Thomas Hardy (1840–1928), an English naturalist author, set his novels and poetry in the fictional Wessex, depicting characters struggling with fate and society. While he prioritized poetry, his novels like Tess of the d’Urbervilles brought fame and financial success. His poetry, published later in life, gained acclaim in the 1950s–60s “Movement.” Hardy’s 1873 novel A Pair of Blue Eyes introduced the “cliffhanger,” with a protagonist left hanging off a cliff, shaping literary suspense. Blending

English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy was born 183 years ago today. Over 100 of Hardy's finest verses have been exclusively selected by Robert Macfarlane for Folio's edition. Limited to just 750 copies, the bodoniana-bound edition features over 30 haunting illustrations created by Stanley Donwood, a striking red leather spine and printed cloth sides. Each copy has been numbered by hand and signed by both anthologist and illustrator. With over two-thirds sold, don't miss out on this limited: www

An altarpiece designed by novelist Thomas Hardy, which was lost for a century, has been uncovered today. | BBC Berkshire