A Hardy Chronology provides the Hardy student with an abbreviated biography and reference guide, listing year by year the full details of a remarkably full life and prodigious literary output. Background information is provided, especially for those historical events in which Hardy took most interest, but the chief aim has been to provide the reader with an account of Hardy's life which uses the author's own words wherever possible.

This is a companion to George Eliot's life and works, listing year by year the details of her biography, her wide reading and her literary output. The chronology also offers previously unavailable bibliographical information, listing Eliot's periodical publications.