Taking into account the latest criticism, this book argues that Hardy seems contemporary with D.H. Lawrence in his insights into the unconscious and sexuality, and has been the model for the contemporary reaction against modernist poetry. The book goes on to say that Hardy reversed his usual emphasis on sexuality in The Mayor of Casterbridge and his last novel, The Well-Beloved.

Taking into account the latest criticism, Langbaum discusses Hardy's fiction and poetry from various contemporary points of view so as to show Hardy as a still-powerful literary presence.