Jude the Obscure
Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy is a revised edition published by National Geographic Books on September 1, 1998. This 528-page novel presents the story of Jude Fawley, whose aspirations for a university education are thwarted by his marriage to Arabella, who later leaves him. Relocating to Christminster, Jude encounters his cousin Sue Bridehead, a progressive woman who challenges societal norms. Their decision to cohabit rather than marry leads to societal ostracism and financial struggles.
In this edition, readers will find the unbowdlerized text from the original 1895 publication, along with a list for further reading, appendices, and a glossary. The introduction by Dennis Taylor delves into the biblical references and critiques of religion present in Jude the Obscure, as well as the novel’s controversial reception that influenced Hardy’s decision to cease writing novels. This work explores themes of class and romantic relationships, making it a significant piece within the realms of fiction and literary classics.
Official synopsis Publisher
“I’m an outsider to the end of my days!”
Jude Fawley’s hopes of a university education are lost when he is trapped into marrying the earthy Arabella, who later abandons him. Moving to the town of Christminster where he finds work as a stonemason, Jude meets and falls in love with his cousin Sue Bridehead, a sensitive, freethinking “New Woman.” Refusing to marry merely for the sake of religious convention, Jude and Sue decide instead to live together, but they are shunned by society and poverty soon threatens to ruin them. Jude the Obscure, Hardy’s last novel, caused a public furor when it was first published, with its fearless and challenging exploration of class and sexual relationships.
This edition uses the unbowdlerized text of the first volume edition of 1895, and also includes a list for further reading, appendices and a glossary. In his introduction, Dennis Taylor examines biblical allusions and the critique of religion in Jude the Obscure, and its critical reception that led Hardy to abandon novel writing.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Jude the Obscure” about?
Who is the author of “Jude the Obscure”?
When was “Jude the Obscure” published?
What is the ISBN for “Jude the Obscure”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
