Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Tess is a novel by Hardy set in Wessex, exploring hypocrisy and double standards. It tells the story of Tess Durbeyfield, a poor villager who may be descended from the ancient family of d'Urbeville, and her relationships with two men. The novel addresses the double standards of the rural Victorian world and the hypocrisy of the age, and is considered one of the most compelling stories in English literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd

Tess, a novel set in Hardy's Wessex, delves into the realm of hypocrisy and double standards. With its provocative sub-title, "A Pure Woman," the book stirred controversy upon its initial publication in 1891, earning condemnation as immoral and pessimistic. The story revolves around Tess Durbeyfield, the daughter of a poor and dissolute villager, who discovers a potential link to the ancient family of d'Urbeville. As she strives for respectability, her fortunes fluctuate wildly, mirroring the grandeur of a Greek tragedy. The novel explores Tess's complex relationships with two distinct men, her fierce resistance against the social conventions of the rural Victorian world, and the pervasive hypocrisy of the era.

In his masterful portrayal of a world that has vanished, Hardy offers one of the most captivating narratives in the English literary canon. The enduring appeal of Tess defies the judgment of his contemporary critics, showcasing the timelessness of its themes and the enduring power of its storytelling.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 137 x 187 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781840228298