Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet, known for his novels “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” “Jude the Obscure,” and “Far from the Madding Crowd.” He was born on June 2, 1840, in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, England.
Hardy was the son of a stonemason and grew up in a rural area of England. He attended school in Dorchester and later studied architecture in London. After working as an architect for several years, he turned to writing, and his first novel, “The Poor Man and the Lady,” was published in 1867.
Hardy’s novels are known for their realistic and often pessimistic portrayals of human nature and society. They are set in rural England and explore themes such as love, betrayal, and social class. His works were controversial for their frank depictions of sex and criticism of Victorian society.
In addition to his novels, Hardy was also a prolific poet and is considered one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era. His poems often dealt with themes of nature and human emotions, and they have been widely anthologized and studied.
Hardy’s personal life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his first wife, Emma, in 1912, and the death of his longtime friend and muse, Florence Henniker, in 1923. He continued to write until his death on January 11, 1928, in Dorchester, at the age of 87.
Hardy’s legacy as a writer has had a lasting impact on English literature, and his works continue to be read and studied today. He is remembered for his powerful and evocative prose and poetry, his criticism of Victorian society, and his contributions to the development of the modern novel.
