Tess of the dUrbervilles: A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented also known as Tess of the dUrbervilles: A Pure Woman also known as Tess of the dUrbervilles or just Tess is a novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1891. It initially appeared in a censored and serialised version, published by the British illustrated newspaper, The Graphic. It is Hardys penultimate novel. Though now considered a great classic of English literature, the book received mixed reviews when it first appeared. The original manuscript is on display at the British Library showing the title had originally been "Daughter of the dUrbervilles."