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The lake and church at Bingham's Melcombe

Lulworth Cove, the scene of Troy's disappearance in
Far from the Madding Crowd

Cutt Mill beside the
River Stour

Few writers have captured the spirit of rural life and the beauty of the English landscape, particularly Dorset, as brilliantly as Thomas Hardy.

Today you can walk with him and still enjoy the countryside he knew and loved. The book takes you on a journey visiting the actual places that inspired him and explains how he uses them to illuminate his themes and characters.

There are eighteen circular walks to enjoy in Hardy’s company. Walk on the downs above Puddletown where Gabriel Oak tended his sheep in Far From the Madding Crowd, take the ‘embowered path beside the Frome’ with the carol singers in Under the Greenwood Tree, follow the paths beside the river Frome trodden by Tess and Angel Clare in Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Stand on High Stoy to admire one of Hardy’s favourite views of the Blackmore Vale.

With Thomas Hardy as your companion you will not only gain a deeper insight into his work, you will discover a hidden England.

‘Essential reading: “In the Steps of Thomas Hardy” by Anne-Marie Edwards.’
The Times of London

‘ “In the Steps of Thomas Hardy” is written in a straightforward, readable style, cleverly interweaving directions for your walk with knowledgeable appreciation of Hardy’s novels.’ The American

‘There are several guides to Hardy’s topography…but this one has the salient advantage over all the others that it is meant to go into an anorak pocket, not lie on a coffee table. The walker who uses it can tramp over the same ‘drongs’ as Hardy daily trudged…’ Trevor Johnson, writer and lecturer on Thomas Hardy

In the Steps of Thomas Hardy

Paperback. 208 pages. Photographs. Maps. Prints.

ISBN 1 85306 047 X

Published by Countryside Books, Highfield House, Newbury, Berkshire, England. Currently being reprinted.
Web: www.countrysidebooks.co.uk

Obtainable from bookshops or click the book to order on line