Thomas Hardy's collection of poetry, "Satires of Circumstance, Lyrics and Reveries, with Miscellaneous Pieces," is a reflective and thought-provoking exploration of human emotions and experiences. Through a mix of satirical poems, heartfelt lyrics, and contemplative pieces, Hardy skillfully delves into the complexities of life, love, and loss.

One of the standout aspects of this collection is Hardy's ability to capture the essence of everyday moments and turn them into profound reflections on the human condition. His use of vivid imagery and evocative language draws the reader into each poem, allowing them to connect on a deep and personal level.

Hardy's themes of longing, regret, and the passage of time resonate throughout the collection, making it a poignant and contemplative read. The sheer range and depth of emotions explored in these poems showcase Hardy's skill as a poet and storyteller.

Overall, "Satires of Circumstance, Lyrics and Reveries, with Miscellaneous Pieces" is a captivating and beautifully written collection of poetry that will leave a lasting impression on readers. Hardy's ability to craft poignant and evocative verses makes this book a must-read for anyone who appreciates deep and introspective poetry.

Book Description:
Published in 1914, this is a compilation of 107 poems by Thomas Hardy , who is probably better known as the author of such famous novels as Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd.

Similar to his novels, the underlying themes of the majority of the poems in this collection are death, departure and unfulfilled love, while the central piece is comprised of the 15 short "Satires of Circumstance," funny poems with a bittersweet touch.

The poems have been recorded by our trio of readers John Burlinson, Tomas Peter and Sonia. As an interesting touch, some poems can be considered short dramatic readings, and as such have been performed as dialogues.