My Newest Illustrated Classic: Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

I am so excited to announce my newest illustrated book Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, available for pre-order on July 1st.

When I first read this book last year, in the midst of a global pandemic, I was immediately swept up, entranced, beguiled. This atmospheric and tragic tale has haunted me ever since, and I now consider it among my favorites. 

Unfortunately, this book, when considering the classics, is often forgotten. Or critiqued for being “too depressing, too grim.” But underneath the tragedy there is a beautiful story, and I have attempted to bring that beauty to life in this illustrated book. For this book I have created some of my favorite paintings I have ever done, and I hope you like them too.

This beautiful hardcover edition features original cover art and several full color illustrations on the inner pages. It is complete and unabridged. The book will be available exclusively on my website, and will open for pre-order starting on July 1st at 10am CST. All pre-ordered books will receive a free bookplate.

This book measures 6×9. A paperback, black and white edition can be purchased on Amazon.

From the back:

“Meanwhile, the trees were just as green as before; the birds sang and the sun shone as clearly now as ever….”

Tess Durbeyfield, an innocent young woman of humble means, has her world turned upside down when she goes to work for a newfound relative, the inauspicious Alec Stoke-d’Urberville. She soon learns that her world is a man’s world, and that the pure are swiftly trampled on if the opportunity presents itself. In her search for respectability her fortunes fluctuate wildly; Tess doesn’t choose her path, but rather has it forced upon her. 

Tess’s story is a powerful indictment of Victorian hypocrisy; her struggle highlights important details about the social mores of the day. First published in 1891, Tess of the d’Urbervilles was met with a ferocious public outcry due to the graphic nature of the plot; it was deemed immoral and pessimistic. Nevertheless, it has lived on as Hardy’s most renowned novel, and is now considered far ahead of its time.

This edition has been lovingly brought to life with original illustrations by Haleigh DeRocher.