Description

Easton Press leather edition of Thomas Hardy's "Jude the Obscure ," Illustrated by Agnes Miller Parker, Introduction by John Bayley, a COLLECTOR'S edition, one of the 100 GREATEST BOOKS EVER WRITTEN series, published in 1977. Bound in light brown leather, the book has camel tan moire silk end leaves, acid-free paper, Symth-sewn binding, hubbed spine, satin book marker, gold gilding on three edges---in FINE condition. Thomas Hardy, who lived from 1840-1928, was an English novelist. Hardy--- who always fought hard against pressure to conform to Victorian standards--- was attacked for his sympathetic portrayal of fallen women and men. In "Jude the Obscure, set in Victorian England, Jude Fawley dreams of studying at the prestigious university in Christminister. Jude resides with his great aunt, Drusilla Fawley, who has reluctantly cared for him since the death of his parents. Jude toils in Drusilla's bakery while dedicating all his spare moments to studying and preparing for his eventual move to Christminister. His dreams are shattered when he becomes entangled with ARABELLA DONN, who claims to be pregnant in order to convince him to marry her. Ultimately Arabella abandons him to join her family in Australia. Jude renews his academic aspiration for Christminister. He is driven partly by his desire to meet his cousin, SUE BRIDEHEAD, who lives there. When Sue secures a teaching position under PHILLOTSON, Jude is dismayed when she and his former teacher develp a romantic relationship. As Jude faces rejection from the university because of his humble background, Sue becomes engaged to Phillotson. Jude relocates to Melchester to attend a theological college. Despite Sue's affection for Jude she asks Jude to "give her away" at her marriage to Phillotson. Jude later in despair turns to alcohol and rekindles his relationship with Arabella. When Aunt Drusilla dies, Sue joins Jude at her funeral in Marygreen. The novel does not end "happily ever after." 427 pages. I offer combined shipping. Jude and Sue spend a year in Aldbrickham, continuing to avoid physical intimacy while their respective divorces are negotiated. Arabella resurfaces seeking assistance and announces to Jude that she bore his child in Australia. She leaves again to marry her second husband, Cartlett. Jude and Sue’s emotional turmoil prevents them from following through with their own marriage. Arabella sends their child, nicknamed “Little Father Time,” into Jude and Sue’s care. Despite facing frequent job losses because of their unmarried, but co-habiting, status, Jude and Sue persist in their relationship, traveling and seeking employment together. Over time, they have two children of their own, and Sue is pregnant with a third. As Jude’s health declines, he becomes determined to return to Christminster. However, the family faces difficulties in finding accommodation and employment. Tragedy strikes when Little Father Time , overwhelmed by the family’s hardships, takes his own life along with those of his siblings. Consumed by guilt and religious fervor, Sue returns to Phillotson, leaving Jude heartbroken and alone. Arabella once again convinces him to marry her. Jude falls gravely ill and seeks solace in a final encounter with Sue. Despite their enduring affection, Sue chooses to stay with Phillotson as a form of penance. A year later, Jude dies in solitude, while Arabella participates in holiday festivities, indifferent to his suffering. Arabella promptly seeks a new husband. At Jude’s funeral, only Arabella and Mrs. Edlin, a widowed friend who had cared for Drusilla, are present. Arabella vows Sue will never find peace or forgiveness.