"Palgrave Advances in Thomas Hardy Studies explores the key issues in the ongoing and lively debate about Thomas Hardy's work as a novelist and poet. In twelve specially-commissioned essays, distinguished scholars from both sides of the Atlantic address such topics as Hardy's treatment of class, his radical views of gender and society, his often subversive approach to notions of 'culture', his complex relationship with his readers and his impact on the poetry of the twentieth century. Book jacket."--Jacket.