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Wessex Poems and Other Verses

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Wessex Poems and Other Verses marks Thomas Hardy's transition from novel writing to poetry, following the harsh reception of Jude the Obscure. This collection features Dorset ballads, verses inspired by the Napoleonic Wars, and deeply personal reflections on Hardy's life and loves, all infused with his enduring affection for Wessex. First published in 1898, it announces a significant new poetic voice in Hardy's career.
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Ideal for lovers of classic English poetry, readers interested in Thomas Hardy's literary evolution, and those drawn to evocative regional verse steeped in history and personal reflection.

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A collectible new Penguin Classics series- beautiful, slim, clothbound editions of ten favourite poets Wessex Poems was Hardy's first collection of poetry, published after he had turned away from novel writing, disillusioned by the savage reception Jude the Obscure had received. Its publication marked the start of an extraordinary new phase in Hardy's writing career- for the rest of his long life, he would write only poetry. Here are sprightly Dorset ballads, verses set during the Napoleonic Wars, and personal poems reflecting on Hardy's life and loves. Composed throughout Hardy's life and animated by his affection for his beloved Wessex, their publication in 1898 heralded the arrival of a major new poetic voice.

Series: Penguin Clothbound Poetry

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    Wessex Poems and Other Verses
    A collectible new Penguin Classics series- beautiful, slim, clothbound editions of ten favourite poets Wessex Poems was Hardy's first collection of poetry, published after he had turned away from novel writing, disillusioned by the savage reception Jude the Obscure had received. Its publication marked the start of an extraordinary new phase in Hardy's writing career- for the rest of his...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241303139

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 24 August 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 120.0mm

Height: 187.0mm

Weight: 201g

Pages: 144

About the Author

Thomas Hardy was born in Dorset in 1840 and became an apprentice architect at the age of sixteen. He spent his twenties in London, where he wrote his first poems. In 1867 Hardy returned to his native Dorset, whose rugged landscape was a great source of inspiration for his writing. Between 1871 and 1897 he wrote fourteen novels, including Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. This final work was received savagely; thereafter Hardy turned away from novels and spent the last thirty year of his life focusing on poetry. He died in 1928.

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