Hardy in History: A Study in Literary Sociology

by Peter Widdowson

First published in 1989, this study investigates Hardy not so much in terms of his novels but as he has been constituted as a major figure in English literature. Using Hardy as a case-study, it looks at how a ‘great writer’ is produced in sociological terms, analysing the critical, cultural and ideological factors involved. By exposing this construction, the book seeks to release Hardy from the constraints imposed by orthodox literary history. This book will be of interest to those studying nineteenth-century literature.

270 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s interesting how very much this critical work reflects the 80s’ interest in ideology and canon formation. Much of the language reminds me of Althusser. I suspect the project’s origins were a defense of “The Hand of Ethelberta.” The author positions it centrally in Hardy’s work to emphasize his class consciousness. It contains a very useful discussion of Hardy’s ‘autobiography’.