This collection offers three of Hardy's best-known novels, Far From the Madding Crowd, Mayor of Casterbridge, and Tess of the D'Urbervilles, all set against the backdrop of peaceful south-west England in which complex characters make choices that often lead to tragic results. Each demonstrates not only Hardy's extraordinary sympathy for his characters, but also his unique genius for depicting the absurdity underlying much of the sorrow and humor in our lives.