Wessex Poems and Other Verses – Thomas Hardy

A collectible new Penguin Classics series: stunning clothbound editions of ten favourite poets which present each poets most famous book of verse as it was originally published. Designed by the acclaimed Coralie Bickford-Smith and beautifully set these slim A format volumes are the ultimate gift editions for poetry lovers. Wessex Poems was Hardys 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 Hardys 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 Hardys life and loves. Composed throughout Hardys life and animated by his affection for his beloved Wessex their publication in 1898 heralded the arrival of a major new poetic voice.