The new book "Thomas Hardy: 10 Lovers 50 Poems" not only re-tells the story of his wives and lovers by using 50 of his love poems, but also includes explanation (in non-technical language) of his poetic techniques, and the way that he uses these to explain his feelings and his perception of what his partners are experiencing.
 
The book reports some new research on Hardy’s partners, notably Eliza Nicholls (subject of the "She, to Him" poems). This suggests that rather than becoming an embittered spinster with little purpose in life, she achieved considerable financial success through her own efforts and died a wealthy woman.
 
Attractively produced with 10 original drawings of Hardy's romantic partners, and extensive still photographs from the accompanying videos (available online) which were shot in Dorset last year featuring actors from the New Hardy Players and Dorchester Youth Theatre.
 
Thomas Hardy: 10 Lovers 50 Poems, by Giles Keating, with Foreward by Mark Chutter and illustrations by Noah Warnes, is published by Athelhampton Press and is available now in the Society Online Shop.