Under the Greenwood Tree is an affectionate and youthful portrait of a world Thomas Hardy knew well - village life in 'Wessex' - in which a romantic tale is set against changing circumstances. + The traditional feature of local music making performed by the village band and choir is challenged by the modern innovation of organ and organist providing music in the church. + Fancy Day, the new, comely schoolmistress is also an accomplished organist, and these qualities create conflict in the village, especially when the unmarried young vicar and Dick Dewy, a member of the Mellstock parish choir, vie for her attention. + In this, only his second novel, Hardy presents one of his most gentle and charming pictures. + In addition to his theatre credits, actor Jamie Parker is best known for his roles in the films The History Boys and Valkyrie and the television drama Van Gogh: Painted with Words. + He has also performed in the television series Foyle’s War, The Hour, Silent Witness and Silk. + For Naxos AudioBooks, he has also read Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd.
