The daughter of a wealthy railway magnate, Paula Power inherits De Stancy Castle, an ancient castle in need of modernization. She commissions George Somerset, a young architect, to undertake the work. Somerset falls in love with Paula but she, the Laodicean of the title, is torn between his admiration and that of Captain De Stancy, whose old-world romanticism contrasts with Somerset's forward-looking attitude.
Paula's vacillation, however, is not only romantic. Her ambiguity regarding religion, politics and social progress is a reflection of the author's own. This new Penguin Classics edition of Hardy's text contains an introduction and notes that illuminate and clarify these themes, and draws parallels between the text and the author's life and views.
By:
Thomas Hardy Preface by:
Patricia Ingham Notes by:
John Schad Introduction by:
John Schad Edited by:
John Schad Imprint: Penguin Classics Country of Publication: United Kingdom Dimensions:
Height: 196mm,
Width: 129mm,
Spine: 20mm
Weight: 332g ISBN:9780140435061 ISBN 10: 0140435069 Pages: 480 Publication Date:24 November 2005 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) English poet and regional novelist, whose works depict the imaginary county Wessex (=Dorset).
