Explores 'scenic realism' in the major novels of Thomas Hardy and Joseph Conrad Offers the first book-length study of connections between these two major authors bringing new approaches to bear on often-taught works Provides an understanding of impressionist styles of writing that is drawn from contemporary empirical science Tells a progressive chronological story of both authors' use of the senses in their fiction Argues for a distinctive place for Hardy and Conrad in late-Victorian fiction which challenges the narrative of a modernist rupture with Victorian realism Supported by wide reading in nineteenth-century science and letters, and comprehensive knowledge of twentieth century criticism of the two novelists This book reads the highly descriptive impressionist writings of Hardy and Conrad together in the light of a shared attention to sight and sound. With a focus on nature and the environment, Hugh Epstein analyses thirteen of these powerful works in the historical company of contemporary discussions in Victorian science. He takes them beyond their 'Victorian' and 'Modernist' labels to show how vivid and urgent these novels are for the modern reader.