Thomas Hardy, born on 2 June 1840, was an English novelist and poet even though his first poetry collection was not published until the year of 1898. His works were greatly influenced by the 18th century European movement known as the Romantic era (also known as Romanticism). This particular period saw the glorification of the artist, literature and the intellectual. Hardy was considered a traditional poet, as his poetry was highly influenced by folksong and ballads. Some of his more famous poems mention the death of his wife which is why he also focused on the theme of disappointment in love and life.
