Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Changed_Man_and_Other_Tales

Release date is 2002-02-01

Prefatory Note -- A Changed Man -- The Waiting Supper -- Alicia's Diary -- The Grave by the Handpost -- Enter a Dragoon -- A Tryst at an Ancient Earthwork -- What the Shepherd Saw -- A Committee Man of 'The Terror' -- Master John Horseleigh, Knight -- The Duke's Reappearance -- A Mere Interlude -- The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid.

Transcribed from the 1920 Macmillan and Co. edition by David Price

"A Changed Man, and Other Tales" by Thomas Hardy is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The opening story, "A Changed Man," explores themes of love, social expectations, and character transformation, centering around Captain John Maumbry, who transitions from a dashing Hussar officer to a clergyman, revealing the complexities of duty and desire against the backdrop of societal norms. The opening of the book introduces the bustling town of Casterbridge and the recent arrival of the Hussars, particularly focusing on Captain Maumbry's charm and his rumored engagement to Laura, a local woman fascinated by military life. As news of a ghost haunting the Hussars circulates, it sets a playful tone, while the dynamics between Maumbry, Laura, and the townsfolk underscore romantic and social tensions. The chapter progresses through their interactions, hinting at Maumbry's internal struggle with his new role in life and its impact on his relationships, establishing a foundation for exploration of changes and choices that define the characters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified