Poems of the Past and the Present

Name: Poems of the Past and the Present
Author: Thomas Hardy

By Thomas Hardy

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

British Literature Poetry

About This Book

A wide-ranging collection of lyric and narrative poems organized into sections of war verse, pilgrimage and travel pieces, and miscellaneous lyrics, with a concluding group of classical imitations. The war poems register loss, duty, and the domestic aftermath of conflict through concise dramatic scenes and elegiac address. The pilgrimage pieces and imitations evoke historical and continental places, juxtaposing ancient monuments and personal memory. Miscellaneous poems move between rural observation, nature, love, mourning, and skepticism about modern reason, employing varied forms—from monologue to reflective lyric—and a tone that mixes melancholy, irony, and restrained passion.

About the Author

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet, renowned for his critical examination of social constraints and human relationships. His works often explore themes of fate, love, and the struggles of rural life in Victorian England. Notable for his rich character development and vivid settings, Hardy's most famous novels include "Far from the Madding Crowd" and "Jude the Obscure," both of which delve into the complexities of human emotion and societal expectations. In addition to his novels, he was also a prolific poet, contributing significantly to English literature with collections such as "Late Lyrics and Earlier." Hardy's literary legacy continues to influence writers and readers alike.