The Penguin English Library Edition of Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy'I cannot allow any man to - to criticise my private conduct!' she exclaimed. 'Nor will I for a minute'Hardy's powerful novel of swift sexual passion and slow-burning loyalty centres on Bathsheba Everdene, a proud working woman whose life is complicated by three different men - respectable farmer Boldwood, seductive Sergeant Troy and devoted Gabriel - making her the object of scandal and betrayal