Wessex Tales
Thomas Hardy wrote a number of short stories as well as his novels and poems. Many of these stories had a supernatural element."Wessex Tales" is a fine collection of short stories, albeit written at a time when the art of short story writing was in its development. The stories are all set deeply within Hardy's homeland, with all the usual locations - Mellstock, Budmouth, Casterbridge and so on - showing up.
The stories are effectively told in the manner of folk-tales, which gives the impression that maybe there is more truth in them than in just a story.
Twist in the tale of some unexpected visitors at a party. Well-drawn characters; the shepherd and his wife bearing a distinct resemblance to Reuben and Ann Dewy.
Based apparently on a local folk-tradition. Yet another example of Hardy's interest in the times of "Boney", when Wessex was on the front-line.
Napoleonic love-story, again apparently based on a local tale.
Excellent supernatural tale of unintended revenge and disappointed lives.
Based out on the edge of "Mid-Wessex", at Bridport (Port Bredy). Excellent evocation of the place, which is completely identifiable from the descriptions. More disappointed people, doomed love and noble behaviour.
Definitely my least-favourite in the book. A story of (guess what) disappointed loves and lives with too much going backwards and forwards up the same road. But a typically Hardy ending.
Funny, exciting tale about how the young Methodist preacher got caught up in smuggling. Hardy's grandfather had assisted the smugglers in the past (until stopped by Hardy's grandmother), and the interest and evocation of an old way of life shows. Excellent local detail but a disappointing (to Hardy) happy ending.... The story's set in "Nether Moynton" (Owermoigne), which has an interesting cider museum. However the cider they sell there is made in Somerset (or was in 2000, when I visited).
Based apparently on a local folk-tradition. Yet another example of Hardy's interest in the times of "Boney", when Wessex was on the front-line.
Wessex locations: