A Pair of Blue Eyes (Penguin Classics) [Mass Market Paperback]

Thomas Hardy (Author), Pamela Dalziel (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Penguin Classics | Publication Date: November 29, 2005

When Elfrise Swanston meets Stephen Smith, she is attracted to his handsome face, gentle bearing, and the sense of mystery which surrounds him. Although distressed to find that the mystery consists only in the humbleness of his origins, she remains true to their youthful vows. But, societal pressures, and the advent of the superior Henry Knight, eventually displace her affections. Knight, however, proves to be an uncompromising moralist who, obsessed with fears about Elfride's sexual past, destroys her happiness. Writing of the struggle between classes and sexes, Hardy drew heavily on his own relationships, and in the introduction, Pamela Dalziel discovers fascinating parallels between Hardy's life and his art.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`What a joy it is to find World's Classics according to `new edition' status to that gentle romantic tale, A Pair of Blue Eyes, our enjoyment of which is enhanced by the editing and fine general and textual introductions by Alan Manford, whose knowledge and enthusiasm conspire to urge a revaluation of a novel which deserves a much wider readership.' Thomas Hardy Annual. No 5

`A Pair Of Blue Eyes has a vivacity that makes the Great Works appear the lumbering heavy-weights they are.' Andrew Cowan, The Sunday Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

THOMAS HARDY (1840-1928) was recognized, and even revered, as the major literary figure of his time. The majority of his major novels are available in Penguin Classics.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (November 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140435298
• ISBN-13: 978-0140435290
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,593,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Hardy Melodrama, June 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Pair of Blue Eyes (Penguin Classics) (Mass Market Paperback)

I had forgotten Hardy's unique way of making my jaw drop in the last few pages of his novels. If it's been a while since you've treated yourself to his unrelenting destruction of any hope you may be harboring for his characters, indulge. The man never disappoints a cynic.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant read for Hardy fans (and some who aren't), September 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Pair of Blue Eyes (World's Classics) (Paperback)

Blue Eyes describes the love triangle between a young woman and her two suitors. One is the socially inferior, but upwardly striving young man who adores her and connects her with her country past, while the other is the respectable, established, older man who represents London society. The heroine is caught between multiple expectations (those of the men, her parents, and society)and the desires of her own heart, which she does not always seem to know. The story is told lightly, however, never burying the reader with a gloomy shroud (until the very end). This is a good read for someone who enjoys Hardy and wants to sample his early works.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly compelling, March 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Pair of Blue Eyes (Penguin Classics) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was recommended by Amazon.com and I threw it in my shopping cart for fun. I found it surprisingly compelling. I do not remember ever reading Hardy before. His writing is wonderful and not at all old-fashioned, in fact, it is a modern book in sensibility. If you like books that care about characters and place, read it!