Far from the Madding Crowd

Published in 1874, 'Far from the Madding Crowd' is Thomas Hardy's first major literary success.

The novel is set in Hardy's fictional region of Wessex and follows the life of Bathsheba Everdene, an independent and ambitious young woman, and her interactions with three men: Gabriel Oak, a humble and honest sheep farmer; William Boldwood, a wealthy landowner; and Sergeant Frank Troy, a dashing but reckless soldier.

The story delves into themes of love, honour, betrayal, and the harsh realities of rural life in Victorian England.

It is known for its vivid descriptions of rural landscapes and its complex characters, and has been adapted into several films, television dramas, and stage productions.