Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet. He is best known for his novels, such as Far from the Madding Crowd, The Return of the Native, and Tess of the d'Urbervilles. His works often explored the social and moral issues of rural life in Victorian England. Hardy was also a prolific poet, writing many collections of poetry, including Wessex Poems and Poems of the Past and the Present. His works are still widely read and studied today, and his influence on the English literary canon is undeniable.