Far from the Madding Crowd is a book by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1874. It marked a turning point in Hardy’s career, establishing him as a leading voice in Victorian literature and shaping the broader development of regional and pastoral fiction. Set in the fictional Wessex countryside he made famous, the novel draws on traditional rural life, social pressures, and enduring moral questions that continue to shape discussions of classic English fiction today. At the heart of the story is Bathsheba Everdene, a determined young woman whose independence sets her apart in a world still bound by convention. Her relationships with three very different men propel the narrative, offering a thoughtful exploration of loyalty, pride, and the quiet struggles of country life. Hardy weaves themes of romance, self-reliance, and the rhythms of the natural world into a story that remains both accessible and resonant. Readers interested in pastoral romance, classic literature, and character-driven storytelling will find the novel richly rewarding.
This book is available for free download in PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats. No registration is required. Just click the links below the donation buttons.
The donate buttons below are in British Pounds, click here if you would prefer to donate in USD, EUR, CAD, or AUD.
Donate with PayPal (yellow button) or Stripe (via Donorbox) (blue button)