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Thomas Hardy, Novelist and Poet

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), novelist and poet, was born in the village of Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, England and is considered one of the great literary figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hardy initially trained as an architect before dedicating himself to writing full-time. His novels and poems often delve into the themes of social constraints, romantic ideals, and the vulnerability of humans in the face of fate.

Thomas Hardy's novels are predominantly set in the fictional region of Wessex, which was inspired by the landscape and rural communities of southwestern England. His works are characterised by their vivid portrayal of the natural environment and their exploration of the human experience. Some of his most famous novels include "Far from the Madding Crowd" (1874), "The Mayor of Casterbridge" (1886), "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" (1891), and "Jude the Obscure" (1895). These novels often focus on the tragic consequences of social norms and the inescapable power of fate.

Following the critical backlash to "Jude the Obscure," Hardy abandoned novel writing and focused on his poetry. His poetic works span various forms and styles, including lyric, narrative, and dramatic verse. Some of his most notable collections of poetry include "Wessex Poems" (1898), "Poems of the Past and the Present" (1901), and "Satires of Circumstance" (1914). Hardy's poems often explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.

Throughout his career, Thomas Hardy received various honors and recognition for his literary achievements. In 1910, he was awarded the prestigious Order of Merit, and in 1924, he received the gold medal for poetry from the Royal Society of Literature. Today, his works continue to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars worldwide.

Information on the origin of the Hardy Surname.

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