Tess of the D'Urbervilles
(Author) Thomas HardyA heartbreaking portrayal of a woman faced by an impossible choice in the pursuit of happiness 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. With its sensitive depiction of the wronged Tess and powerful criticism of social convention, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, subtitled "A Pure Woman," is one of the most moving and poetic of Hardy's novels. Based on the three-volume first edition that shocked readers when first published in 1891, this edition includes as appendices: Hardy's Prefaces, the Landscapes of Tess, episodes originally censored from the Graphic periodical version, and a selection of the Graphic illustrations. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet known for his novels set in the fictional county of Wessex, which explored themes of rural life, social class, and the changing landscape of England. Some of his most notable works include "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," "Far from the Madding Crowd," and "The Mayor of Casterbridge."
Hardy's writing style is characterized by his use of natural imagery, detailed descriptions of the English countryside, and his exploration of the complexities of human relationships. His works often challenge Victorian moral conventions and highlight the struggles of ordinary people in a rapidly changing society.
Hardy's contributions to literature include his innovative use of symbolism, his exploration of the impact of modernization on rural communities, and his portrayal of strong, independent female characters. His novels have had a lasting impact on the literary genre of the English novel, influencing later writers such as D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf.
One of Hardy's most famous works is "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," which tells the tragic story of a young woman who is betrayed by the social expectations of her time. This novel is considered a classic of English literature and continues to be studied and admired for its powerful storytelling and social commentary.
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