Thomas Hardy's fourth novel titled "Far from the Madding Crowd" published in 1874 is possibly his best-known work. It is the charming and compelling female protagonist Bathsheba Everdene which has made this book so popular. Bathsheba is a headstrong woman, owner of land which she inherits and is romantically involved with three very different men. Considering the period in which it was written, the book has often been acknowledged as a proto-feminist text, with countless readers looking up to Bathsheba’s bold attempts to break free from society’s expectations.

Hardy (2 June 1840-11 January 1928) was an English novelist and poet who set most of his Wessex - his name for the counties of southwestern England.

Bathsheba's romantic interests are Gabriel Oak, a farmer, shepherd and bailiff. He is portrayed as a humble, honest man. The second is William Boldwood, an older man and owner of a nearby farm. The third is Sergeant Francis (Frank) Troy, the novel's antagonist. Handsome, vain, young and irresponsible.

Thus far, the book has been adapted into a 3-part radio play, a comic strip, a ballet, a musical, an opera, five plays and it has been made into a movie four times.

More Info: www.sparknotes.com