Thomas Hardy's Christmas

On Christmas Eve, the local singers and musicians would gather at the Hardy family home for a glass of cider and a warming by the log fire. They would then set out on foot to entertain the locals with Christmas carols. Hardy recreated this scene in his novel Under the Greenwood Tree (published in 1872).

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: New Haven Publishing Ltd

The Hardy family, in a cherished tradition, would gather late on Christmas Eve at their home in Higher Bockhampton. Local singers and musicians would assemble, their voices resonating with warmth as they shared a glass of cider by the crackling log fire. In preparation for the evening's entertainment, they would meticulously arrange their music scores and candles, ready to embark on a musical journey. With joyful melodies, they would serenade the locals, visiting their front doors and spreading the spirit of Christmas with their enchanting carols. Among the talented musicians present were Hardys father, Thomas, who played the violin, and his grandfather, Thomas, who graced the cello. Hardy's novel, "Under the Greenwood Tree," published in 1872, captured this enchanting scene, immortalizing 'Hardy' as 'Dewy,' the cottage as 'Lewgate,' and the choir as the 'Mellstock Quire.' Despite his personal struggles with embracing the Christian faith, Hardy found solace and joy in reliving these festive traditions through his writing. In doing so, he invites readers to share in the magic of Christmas, experiencing it vicariously through the pages of "Under the Greenwood Tree."

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912587971