Showing results by author "Thomas Hardy" in All Categories

Dive into the world of The Woodlanders, one of Thomas Hardys later masterpieces, originally envisioned as a follow-up to Far From The Madding Crowd. This poignant tale explores the intertwined lives and romantic entanglements of Giles Winterborne, Grace Melbury, Edred Fitzpiers, Felice Charmond, and Marty South. With themes of class, fidelity, and loyalty, Hardys lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of the enchanting woodlands of Hintock.

The finest voices reading a wonderful selection of poetry accompanied by selected classical music.

Reputed to be Eliot's favorite novel, Silas Marner is set in the early years of the 19th century. Marner, a weaver, is a member of a small congregation in Lantern Yard. Falsely accused of a crime he didn't commit, he leaves his home and lives a solitary life near the village of Raveloe. Under the Greenwood Tree, Hardy's second novel, was published in 1872 and became the first of his great series of Wessex novels.

Delve into the world of Thomas Hardys Far From The Madding Crowd, his fourth novel that intricately weaves together the lives of five unforgettable characters Gabriel Oak, Bathsheba Everdene, Mr. Boldwood, Sgt. Troy, and Fanny Robin. This compelling narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and the inevitability of death, all portrayed in Hardys masterful prose. The vivid imagery of both character and nature brings the story to life, while Hardys innovative use of the Greek chorus adds a unique blend of humor and momentum to the plot. Join us on this literary journey, beautifully ...

A shameful act of drunken impetuousness results in Michael Henchard losing his wife and daughter in an auction. This evil deed remains secret for years, during which time Henchard climbs the social ladder from working as a roving hay-trusser to becoming the upstanding Mayor of Casterbridge.

In a remote corner of early Victorian England, where traditional practices remain untouched by time, Bathsheba Everdene stands out as a beacon of feminine independence and self-reliance. However, when confronted with three suitors, among them the dashing Sergeant Troy, she shows a reckless capriciousness which threatens the stability of the whole community.

Eighteen short stories by a master story teller. - Summary by david wales

Tess of the d'Urbervilles subtitled, "A Pure Woman," is the story of a young working woman named Tess Durbeyfield who is sent by her father to visit wealthy relatives. Her encounter with Alec d'Urberville changes her life forever, and brings about a doom that no one could have foreseen. (Summary by Alisson Veldhuis)Files edited by TriciaG & Cody Russell

In "The Hand of Ethelberta", Thomas Hardy explores the complexities of love and class in Victorian England through the story of a young woman who rises from being a governess to marrying into the aristocracy. With his signature wit and insight, Hardy delves into themes of social mobility, gender roles, and the power of love to transcend societal expectations. The audiobook brings this delightful tale to life, immersing the listener in the richly detailed world of 19th-century England.

A collection of the greatest war poetry ever written, read by some of the 20th century’s most renowned actors. Tragedy, war and humanity are played out in these timeless readings of poetry written about, or on, the battlefield.

Christmas brings out the best and the worst in us, as can been seen in this evocative anthology. Among what Thomas Love Peacock calls the "many poetical charms in the heraldings of Christmas," there are eulogies by saints and diatribes from curmudgeons. Here, Christmas is expounded by divines, sung by rustics, deplored by philosophers, made mystical in stories and summed up in a line by the poet Elizabeth Jennings: "The hush, the star, the baby, people being kind again."

"Jude the Obscure" is a tragic novel by Thomas Hardy that explores the struggles of a young man from a poor background who dreams of becoming an academic. Set in the late 19th century, the story takes a deep dive into societal constraints, morality, and relationships. With vivid descriptions and complex characters, this audiobook offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

There are 11 short stories and a novella, The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid. Six of the stories were published before 1891, and, therefore, lacked international copyright protection when the collection began to be sold in October 1913.

When peddler John Durbeyfield learns that he may be a descendant of a noble family, he sends his oldest child, Tess, to “claim kin.” Blindly ushered into harm’s way, the strong-willed yet untinctured peasant girl is not prepared for the blighted course her life will take. Nor for those whose destructive desires will determine her fate, and force Tess to make only the most desperate of choices. From her tragic loss of innocence through betrayal and revenge, Tess’s struggle for survival challenged the era’s mores and the cruel indifference shown women in Victorian society.

Fifty of the world's greatest classic short stories: 1.The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant 2.The One Million Pound Banknote by Mark Twain 3.The Phantom Rickshaw by Rudyard Kipling 4.The Fly by Katherine Mansfield 5.The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe 6.My Favorite Murder by Ambrose Bierce 7.The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe 8.One Thousand Dollars by O. Henry 9.Regret by Kate Chopin 10.The Nose by Nikolai Gogol 11.The Mezzotint by M. R. James 12.The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

A fabulous anthology of some of the finest stories ever written.

The Essential Classics: Volume 7 brings together 5 of the greatest classics ever written, perfectly read by an esteemed cast including Jonathan Keeble, Kristin Atherton, Emma Gregory, and Matt Bates. From the charming and compassionate world of Cranford to the ambitious and tragic tale of Jude the Obscure, this volume is a rich tapestry of human experience. Daniel Deronda challenges notions of identity, morality, and destiny, while Evelina offers a sharp yet humorous commentary on social class and manners.

"Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented" is a novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1891. It initially appeared in a censored and serialised version, published by the British illustrated newspaper, The Graphic. Though now considered an important work of English literature, the book received mixed reviews when it first appeared, in part because it challenged the sexual mores of Hardy's day. The original manuscript is on display at the British Library, showing that it was originally titled "Daughter of the d'Urbervilles." (Summary by Wikipedia) This project was DPLed by...

Paula Power, the daughter of a wealthy railway magnate, inherits De Stancy Castle, an ancient castle in need of modernization. She commissions a young architect from London, George Somerset, to undertake the work. Somerset falls in love with Paula. But Paula, the Laodicean of the title, meaning a person who is lukewarm or halfhearted, is torn between George's admiration and that of Captain De Stancy, whose old-world romanticism contrasts with Somerset's forward-looking outlook.

Michael Redgrave presents one of Thomas Hardy's most popular novels, which takes place entirely in the environs of Egdon Heath and covers exactly a year and a day.