The Ashgate Research Companion to Thomas Hardy

Classified as ’Research Essential' by Baker & Taylor YBP Library Services 'The Ashgate Research Companion does include some illuminating interpretative essays, including Andrew Radford on Hardy’s humanism and Dennis Taylor, always excellent, on Hardy’s reading of Shakespeare; there is an admirable account of Moments of Vision by Gillian Beer, and a deft study of hands in Hardy by J. Hillis Miller; but the book’s main contribution lies in its very full surveys of the secondary literature, of Hardy on film and in illustrations, its census of Hardy manuscripts, and its extensive bibliography: I imagine it will soon be appearing at the top of reading lists for Masters courses.' Times Literary Supplement 'This is a superb research tool and interesting in and of itself... Highly recommended. Graduate students and researchers.' Choice '... the chapters include many notes directing researchers to foundational resources. Additionally, Morgan has wisely allowed lengthier chapters for areas that have yet to be developed, and the variety of authors, the diversity of perspectives and areas covered, and the tools she provides in this book make it a necessary addition for anyone embarking on Hardy research.' N-BOL19 'No individual, however talented and energetic, could hope to match the sheer range of expertise, in so many different aspects, brilliantly displayed here... Fully complementing the bibliographical aspects, and further helping to put the Research Companion into a class of its own in its range and depth, are the excellent historical, philosophical, critical and other contributions, including essays on music, science, religion, topography, psychology, gender - even cinema, and Hardy's illustrators... it is easy to believe that Hardyans undertaking research in any of the various topics so richly presented here will find much to inform and inspire in this cornucopia of a book.' Thomas Hardy Journal ’Thomas Hardy enthusiasts as well as serious scholars