Synopsis
Adventuress and opportunist, Ethelberta reinvents herself to disguise her humble origins, launching a brilliant career as a society poet in London with her family acting incognito as her servants. Turning the male-dominated literary world to her advantage, she happily exploits the attentions of four very different suitors. Will she bestow her hand upon the richest of them, or on the man she loves? Ethelberta Petherwin, alias Berta Chickerel, moves with easy grace between her multiple identities, cleverly managing a tissue of lies to aid her meteoric rise. In "The Hand of Ethelberta" (1876), Hardy drew on conventions of popular romances, illustrated weeklies, plays, fashion plates, and even his wife's diary in this comic story of a woman in control of her destiny.
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The Hand of Ethelberta (Penguin Classics)
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The Hand of Ethelberta (Penguin Classics) This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780140435559
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The Hand of Ethelberta: A Comedy in Chapters (Penguin Classics S.)
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Penguin Books Ltd, United Kingdom, London, 1995
ISBN 10: 0140435557
ISBN 13: 9780140435559
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This novel traces the life of Ethelberta Chickerel. She is born into a low class family of servants and workmen, but manages to become a part of high intellectual society by a fortunate marriage, becoming a writer, poet and storyteller. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR002289227
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The Hand of Ethelberta
Seller: Crappy Old Books, Barry, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: As New. The Hand of Ethelberta (1995) by Thomas Hardy Penguin Classics ISBN: 9780140435559 Condition: As New (yes, astonishingly, at Crappy Old Books we sometimes do stumble upon copies that look as though they?ve never been sneezed on, scrawled in, or used to steady a wobbly table). Before you ask: no, The Hand of Ethelberta is not a Victorian horror story about a disembodied limb. It is, instead, Hardy?s most gloriously oddball novel?a social comedy with a wink, a nod, and the occasional raised eyebrow at the conventions of class, marriage, and ambition in 19th-century England. Ethelberta Petherwin, our heroine, is a governess turned poet turned professional raconteur (because apparently Hardy decided one career wasn?t enough). She juggles suitors, secrets, and siblings with the dexterity of a circus performer while negotiating the treacherous waters of respectability and romance. Unlike Hardy?s more brooding heroines, Ethelberta is clever, witty, and shamelessly practical?an early prototype of the kind of woman who would now have a viral TikTok account. Expect within these pages: More proposals than a modern reality dating show. Hardy?s sharp eye for the absurdities of class snobbery. A heroine who makes Bath society sit up and gossip. A reminder that even Hardy, master of tragedy, had a mischievous streak. Perfect for: Readers who think they know Hardy and want to be surprised. Fans of Victorian satire who prefer clever heroines to weepy ones. Collectors who delight in finding an As New Penguin Classic, unmarred by marginalia or the faint smell of pipe smoke. At Crappy Old Books, we?re proud to offer this in pristine condition. It may be one of Hardy?s lesser-known novels, but it has the most memorable title, the sharpest comedy, and?let?s be honest?the best heroine who ever weaponised storytelling. Seller Inventory # 4498
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The Hand of Ethelberta (Penguin Classics)
Seller: Half Price Books Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_451832836