Wild heaths, picturesque villages and dramatic coastlines are the backdrop for this intriguing tale celebrating the life and work of the novelist and poet Thomas Hardy. From the cosy thatched cottage of his childhood to the bustling streets of London, this program will take you on a journey of discovery, and give you the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of the great man himself, revealing how an architect"s apprentice rose to dizzying heights as an author of world renown. His novels Far from the Madding Crowd, The Return of the Native and The Mayor of Casterbridge, among many others, have delighted and enthralled readers for well over a century, with their enchanting images of rural England as the backdrop for atmospheric tales of romance and tragedy. Nevertheless, Thomas Hardy generated his fair share of controversy in his day, as the harsh reality of the class system was portrayed in his later novels Tess of the D"Urbevilles and Jude the Obscure, proving too much for Victorian readers; Hardy made his mark as a man well ahead of his time. By delving deep into the writer"s past, see the real Thomas Hardy, the troubles that inspired his darkest tragedies, the difficulties that marked his first marriage and the love that stirred him to write his most beautiful poetry. This is a tale which will captivate devoted readers and newcomers alike, as it uncovers the extraordinary history of one of our most beloved writers. Britain boasts a rich heritage of great writers whose works have earned global fame and continue to remain firm favorites for readers worldwide. This wonderful collection of programs explores the lives and times of these authors, to find out what inspired them to bring us such classic works. This collection will provide fresh insights into the motivation and character of your favorite writer, and will let you experience a new way of looking at their work.