Hardy was born near Dorchester in Dorset into a stable tradesman’s family, not the background most likely to produce a remarkable literary figure. His father was a stonemason. He was educated at local schools, trained as an architect and went to London to further his career. He wrote his first novel when he was thirty one and went on to have huge success. In later years he gave up novel writing for poetry. The film of his fascinating life and times is followed by a brief overview of his work. AM014HD20 HARDY 2020 35'47