Woman much missed

Following the passing of his wife, Emma, an anguished Thomas Hardy composed some of the most poignant and compelling poetry of his life. His work from this period stands as some of the finest elegiac poetry in English literature. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Penguin has introduced Little Black Classics, a collection that showcases the vast array and richness of Penguin Classics. This selection offers a literary journey across the globe and through various eras, from soaring in a hot air balloon over Victorian London to experiencing the serene beauty of a blossom-filled garden in Japan. The collection spans the distant landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, the historical context of 16th-century California, and the vastness of the Russian steppe, presenting narratives that are as lyrical as they are brutal, poetry that is both grand and personal, essays that are both satirical and motivational, and concepts that have left a lasting impact on countless lives.