Jude the Obscure (with an Introduction by Morton Dauwen Zabel)

The narrative centers on Jude Fawley, a lower-class man aspiring to be a scholar, whose ambitions are thwarted by his ill-fated marriage to the superficial Arabella. Set in southern England, the story explores Jude's struggles against societal constraints and personal failures, particularly through his complex relationship with his cousin Sue Bridehead. Themes of ambition, societal judgment, and the consequences of a sinful life permeate this tragic tale. Initially met with controversy, it is now celebrated as one of Hardy's most profound works.