ABSTRACT
Gordon Gifford Lord David Cecil’s book on Thomas Hardy1 should be read by all lovers of the novelist and poet, but I should like to correct the statement that his marriage with my aunt, the first Mrs Hardy (née Gifford), was an unhappy one. I was living with them at their house, Max Gate, Dorchester, while attending the Dorchester Grammar School and Dorset County (boarding) School, and again later when being trained as an architect by my uncle. I consider, therefore, that I should be in the best position as judge on this matter. The author, in a footnote, adds that ‘Hardy was at odds with his wife at this time’ – namely, the publication of Jude the Obscure. With this I do not disagree, as my aunt, who was a very ardent Churchwoman and believer in the virtues and qualities of women in general, strongly objected to this book and, I think, the outlook of some of the characters depicted therein. I should, however, mention that this was the first of the Hardy novels in which she had not assisted by her counsel, copious notes for reference and mutual discussion. On her behalf I should like to thank Lord David Cecil for saying ‘Hardy was one of the most Christian spirits that ever lived’.
