Books with title The Mayor of Casterbridge: Illustrated

Hardy's superbly written tale is an ultimately tragic affair that begins with the novel's central character auctioning off his wife and young daughter in a fit of drunken irritation. He later becomes Mayor of Casterbridge, but doesn't reveal his guilty secret and is in for some unpleasant surprises.. With several intriguing romantic subplots set against the charming backdrop of rural nineteenth century England, the novel is a joy to read. Just as accessible and enjoyable for today's modern readers as it would have been when first published well over 100 years ago, the novel is one of the great works of English literature and continues to be widely read throughout the world.This meticulous digital edition from Heritage Illustrated Publishing is a faithful reproduction of the original text and is beautifully illustrated with a number of atmospheric historical paintings that reflect the mood of the novel.

How is this book unique? 15 Illustrations are included Short Biography is also includedOriginal & Unabridged EditionTablet and e-reader formattedBest fiction books of all timeOne of the best books to readClassic historical fiction booksBestselling FictionThe Mayor of Casterbridge (1886), subtitled "The Life and Death of a Man of Character", is a novel by British author Thomas Hardy. It is set in the fictional town of Casterbridge (based on the town of Dorchester in Dorset). The book is one of Hardy's Wessex novels, all set in a fictional rural England. Hardy began writing the book in 1884 and wrote the last page on 17 April 1885. Within the book, he writes that the events took place "before the nineteenth century had reached one-third of its span". Literary critic Dale Kramer sees it as being set somewhat later—in the late 1840s, corresponding to Hardy's youth in Dorchester.

A cruel joke at a country fair goes too far when a drunken laborer auctions off his wife and child to the highest bidder. So begins The Mayor of Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy's gripping tale of a man's rise and fall amid the natural beauty and human brutality of a rural English community.First published serially in 1886, the novel was praised by critics for its realism and poetic style. Most agreed, however, that its plot hinges upon unlikely turns of events. Hardy replied, "It is not improbabilities of incident but improbabilities of character that matter." In this book — originally subtitled "A Story of a Man of Character" — the author perpetually tests his characters with frequent intrusions by the hand of fate. Rich in descriptive powers and steeped in irony, this timeless tale offers a spellbinding portrayal of ambition, rivalry, revenge, and repentance.

Published in 1886, the protagonist, Michael Henchard, is a haytrusser who one day gets so drunk that he auctions off his wife and child for five guineas to a sailor. When sober, he realizes his mistake and vows not to touch liquor. Over the years, his hard work pays off, he becomes rich and eventually even the mayor of Casterbridge. Eighteen years after being sold off, his wife returns, with a daughter who, she persuades Henchard to believe, is his. Meanwhile, Henchard quarrels with his assistant Farfrae who then proceeds to possess, piece by piece, everything that belonged to Henchard.

Set in the fictional town of Casterbridge, "The Mayor of Casterbridge" is Thomas Hardy's tragic story of Michael Henchard who over indulges in alcohol at a county fair and decides to auction off his wife and daughter to a sailor. When he recovers his sobriety Mr. Henchard realizes his mistake but it is too late to get his family back. Devastated he decides not to touch alcohol again for the next twenty-one years. The novel advances eighteen years to find the teetotaling Henchard as the Mayor of Casterbridge and a successful grain merchant. When his wife and daughter return to town a precipitous decline in Henchard's fortune is set in motion. One of Hardy's Wessex novels, "The Mayor of Casterbridge" is a classic tragic story of the consequences of alcohol abuse.

The Mayor of Casterbridge opens with a shocking and haunting scene: In a drunken rage, Michael Henchard sells his wife and daughter to a visiting sailor at a local fair. When they return to Casterbridge some nineteen years later, Henchard—having gained power and success as the mayor—finds he cannot erase the past or the guilt that consumes him. The Mayor of Casterbridge is a rich, psychological novel about a man whose own flaws combine with fate to cause his ruin.

Set in the fictional town of Casterbridge, “The Mayor of Casterbridge” is Thomas Hardy’s tragic story of Michael Henchard, who over indulges in alcohol at a country fair and decides to auction off his wife and daughter to a sailor. When he recovers his sobriety, Mr. Henchard realizes his mistake, but it is too late to get his family back. Devastated by his impetuous actions he decides not to touch alcohol again for the next twenty-one years. The novel advances eighteen years to find the tee-totaling Henchard as the Mayor of Casterbridge and a successful grain merchant. When his wife and daughter return to town a precipitous decline in Henchard’s fortune is set in motion. One of Hardy’s Wessex novels, “The Mayor of Casterbridge” is a classic story of the terrible consequences of rash decisions that can be made under the influence of too much alcohol. This edition includes an introduction by Joyce Kilmer and a biographical afterword.

A Story of a Man of Character “Happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain.” ― Thomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge In The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy, a drunken Michael Henchard auctions off his wife and baby daughter at a country fair. Regretting his rash action the next morning, Henchard vows sobriety and builds a life as a respected grain merchant and the Mayor of Casterbridge. When his past catches up with him 18 years later, Henchard's life is turned upside down. This Xist Classics edition has been professionally formatted for e-readers with a linked table of contents. This ebook also contains a bonus book club leadership guide and discussion questions. We hope you’ll share this book with your friends, neighbors and colleagues and can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it.