Thomas Hardy: Selected Writings

This volume in the 21st-Century Oxford Authors series presents Thomas Hardy's work in its original form, revealing the range and variety of his output. It includes extensive annotation, locating his work in its cultural context and addressing present-day concerns such as gender and humanity's place within the natural world. It also includes an Introduction to his life and works and a Chronology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 608 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This volume in the 21st-Century Oxford Authors series presents a comprehensive selection of the work of Thomas Hardy, marking the first such offering in nearly thirty years. The edition offers a fresh perspective on Hardy's poetry by presenting the text of his individual volumes, as they appeared originally, rather than the revised version he later produced for his Collected Poems. This approach unveils the breadth and diversity of his output, qualities that he often concealed. Among his notable sequences, "Poems of 1912-13" emerges in a radically different form, showcasing the evolution of his artistic vision. Selections from his epic drama, "The Dynasts," are included within the chronological sequence of his poetry, highlighting the significance of this neglected work. Additionally, notebook and journal entries where Hardy articulates his understanding of poetry and the role of the poet are included, providing a deeper insight into his creative process.

Uniquely generous in its content, this edition boasts an extensive annotation that contextualizes Hardy's work within its cultural milieu and interprets it in the light of critical reception. The notes not only shed light on his regional heritage but also reveal his responses to contemporary issues and debates, encompassing topics such as war, patriotism, animal welfare, marriage, and religion. The annotation further identifies how Hardy's work continues to resonate with modern readers, addressing contemporary concerns such as gender, including the gender(s) of the poetic voice, the global versus the local, and humanity's place within the natural world.

In addition to the annotated text, the edition includes an Introduction to the life and works of Hardy and a Chronology, providing valuable background information and a timeline of his literary career. This comprehensive collection offers students and scholars a thorough exploration of Thomas Hardy's rich and influential body of work, enabling a deeper understanding of his artistic achievements and their enduring relevance.

Weight: 788g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198904861