About the book
Introduction and Notes by Michael Irwin, Professor of English Literature, University of Kent at Canterbury.
Set in Hardy's Wessex, Tess is a moving novel of hypocrisy and double standards. Its challenging sub-title, A Pure Woman, infuriated critics when the book was first published in 1891, and it was condemned as immoral and pessimistic.
It tells of Tess Durbeyfield, the daughter of a poor and dissipated villager, who learns that she may be descended from the ancient family of d'Urbeville. In her search for respectability her fortunes fluctuate wildly, and the story assumes the proportions of a Greek tragedy. It explores Tess's relationships with two very different men, her struggle against the social mores of the rural Victorian world which she inhabits and the hypocrisy of the age.
In addressing the double standards of the time, Hardy’s masterly evocation of a world which we have lost, provides one of the most compelling stories in the canon of English literature, whose appeal today defies the judgement of Hardy’s contemporary critics.
Editions of Tess of the d'Urbervilles
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781853260056
- EBook
- ISBN 9781848704381
- Kindle
- ISBN B00O26SA8W
Read an Excerpt
Introduction and Notes by Michael Irwin, Professor of English Literature, University of Kent at Canterbury.
Set in Hardy's Wessex, Tess is a moving novel of hypocrisy and double standards. Its challenging sub-title, A Pure Woman, infuriated critics when the book was first published in 1891, and it was condemned as immoral and pessimistic.
It tells of Tess Durbeyfield, the daughter of a poor and dissipated villager, who learns that she may be descended from the ancient family of d'Urbeville. In her search for respectability her fortunes fluctuate wildly, and the story assumes the proportions of a Greek tragedy. It explores Tess's relationships with two very different men, her struggle against the social mores of the rural Victorian world which she inhabits and the hypocrisy of the age.
In addressing the double standards of the time, Hardy’s masterly evocation of a world which we have lost, provides one of the most compelling stories in the canon of English literature, whose appeal today defies the judgement of Hardy’s contemporary critics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tess of the d'Urbervilles about?
Introduction and Notes by Michael Irwin, Professor of English Literature, University of Kent at Canterbury.
Set in Hardy's Wessex, Tess is a moving novel of hypocrisy and double standards. Its challenging sub-title, A Pure Woman, infuriated critics when the book was first published in 1891, and it was condemned as immoral and pessimistic.
It tells of Tess Durbeyfield, the daughter of a poor and dissipated villager, who learns that she may be descended from the ancient family of d'Urbeville. In her search for respectability her fortunes fluctuate wildly, and the story assumes the proportions of a Greek tragedy. It explores Tess's relationships with two very different men, her struggle against the social mores of the rural Victorian world which she inhabits and the hypocrisy of the age.
In addressing the double standards of the time, Hardy’s masterly evocation of a world which we have lost, provides one of the most compelling stories in the canon of English literature, whose appeal today defies the judgement of Hardy’s contemporary critics.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Tess of the d'Urbervilles?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre > Classic fiction: literary and general
Where can I read a sample of Tess of the d'Urbervilles?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781853260056
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Tess of the d'Urbervilles?
Michael Irwin, Thomas Hardy
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Tess of the d'Urbervilles is available as paperback(ISBN 9781853260056) and ebook(ISBN 9781848704381) and kindle(ISBN B00O26SA8W)
Where can I buy Tess of the d'Urbervilles online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Tess of the d'Urbervilles?