Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet who lived from 1840 to 1928. He is known for his novels set in the fictional county of Wessex, which explore themes of fate, society, and the human condition. Some of his most famous works include "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," "Far from the Madding Crowd," and "Jude the Obscure." Hardy's writing often depicted the struggles of individuals against the constraints of their social environment, and his works are celebrated for their rich characterization and evocative portrayal of the English countryside. In addition to his novels, Hardy also gained recognition for his poetry, which often reflected his deep sense of melancholy and the passage of time. Hardy's literary contributions have had a lasting impact on English literature and continue to be studied and appreciated today.