Under the Greenwood Tree; Or, The Mellstock Quire

Set in the 1850s, this novel explores the lives of the Mellstock Quire and their west-gallery musicians, offering a vivid portrayal of rural customs and community dynamics. As Hardy's second work, it serves as a precursor to his later, more tragic narratives, establishing the Wessex backdrop that would recur in his writing. The story reflects Hardy's commitment to authenticity, capturing the essence of village life and the characters that inhabit it, making it a significant entry in his series of Wessex novels.