Tess of the d'Urbervilles" is a very tragic story that illustrates the cruelty of fate and comments on the injustices of the world. The story revolves around Tess a cottage girl. Through her trials and tribulations Hardy also provides a strong argument against the urban movement by showing the reader its harsh effects on the agrarian lifestyle. A true classic!

When one finishes Casterbridge, one is immediately struck by its place in the development of the novel. Hardy came after Dickens and before James, and his style intrigues as you connect parts of it to the former, parts to the latter.His plotting is sort of Dickens lite. There are mysterious benefactors, sudden tragic deaths, reversals of fortune, paternity mysteries, ect. His prose is cleaner and easier to read than both Dickens and James; Casterbridge scans better than Bleak House...

A poignant story of a sculpturer all-time search for his ideal woman. To slake this desire he falls in love with three women in the same family, each of a different generation - grandmother, mother and daughter and also carves the figure of a naked Aphrodite. Hardy's splendid novel that merges tragedy and mockery is heartwarming due to its dominating themes of destiny and betrayal. Engrossing!

"The Withered Arm" presents a fine blend of suspense, coincidence and gothic elements. Referring to the contemporary practice of witchcraft, Hardy has touched upon the issue of troubled relationships between men and women. Marked by striking character contrasts, a well-knitted plot and elucidative language, the story is truly engrossing.

The only novel of Hardy that provides a lighter tale The Hand of Ethelberta gives account of the life of a woman who lifts herself to the higher classes of the society. Through marrying an aristocrat she not only lifts her status but her persona through literary pursuits. The ups and downs of the life of an intruder in the elite are presented through every facet in the novel.

Replete with deep emotions this collection presents some of Hardy's most brilliant short works. Encompassing tender emotions as well as hard-hitting realities of life, it is a riveting and thought-provoking anthology. Exploring human psychology, with special focus on the delicacies entwined in the institution of marriage, each of these stories is guaranteed to monopolize your attention.

The Return of the Native" revolves around a young girl named Eustacia Vye a beautiful foreigner who had to struggle through out her life to achieve her will. It is the story of the character's struggle against fate. The narrative is about characters that live in harmony with nature or completely fail to do so. Captivating!

An amazing drama that is regarded as a closet drama as it cannot be acted on-stage. Revolving around the Napoleonic wars that were waged against England, the descriptions beautifully capture the imagination and reflect the author's genius.

This novel effectively explores the advent of technology and the institution of hereditary aristocracy prevalent in Britain. Raising some basic issues in a brilliant manner, Hardy presents an independent heroine whose presence adds charm to this work. The issues that were being faced by the society at the transition of the modern and the ancient have been beautifully portrayed.

A massive compilation of poems penned by Hardy is presented here. Each brilliant piece showcases the originality of his verse. The abundant range of tone and attitude and the wide spectrum of themes make this collection a sure treat for poetry lovers. A scintillating treasure trove!

The Woodlanders" is one of Thomas Hardy's finest novels. It presents a portrait of five people in an English village who are tangled in a drama of passion, betrayal, poverty, and pride. The protagonist's journey towards self-discovery has been masterfully captured by Hardy. Guaranteed to mesmerize you with its vivid characterization and gripping narration, this novel is a must-read!

An interesting collection of Hardy's poems published in 1914. It is a classic example of poetic language and melodious phrases. It reflects his views on British colonialism and current events of that age.