Three of the finest of the author's numerous short stories include the title piece, a critically acclaimed tale of a romantic triangle; a comedy, "The Distracted Preacher"; and "The Three Strangers," a tribute to community life. Highly readable and accessible, these stories offer an excellent introduction to Hardy's work.
Hardy's Selected Poems by Thomas Hardy Treasury of 70 poems remarkable for lyricism, perception, imaginative power: "The Darkling Thrush," "Hap," "The Ruined Maid," "The Convergence of the Twain," "I Look into My Glass," many more.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy A ne'er-do-well exploits his gentle daughter's beauty for social advancement in this tragic masterpiece. Hardy's 1891 novel defied convention to focus on the rural lower class for a frank treatment of sexuality and religion.
The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot The tale of Maggie Tulliver explores the conflicts of love and loyalty and the friction between desire and moral responsibility in an accurate, evocative depiction of English rural life.
The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy A drunken laborer sells his wife and child and spends his life trying to atone for his wrongdoing — while clinging to his social status. Hardy's timeless tale offers a spellbinding portrayal of ambition, rivalry, revenge, and repentance.
