A Distant Prospect of Wessex ─ Archaeology and the Past in the Life and Works of Thomas Hardy

Developed from the author's doctoral dissertation at the University of Leicester, this volume examines the relationship between Thomas Hardy and the archaeological heritage of the regions of England in which he resided and worked. Citing numerous, if fleeting, references in Hardy's work to ancient historical monuments and landscapes, the text explores connections in Hardy's broad personal intellectual life and his works, including The Mayor of Casterbridge and Tess of the d'Urbervilles, that reference archaeological themes. Distributed in North America by The David Brown Book Co. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)