Under the Greenwood Tree (Oxford World's Classics)

The movie differs quite a bit from the novel and I absolutely love the movie. The novel is wonderful and well worth reading. I would recommend it.

Arrived in mint condition. No tears, creases, or bends. It is super important to me to have my books in good shape, as I’m building a classic library. So that was great!As for the story… it was good, but you have to have some patience in the beginning. For the first several chapters I wondered where it was going and how long it was going to take to get there. Hardy likes to build his side-characters as much as the main ones, and I’m starting to realize this is just his style. But stick with it. The story is fun, and quite frankly hilarious! The interactions between the couple in this reminds me of the same old problems we have today… impatience in traffic, a guy waiting while a woman is getting ready, a woman fussing over what she should wear and him basically saying, ‘What does it even matter?’ Very funny. You should read it. And read this edition. It’s great!

It seems vaguely absurd for me to be reviewing the work of one of the greatest novelists of the nineteenth century. I have long been an ardent admirer of his work. Under The Greenwood Tree, or The Mellstock Quire, to give it its alternative title, was Hardy's second novel. His first, Desperate Remedies had not done so well and Hardy was keen to present a new script to his publishers which he claimed would amuse a middle class, feminine audience.Under The Greenwood Tree is not a typical Hardy novel. It is light and amusing and is set in a time of extreme political turmoil in the 1840s. There is no mention of national events in the novel. Rather it is a rural tale of how life remains the same, grandfather to grandson, in the wonderfully archetypal English countryside which Hardy calls Wessex. It was written in 1871 and therefore is almost a nostalgic look back at remembered events.The novel divides into two parts. The first is the story of how a new Vicar in Mellstock wishes to introduce an organ into the Church and disband the ancient choir and its old fashioned musicians. The second focuses on the lady, Fancy Day, and the rivals for her affections - the Vicar himself, Farmer Shiner and Dick Dewy. Dewy is a member of the choir and hence easily ties the two tales together. All ends happily with a marriage with all the young people dancing together under the greenwood tree.This Oxford World Classics edition of the novel has been edited by Simon Gatrell, Professor of English at Georgia University. His preoccupation seems to be to present for the first time, the novel purged of errors and oversights and to use, where possible, Hardy's own manuscript punctuations. Philip Mallet, Senior Lecturer in English at St Andrews University, has written the excellent notes for this edition. They seek to indicate where previous editors uncovered differences between the original manuscript and subsequent revisions of Hardy's work. They are also excellent in interpreting the archaic, rural dialect used by some of the characters, for example chiel for child or boy-chap for youth.Combined with excellent explanatory maps of Hardy's Wessex drawn by Shirley Tinkler, which help the reader to understand the actual setting of the fictitious place names, this edition is a superb introduction to the phenomenon which is the world of Thomas Hardy's writings.

Three suitors Dick Dewy, farmer Fred Shiner and Arthur Maybold the reverend pursue their sweetheart Fancy Day. The new school mistress Fancy Day is from a well to do family her father Geoffrey Day a property owner resides at the Earl Estates in Wessex, Budmouth. Dick Dewy from a mean background, his family common people reveled in drinking elder wine. Dick Dewy one of the four long standing family choir singers was infatuated with Fancy Day before singing they would eat and drink much to the salute of God. The new cabinet organ arrived at Christmas. Farmer Fred Shiner was deemed the more suitable partner for Fancy because he could keep her in a life style she was accustomed to. Dick Dewy was not a choice, this upset Fancy and she became ill until she could convince her father that it was Dick she wanted to marry. Dick attended John Dunfords funeral while he was away Fancy held a performance at the church in her best dress and flirted with the vicar Reverend Arthur Maybold. Dick returned from the funeral it was raining Fancy told Dick to take himself home and change his clothes. Arthur Maybold visited he promised her flowers and lovely clothes if she would marry. Dick Dewy met Arthur Maybold going to Casterbridge too post a letter, Dick explained his affections for Fancy Day - Arthur realized what had happened and cancelled his letter of proposal. Dick Dewy and Fancy Day married leaving Mellstock in the thicket a voice coo coo ed, Fancy said it was the nightingale - it was a secret she intended keeping.1840 - 1928 Thomas Hardy from Dorchester, Dorset England. Books written Wessex Tales, The Hand of Ethelberta and A Laodicean. A book rich and vividly legal.

Oxford World Classics are fantastic books. Classic novels with the addition of introductions, notes, footnotes and appendices all add comprehension of the text and will aid literature students with understanding and appreciation alike.I really enjoyed this book. I have only read one other book by Hardy, Tess of the D'Ubervilles, and I much prefer this book. Set in the English countryside, there are country folk and village life throughout and it reminded me of The Darling Buds of May a number of centuries previous.I would reommend this as a perfect text for students of English Literature

This version of the classic Hardy novel includes some very helpful introduction and appendix material in addition to the novel's text.

The Oxford World Classic range is usually my first choice when it comes to buying a classic novel to read. The text is always taken from the most complete or best-regarded edition, which has been researched from all those available. This novel is no exception. The provenance of the text is explained and therefore not in doubt. If you are studying the book, then this is crucial. You could otherwise waste time reading the wrong version of the text. A range of research notes is also include. These notes give additional information about the text, giving historical context and clarification where needed. There is also a bibliography for furthering your study of the novel.This The Oxford World Classic is yet another welcome addition to my collection. It's a thorough, serious edition, well-presented, and looks rather nice on the bookshelf, too.

One of Hardy's easier reads!

Brand new - good service