Explanations of references and rare words or words used with rare meanings, sources of quotations and allusions, identifications of fictional places and people, with critical and informative comments on all Hardy's novels and short stories, his drama, at least five hundred of his poems, his major symbols and important influences on his thought and creativity, constitute the bulk of this work. It is intended for the general reader as well as for students and scholars, and provides valuable insights and guidance on many questions. '.the Dictionary is a valuable addition to the student's or enthusiast's bookshelf,.a section of ten maps is a further admirable feature of this volume.' The Thomas Hardy Journal