Desperate Remedies

Desperate Remedies by Thomas Hardy, published by Cambridge University Press on August 15, 2019, is a significant work in the realm of sensation fiction. This edition, comprising 626 pages, presents Hardy’s first published novel, originally released anonymously in 1871. The narrative explores themes of illegitimacy, murder, blackmail, impersonation, and bigamy, showcasing early examples of the intense situations and emotions that would characterize Hardy’s later works.

Readers will find this edition to be a comprehensive resource, featuring an authoritative text along with scholarly apparatus that illuminates Hardy’s creative process. It includes an introductory essay that discusses the novel’s composition, publication, and critical reception, as well as extensive explanatory notes. This scholarly approach provides insights into the literary context of the time, making it a valuable addition for those interested in literary criticism and the evolution of English literature.