Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet, best known for his works that explored the rural life of 19th century England, and the changes brought about by industrialization and urbanization.

Hardy was born on June 2, 1840, in Higher Bockhampton, a small village near Dorchester, in Dorset, England. He was the eldest son of Thomas Hardy Sr., a stonemason, and Jemima Hand, a housewife. Hardy's father was a self-taught musician and encouraged his son's interest in books and music. Hardy was educated at a local school and later studied under a private tutor.

In 1856, Hardy moved to London to work as an apprentice architect. He returned to Dorset in 1862 and continued his career as an architect, designing and restoring churches and other buildings in the region. In his spare time, Hardy wrote poetry and published his first collection, "Wessex Poems," in 1898.

Hardy's first novel, "The Poor Man and the Lady," was written in 1867, but it was rejected by publishers. His next novel, "Desperate Remedies," was published in 1871 and received mixed reviews. Hardy continued to write novels, including "Under the Greenwood Tree" (1872), "Far from the Madding Crowd" (1874), and "The Return of the Native" (1878), which were well received by readers and critics.

In 1874, Hardy married Emma Gifford, a friend from his youth. The couple settled in Max Gate, a house Hardy designed and built in Dorset. They had no children.

Hardy's later novels, including "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" (1891) and "Jude the Obscure" (1895), were controversial for their depictions of sexual and social issues, and were met with public outcry. Hardy was deeply affected by the negative response to "Jude the Obscure," and stopped writing novels altogether. He continued to write poetry, publishing several collections, including "Poems 1912-13" and "Moments of Vision," which were highly regarded.

Thomas Hardy died on January 11, 1928, at the age of 87, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, London.

Hardy's works are known for their vivid descriptions of rural life, their exploration of human relationships and social issues, and their use of symbolism and allegory. His works have been adapted for film and television, and his influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary authors.

Thomas Hardy's writing style is characterized by his use of natural imagery and vivid descriptions of rural landscapes, which often serve as metaphors for the emotional and psychological states of his characters. He also employs a distinctive prose style, marked by long sentences and complex syntax, which can be challenging for some readers but is highly rewarding for those who persevere.

Hardy's works were highly popular in his lifetime, and he was widely regarded as one of the greatest English writers of his era. His novels were seen as important contributions to the literary movement known as "realism," which sought to depict the world as it really was, rather than as it was idealized or imagined.

Hardy's impact on the reading public was profound, both in his own time and in the years since his death. His novels were read and enjoyed by people of all classes and backgrounds, and his depictions of rural life in 19th century England were seen as powerful critiques of the social and economic conditions of the time.

In addition to his impact as a novelist, Hardy was also an important poet, and his works in this genre were highly regarded by his contemporaries. His poetry is marked by a deep sense of melancholy and loss, and often explores themes of love, death, and the passing of time.

Overall, Thomas Hardy's impact on the reading public has been significant and enduring. His works continue to be read and enjoyed by people all over the world, and his influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary writers.