Overview
“The greatest tragic writer among English novelists.”-Virginia Woolf
Far from the Madding Crowd is the first of Thomas Hardy's great novels, and the first to sound the tragic note for which his fiction is best remembered.”-Margaret Drabble
Far from the Madding Crowd, the fourth novel written by Thomas Hardy, is a pensive yet pastoral novel that initially appeared in serial form in the late 1800's. It has since become one of the most popular books of English literature, with its rich rhythms of rural life, beautiful and independent heroine, and romantic intrigue.
In Wessex, the novel's apocryphal region of rural southwest England, the independent and spirited Bathsheba Everdene has a chance encounter with a virtuous young shepherd named Gabriel Oak; He is taken by her beauty, and proposes marriage, and she refuses. Soon after, Bathsheba moves away to the town of Weatherbury, and Gabriel falls on hard times. Penniless, and roving from town to town seeking employment, he happens to come upon a fire ravaging a farm. Gabriel aids in getting the fire under control, and is stunned to discover that the farm is owned by Bathsheba. Once again, they are reunited, yet now Gabriel is employed as a farmhand. When a second suitor, a local landowner, seeks her affection the inextricable struggles of love and betrayal spins Bathsheba's life into a maze of uncontrollable frenzy and passion.
With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Far from the Madding Crowd is both modern and readable.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Far From the Madding Crowd, we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Far From the Madding Crowd.