Hardy of Wessex

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.

Carl Weber

Preface; 1. Birth and Boyhood at Bockhampton 2. In Search of a Profession 3. London Tried 4. London Found Wanting 5. 'The Poor Man' and the Critics 6. Excursion into Lyonesse 7. 'Cornhill' Complications 8. 'Negative Beauty of Tragic Tone' 9. Short Stories and Little Ironies 10. 'Troubles in Battalions' 11. Portrait of a Man of Character 12. 'Atmosphere of Cider' 13. 'A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented' 14. 'High-Water Mark of Late-Victorian Fiction 15. An Interlude 16. Sad Music of Humanity 17. 'Deep Division' 18. The End of Prose 19. The First Books of Poems 20. 'The Dynasts 21. 'Magic Lights' 22. 'Let Me Enjoy the Earth No Less' 23. 'Throbbing of Noontide 14. 'Afterwards'; Notes and References; Index