Wessex Project: Thomas Hardy, Architect

Thomas Hardy is one of England's greatest novelists and poets, but his first career in architecture has been seen as perverse or contradictory. This book is the first to study Hardy from an architectural perspective, revealing a biting commentator on the architectural debates of his day, the most influential conservation writer there has ever been, and his experiments in architectural representation. Wessex appears as a remarkable, entirely architectural project that shapes the way we see, imagine, and build England to this day.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2018
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

Thomas Hardy, one of England's greatest novelists and poets, has created a captivating and intricate realm known as Wessex, blending elements of reality and imagination. However, his initial career in architecture has often been perceived as unconventional or conflicting. The prevailing belief has been that Hardy transitioned to architecture due to a lack of proficiency or passion for the field.

In this groundbreaking book, the author delves into Hardy's life and work from an architectural perspective, offering fresh and revealing insights into a man who remained deeply engaged in architecture throughout his career. It uncovers a sharp commentator on architectural debates of his time, a highly influential conservation writer, and an innovator in architectural representation. By seamlessly integrating writing, maps, images, polemic, and buildings, Wessex emerges as a remarkable architectural project that continues to shape our perception, imagination, and construction of England even today.

Hardy's architectural endeavors were driven by his unwavering intellectual curiosity and his desire to explore the intersection of literature and architecture. He believed that buildings could be powerful tools for storytelling and conveying emotions, and he experimented with various architectural styles and techniques to bring his literary visions to life.

Through his architectural studies, Hardy developed a deep understanding of the principles of design, construction, and conservation. He became a vocal advocate for preserving historic buildings and championed the cause of sustainable architecture. His writings on the subject, such as "The Architecture of Modern Life," influenced generations of architects and conservationists, and his ideas continue to shape the field today.

Hardy's architectural projects, both realized and unrealized, reflect his unique vision and artistic sensibility. He designed numerous buildings, including private residences, churches, and public institutions, each reflecting his distinct style and attention to detail. His most famous architectural creation, the poet's home at Max Gate in Dorset, is a testament to his skill and dedication as an architect.

In conclusion, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on Thomas Hardy, challenging the conventional understanding of his career and highlighting his profound contributions to architecture and literature. It sheds light on Hardy's intellectual curiosity, his passion for conservation, and his innovative approach to architectural representation. By exploring the architectural dimension of his life and work, this book provides a deeper understanding of a man who remains a towering figure in the world of literature and culture.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 241 x 160 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848222502