This Month in History (1891): Tess of the d’Urbervilles published

First posted 11/12/2025.

Tess of the d’Urbervilles Thomas Hardy

First Publication: serialized fom July to December 1891 in The Graphic Category: Victorian era social novel Sales: ?

Accolades (click on badges to see full lists):

About the Book: “This classic novel is a timeless exploration of love, morality, and the struggle for identity in Victorian England.” AZ When first published, the book received a mixed reception because it challenged the sexual morals of the time. The titular character “emerges as a tragic heroine, incapable of escaping the hypocrisy of Victorian society.” TG Tess is “a young woman living in rural Victorian England. After learning of her family’s noble d’Urberville lineage, Tess sets out to restore her family’s fortunes.” AZ She spurns the advances of Alec d’Urberville, “a seductive yet dangerous man from her family’s past,” AZ eventually returning home. However, she is “disgraced by an illegitimate child” AZ and “tainted with shame and guilt.” AZ When she meets Angel Clare, “an idealistic young man from a well-off family,” AZ she falls in love. Scared about how he’ll accept her past, she initially rejects his marriage proposals. When she eventually relents, she reveals her secret to him and he bolts for Brazil. By the time he gets his act together and returns, it’s too late. Resources and Related Links: AZ Amazon TG Telegraph: The Perfect Library WK Wikipedia

Today in History (1883): Treasure Island published

First posted 11/11/2025.

Treasure Island Robert Louis Stevenson

First Publication: November 14, 1883 Category: adventure novel Sales: ?

Accolades (click on badges to see full lists):

About the Book: “One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began…as a serialized adventure entitled ‘The Sea-Cook’ in the periodical Young Folks.” AZ “Originally considered a coming-of-age story and is noted for its atmosphere, characters, and action,” WK it has become “the most popular pirate story ever written in English, featuring one of literature’s most beloved bad guys.” BN “Rich in atmosphere and character, Treasure Island” WK “has been hugely influential on “popular perceptions of pirates, including such elements as treasure maps marked with an ‘X,’ schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and one-legged seamen bearing parrots on their shoulders.” WK “The story is told through the eyes of young Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola,” BN “who discovers a map of Treasure Island among an old sea captain's possessions – and then follows it.” TG “The action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main [and] a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver” AZ “who is one moment a friendly, laughing, one-legged sea-cook…and the next a dangerous pirate leader!” BN He’s just one of “a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions.” AZ “The unexpected and complex relationship that develops between Silver and Jim helps transform what seems at first to be a simple, rip-roaring adventure story into a deeply moving study of a boy’s growth into manhood, as he learns hard lessons about friendship, loyalty, courage and honor – and the uncertain meaning of good and evil.” BN Resources and Related Links: AZ Amazon BN Barnes & Noble TG Telegraph: The Perfect Library WK Wikipedia