Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet born on June 2, 1840, in Dorset, England. He is best known for his novels, which often explore themes of social constraints and human suffering. Some of his most famous works include Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. Hardy's writing is characterized by its rich descriptions of the English countryside and its focus on the struggles of ordinary people. In addition to his novels, Hardy was a prolific poet, writing over 900 poems throughout his life. His poetry often reflects his views on nature, love, and mortality. Hardy's literary career spanned several decades, and he continued to write until his death on January 11, 1928. His works have had a lasting impact on English literature and continue to be studied and appreciated today.