ABSTRACT

First published in 1940 and revised in 1965, this work by the distinguished Hardy Scholar, Carl J. Weber, traces Hardy’s literary career from High Brockhampton to the grave in Poet’s corner, Westminster Abbey. Using a multitude of letters, it explains why Thomas Hardy wrote, and how his books grew from ideas, emotions and experiences to the printed volumes that have delighted the world.

This book will be of interest to those studying the works of Thomas Hardy and 19th century literature.

chapter I|17 pages

Birth and Boyhood at Bockhampton

chapter II|12 pages

In Search of a Profession

chapter III|15 pages

London Tried

chapter IV|14 pages

London Found Wanting

chapter V|16 pages

‘The Poor Man' and the Critics

chapter VI|14 pages

Excursion into Lyonnesse

chapter VII|10 pages

‘Cornhill' Complications

chapter VIII|13 pages

‘Negative Beauty of Tragic Tone'

chapter IX|11 pages

Short Stories and Little Ironies

chapter X|16 pages

`Troubles in Battalions'

chapter XI|15 pages

Portrait of a Man of Character

chapter XII|12 pages

‘Atmosphere of Cider'

chapter XIII|14 pages

A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented'

chapter XIV|12 pages

‘High-water Mark of Late-Victorian Fiction'

chapter XV|7 pages

An Interlude

chapter XVI|12 pages

Sad Music of Humanity

chapter XVII|8 pages

‘Deep Division'

chapter XVIII|8 pages

The End of Prose

chapter XIX|10 pages

The First Book of Poems

chapter XX|15 pages

‘The Dynasts'

chapter XXI|9 pages

‘Magic Lights'

chapter XXII|9 pages

‘Let Me Enjoy the Earth No Less'

chapter XXIII|13 pages

‘Throbbings of Noontide'

chapter XXIV|13 pages

‘Afterwards'