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The Life and Death of the Mayor of Casterbridge: A Story of a Man of Character
Hardcover
Classic FictionGeneral FictionLiterary Fiction
ISBN13: 9781025796444
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 420
Weight: 1.68
Height: 0.94 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Life and Death of the Mayor of Casterbridge: A Story of a Man of Character is one of Thomas Hardy's most powerful and tragic novels. Set in the fictional county of Wessex, the story follows the tumultuous life of Michael Henchard, a man whose impulsive actions in youth cast a long shadow over his future. The narrative begins with a shocking act-Henchard selling his wife and infant daughter at a country fair while intoxicated. Years later, having sworn off alcohol and risen to become the esteemed Mayor of Casterbridge, Henchard's past resurfaces to challenge his status, his relationships, and his very identity.
Hardy masterfully explores themes of fate, retribution, and the indomitable nature of human character. Through the contrasting figures of the traditionalist Henchard and his progressive rival Donald Farfrae, the novel also examines the tension between old rural customs and the onset of modern industrialization. The Life and Death of the Mayor of Casterbridge stands as a profound psychological study of a flawed hero, illustrating how a man's temperament can become his destiny. This masterpiece of Victorian literature remains a compelling exploration of guilt, resilience, and the inescapable consequences of one's choices.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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