Far from the Madding Crowd

Description

Young, attractive and impetuous, Bathsheba has inherited a farm and is determined to be as independent as possible. Her natural beauty is a magnet for men; how will she choose between them? Gabriel Oak is a young farmer, just set up in business with his own flock of sheep. He meets Bathsheba and falls in love with her, but she turns him down. He has to stand by and watch while the woman he loves is courted by others, first by William Boldwood, much older than Bathsheba; then by Sergeant Troy, young, handsome, and reckless. Who will she choose? Throughout Bathsheba's series of mistakes, Gabriel remains her loyal friend. But will he ever be more than just a friend?

THOMAS HARDY (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet. London-based illustrator ANN KRONHEIMER specialises in children's publishing, picture and story books, early readers and educational books for infants up to young adults. She uses a dip pen and ink, sometimes with a wash and sometimes just line, combining traditional style with modern imagery.