This edited volume presents essays on Thomas Hardy's life and literary works, including aspects that very seldom receive attention in volumes devoted strictly to literary criticism. Of the 16 essays, four focus on his life (specifically, his early years, his later years, his "secret love" with whom had may have had a child, and his friends and critics). Five essays deal with his literary output (the novels, the poems, his theatrical work and interests, and aspects of Tess and of Jude the Obscure). The remaining seven explore Hardy's "genius", in essays on his depiction of life in his Wessex and in Cornwall; his philosophy; his attention to architecture, to history, and the natural world in his literary works; and on his literary fame ("the Hardy industry"). The book also includes numerous old photographs -- of Thomas and both of his wives, of his birthplace, dwellings, and towns where he lived; and of scenes and people that relate to his novels.

Given the expanse of essays, those interested in Thomas Hardy will gain a broad perspective on the life and times of the famous author (in sharp contrast to contemporary literary analyses that eschew biographical details in favor of aspects that the would-be scholar reads into works of literature). While not designed with the casual reader in mind, this book will be valued by readers whose love of Thomas Hardy's fiction and poetry extend to an interest in learning more about the man himself and the wellsprings of his literary output. ( )