess, a young woman whose fate is shaped by the rigid moral standards and hypocrisy of Victorian society. A deep dive into themes of innocence, guilt, and human suffering.

There is something about the number 3. The Ancient Greeks believed 3 was the perfect number, and in China 3 has always been a lucky number, and they know a thing or two. Whatever history and culture says WE think 3, a hat-trick of stories, is a great number to explore themes and literary avenues that classic authors were so adept at creating.

A 19th century novel that defied the repressive moral conventions of Victorian England. Young Tess Durbeyfield comes from an impoverished home. Her father, desperate to alleviate the family's financial plight, presses his daughter into work for the wealthy D'Urbervilles. But in doing so, Tess meets the manipulative Alec, who forces himself upon her. And though Tess later meets a kinder man who proposes marriage, her salvation is jeopardized when she reveals to him her troubled past.

The British Classics Collection – Volume 2 steps into the grand world of 18th, 19th, and 20th-century British literature to create a compelling anthology featuring iconic works that span time and genres. From the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland to the mystery of The Woman in White, the philosophical insights of The Waste Land and the unforgettable detective stories of Sherlock Holme, this volume offers a rich variety of British literary masterpieces.

‘A dime a dozen’ as known in America, is perhaps equal to the English ‘cheap as chips’ but whatever the lingua franca of your choice in this series we hereby submit ‘A Rhyme a Dozen’ as 12 poems on many given subjects that are a well-rounded gathering, maybe even an essential guide, from the knowing pens of classic poets and their beautifully spoken verse to the comfort of your ears.

‘A dime a dozen’ as known in America, is perhaps equal to the English ‘cheap as chips’ but whatever the lingua franca of your choice in this series we hereby submit ‘A Rhyme a Dozen’ as 12 poems on many given subjects that are a well-rounded gathering, maybe even an essential guide, from the knowing pens of classic poets and their beautifully spoken verse to the comfort of your ears.

Milkmaid Rhoda Brooks cannot control her jealousy of Gertrude - a beautiful woman who has just married a rich farmer. So when Gertrude appears in her dream, she cannot help but reach out and grab the arm of the woman she wishes she was. As Gertrude's arm begins to wither away in real life and no physician is able to help her, she must turn to a conjurer... Considered one of Hardy's most successful short stories, 'The Withered Arm' is unmissable for those who enjoyed Laura Purcell's ´The Silent Companions´.