Late Lyrics and Earlier   By: Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

Late Lyrics and Earlier by Thomas Hardy is a collection of poems that showcases the evolution of the author's poetic style and themes over the course of his career. This compilation is a delightful window into Hardy's imaginative world, where he weaves together emotions, experiences, and observations, creating a tapestry that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

One aspect that stands out in Late Lyrics and Earlier is the profound sense of nostalgia that permeates the verses. Hardy, known for his elegiac tone, presents readers with a series of reflections on the passing of time, lost love, and the transient nature of existence. Through his poignant lyrical imagery, he effortlessly evokes a wistfulness that resonates with the reader and invites introspection. The poems transport us to distant landscapes, where we can almost feel the weight of history and experience the melancholy beauty that permeates every word.

In this collection, Hardy's craftsmanship as a poet shines brightly. With meticulous attention to detail, he effortlessly blends rhythm, rhyme, and meter, creating a musicality that adds depth and resonance to his verse. The language employed is simple yet evocative, allowing the emotions conveyed to reach the reader's core. Whether it is a tender love poem or a lamentation on the passage of time, each poem in this collection is meticulously crafted, resulting in an immersive reading experience.

Furthermore, Late Lyrics and Earlier also serves as a testament to Hardy's versatility as a poet. Throughout this collection, readers can observe the progression of his poetic style, with earlier poems carrying the influence of Romanticism, while his later works display shades of realism. This evolution reflects Hardy's growth as a writer, his exploration of different stylistic approaches, and his willingness to experiment with various themes.

While Late Lyrics and Earlier presents aspects that are undoubtedly praiseworthy, it may not be for everyone. Some readers may find the elegiac tone and often somber subject matter to be a tad overwhelming, potentially making it a challenging read. However, those who have an appreciation for introspective poetry, infused with a sense of history and a keen observation of the human condition, will find this collection to be a literary gem.

In conclusion, Late Lyrics and Earlier by Thomas Hardy is a captivating collection of poems that showcases the evolution of the author's poetic style and his ability to touch on themes that resonate deeply with readers. With each poem, Hardy invites us to reflect on the fleeting nature of life, our own mortality, and the beauty that lies in the moments we may take for granted. This collection is a testament to the enduring legacy of Thomas Hardy as one of the finest poets in English literature.

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Contents: Apology Weathers The maid of Keinton Mandeville Summer Schemes Epeisodia Faintheart in a Railway Train At Moonrise and Onwards The Garden Seat Barthelemon at Vauxhall "I sometimes think" Jezreel A Jog trot Pair "The Curtains now are Drawn" "According to the Mighty Working" "I was not he" The West of Wessex Girl Welcome Home Going and Staying Read by Moonlight At a house in Hampstead A Woman's Fancy Her Song A Wet August The Dissemblers To a Lady Playing and Singing in the Morning "A man was drawing near to me" The Strange House "As 'twere to night" The Contretemps A Gentleman's Epitaph on Himself and a Lady The Old Gown A night in November A Duettist to her Pianoforte "Where three roads joined" "And there was a great calm" Haunting Fingers The Woman I Met "If it's ever spring again" The Two Houses On Stinsford Hill at Midnight The Fallow Deer at the Lonely House The Selfsame Song The Wanderer A Wife Comes Back A Young Man's Exhortation At Lulworth Cove a Century Back A Bygone Occasion Two Serenades The Wedding Morning End of the Year 1912 The Chimes Play "Life's a bumper!" "I worked no wile to meet you" At the Railway Station, Upway Side by Side Dream of the City Shopwoman A Maiden's Pledge The Child and the Sage Mismet An Autumn Rain scene Meditations on a Holiday An Experience The Beauty The Collector Cleans his Picture The Wood Fire Saying Good bye On the tune called The Old hundred and fourth The Opportunity Evelyn G... Continue reading book >>