A great illustration of Hardy's exceptional ability to relate folk stories of a largely folk-myth nature in a way that has one almost believe them to be true. Wain's long essay (aka 'introduction') is an interesting read in itself and - unusually - I recomend reading this before delving into Hardy's own stories. As Wain says, both Hardy's world and the even earlier world of English rural life have long since disappeared. We may have an easier life today but there's so much we're missing! ( )

not the best stories ever but ok. I like toehold authors. ( )