Far from the Madding Crowd (Color Illustrated Hardcover)

“Far from the Madding Crowd” is a novel written by the English author Thomas Hardy. The book was first published in 1874 and is one of Hardy’s most well-known and widely read works.

The story is set in the fictional rural English county of Wessex and follows the life of Bathsheba Everdene, a beautiful and independent young woman. The novel explores Bathsheba’s relationships with three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak, a shepherd; William Boldwood, a prosperous farmer; and Sergeant Francis Troy, a dashing but reckless soldier.

“Far from the Madding Crowd” is known for its rich depiction of rural life, complex characters, and the exploration of themes such as love, honor, and the consequences of choices. The title is taken from Thomas Gray’s poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.”

The novel has been adapted into several films, plays, and television series over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity and significance in English literature.