Penguin English Library Far From the Madding Crowd (The Penguin English Library)
Penguin English Library Far From the Madding Crowd (The Penguin English Library) book cover

Penguin English Library Far From the Madding Crowd (The Penguin English Library)

Paperback – International Edition, May 29, 2012

by
Price
$15.62
Format
Paperback
Pages
400
Publisher
Penguin Classic
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0141198934
Dimensions
5.1 x 0.87 x 7.8 inches
Weight
12 ounces

Description

Thomas Hardy was born in Dorset in 1840 and became an apprentice architect at the age of sixteen. He spent his twenties in London, where he wrote his first poems. In 1867 Hardy returned to his native Dorset, whose rugged landscape was a great source of inspiration for his writing. Between 1871 and 1897 he wrote fourteen novels, including Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. This final work was received savagely; thereafter Hardy turned away from novels and spent the last thirty year of his life focusing on poetry. He died in 1928.

Features & Highlights

  • The Penguin English Library Edition of Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy 'I cannot allow any man to - to criticise my private conduct!' she exclaimed. 'Nor will I for a minute' Hardy's powerful novel of swift sexual passion and slow-burning loyalty centres on Bathsheba Everdene, a proud working woman whose life is complicated by three different men - respectable farmer Boldwood, seductive Sergeant Troy and devoted Gabriel - making her the object of scandal and betrayal. Vividly portraying the superstitions and traditions of a small rural community, Far from the Madding Crowd shows the precarious position of a woman in a man's world. The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

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Most Helpful Reviews

✓ Verified Purchase

Beautiful setting, excellent characters!

The pastoral setting is pleasant, but this book is all about the characters for me. For example, Hardy executed the best meet-cute, before the term was even invented. Bathsheba unexpectedly encounters the hunky Sergeant Troy walking in the dark at night. When Sgt. Troy’s spur gets caught in Bathsheba’s dress, as you do, heart eyes ensue.

Bathsheba is not the most sympathetic of characters, it takes her pages and pages and pages to understand what every reader is screaming at her from about page 190. She is a study in contrasts, at times smart and independent and at others vain and flighty.

Gabriel Oak, our hero, lives up to his name, sturdy and dependable. He is educated and also a talented herdsman. If your sheep have bloat, Gabriel is the only guy around who can save the day. All this and he can play the flute!

I recommend this book to all lovers of the classics!
2 people found this helpful

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