The Hand of Ethelberta: A Comedy in Chapters by Thomas Hardy: The Hand of Ethelberta is a novel by Thomas Hardy that tells the story of Ethelberta, a young woman who uses her wit, charm, and intelligence to rise above her humble origins and navigate the complexities of Victorian society. With its blend of humor, social commentary, and Hardy's signature prose, the novel offers a compelling exploration of love, ambition, and the challenges faced by women in a rigidly stratified society. Key Aspects of the Book "The Hand of Ethelberta: A Comedy in Chapters": Social Commentary: The novel provides insights into the social hierarchies and gender expectations of Victorian society, exposing the limitations faced by women and the constraints of class. Character Study: Hardy's portrayal of Ethelberta and other characters offers a deep exploration of their motivations, aspirations, and the complexities of human relationships. Humor and Wit: The Hand of Ethelberta incorporates humor and wit, adding an entertaining and lighthearted touch to the narrative. Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet, known for his depictions of rural life, deep psychological insights, and themes of fate and determinism. Hardy's novels, including The Hand of Ethelberta, often examine social issues and challenge the societal norms of his time. His works continue to be celebrated for their vivid characters, evocative settings, and profound exploration of the human condition.

This expansive, inter-disciplinary guide to Renaissance plays and the world they played to gives readers a colorful overview of England's great dramatic age. Provides an expansive and inter-disciplinary approach to Renaissance plays and the world they played to. Offers a colourful and comprehensive overview of the material conditions of England's most important dramatic period. Gives readers facts and data along with up-to-date interpretation of the plays. Looks at the drama in terms of its cultural agency, its collaborative nature, and its ideological complexity.

Anne Barton gives a reading of the plays that re-evaluates Ben Jonson as a dramatist.

From virtue to venality examines the problem of corruption in British urban society and politics between 1930 and 1995. It is not a conventional study of the politics of local government since it seeks to place corruption in urban societies in a wider cultural context. The accounts of corruption in Glasgow - a British Chicago - as well as the major corruption scandals of John Poulson and T. Dan Smith show how Labour-controlled towns and cities were especially vulnerable to corrupt dealings. By contrast the case of Dame Shirley Porter in the City of Westminster in the late 1980s reveals that Conservative-controlled councils were also vulnerable since in London the stakes of the political struggle were especially intense. This book will be of special interest to students of history and politics and those who are concerned about the growth of corruption in British political culture.