Thomas Hardy Collection Far from the Madding Crowd, the Return of the Native, a Group of Noble Dames

Three books in one! Thomas Hardy (2 June 1840 – 11 January 1928) was an English novelist and poet. Regarded as one of the greatest authors of the Victorian era, Hardy's writing style has been described as "sombre, unromantic, and often ironic". He is best known for his novels, including Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd, which have been adapted for the silver screen. Hardy was born in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, England, the eldest of four children. He was apprenticed to a local architect and attended King's College London, where he studied architecture. In 1867, he published his first novel, The Poor Man and the Lady, followed by Desperate Remedies in 1871. Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, Hardy continued to write novels and poetry. His most famous works include Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891), Jude the Obscure (1895), and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874). He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1910 and was made a Companion of Honour in 1923. Hardy's writing style has been described as capturing the complexities of life in rural England, particularly Dorset, and his work has been praised for its realism and attention to detail. His works are noted for their exploration of themes such as class, religion, and gender. He was also known for his use of symbolism and irony, which have led to his works being adapted into films and television series. Thomas Hardy's works remain popular to this day, and he is considered to be one of the most influential English authors of the 19th century. His novels and poetry have been translated into dozens of languages and have inspired a variety of adaptations and imitations. He was also a prolific letter writer, and his correspondence provides a unique insight into his life and work. This volume contains the following novels: Far from the Madding Crowd, The Return of the Native, and A Group of Noble Dames.