"Far from the Madding Crowd" is the fourth book written by renowned British author Thomas Hardy and was his first big literary success. In 2007, the book was ranked 10th on the Guardian's list of greatest love stories of all time. It is also the first of Hardy's novels to be set in Wessex, Hardy's fictional English county.

The plot centers on what is essentially a love quadrangle between the bewitching Bathsheba Everdene, the earnest and loyal shepherd Gabriel Oak, a reckless and wild soldier Sergeant Troy as well as the elusive and reclusive William Boldwood. As their lives become increasingly entangled, themes of love, honor and dependence become central to the story and the lives and livelihoods of the various characters are increasingly imperiled.

A sensation when it was first published, "Far from the Madding Crowd" has gone on to become one of the most beloved and celebrated novels in English literature and it has been adapted several times for the stage and screen. It is presented here in its original and unabridged format.