A Preface to Hardy

by Merryn Williams

First published in 1976, A Preface to Hardy is one of the most popular introductions to the life and work of a central figure in English literature, a reputation which the splendid second edition confirms.

Key Features—

Already a successful formula with a proven value in the market place. Provides the student with all she/he needs to know: the biographical and cultural background

discussion of the key fiction and poetry

valuable reference material on people, places and further reading. Thoroughly revised to take account of recent scholarship, including new material on the short stories and his epic poem, The Dynasts.

Paperback

First published June 1, 1976

About the author

Merryn Williams is a poet and the author of books on Thomas Hardy and Margaret Oliphant. Raymond Williams, her father, is Emeritus Professor of Drama, University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge.

Reviews

[Eleni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering how much I disliked the other Hardy book by the same author, I have to say this one was worth reading. While a small thing, my favourite "tit bit" from this book was a drawing/cartoon of God talking to Hardy....

[Amalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to Hardy and his setting. If you are someone like me, who enjoy Hardy’s works tremendously but do not have enough time to spend on lengthy biographies, then this is a good book. It is divided into three parts: The Writer and his Setting (Hardy’s Life, Hardy the countryman, Hardy the Victorian), Critical Survey (includes Hardy’s heroes and their predicaments, introductions to short stories and the Dynasts, selected poems) and Reference section with Maps and short biographies)

The part I really enjoyed is the poetry section. ‘The Preface Books’ seem to be very handy with its content so I’m thinking about moving onto the Brontes, Oscar Wilde, Wilfred Owen and Shakespeare’s Tragedies.