Thomas Hardy's first major literary success, Far from the Madding Crowd, published in 1874, gave the name of Wessex to the landscape of south-west England, and the first to gain him widespread popularity as a novelist. In rural Victorian England, independent and wilful Bathsheba Everdene has come to Weatherbury to take up her position as a farmer on the largest estate in the area. Her valiant presence draws three very different suitors- Gabriel Oak (a generous shepherd), Boldwood (a proud, relentless Farmer) and Sergeant Troy (charming, unethical soldier). Each, in striking ways, perturbs her decisions, entangles her life, and tragedy emerges, threatening the stability of the whole community. Authentically portraying the superstitions and traditions of a countryside community, 'Far from the Madding Crowd' shows the speculative position of a woman in a man's world. The novel depicts the many faces of love, including heartfelt love and unscrupulous and manipulative adoration. It portrays a deep understanding of human sentiment and is undeniably one of Hardy's greatest love stories.