Man's fate as a plaything of the gods or victim of the uncaring universe, overwhelmed by a world he cannot understand - such is the moral the reader might draw from Thomas Hardy's absorbing novel, The Return of the Native. The setting of this tale of love and jealousy is Egdon Heath, an area of moors in southern England once known as Wessex. Agnes Miller Parker illustrated this edition with her exquisite engravings in wood. A beautiful book in full leather, gilt designs and gilt lettering. In gift-giving condition.