<Tr> <Th> Publication date </Th> <Td> 1878 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Media type </Th> <Td> Hardback & Paperback </Td> </Tr> <P> The Return of the Native is Thomas Hardy's sixth published novel . It first appeared in the magazine Belgravia, a publication known for its sensationalism, and was presented in twelve monthly installments from January to December 1878 . Because of the novel's controversial themes, Hardy had some difficulty finding a publisher; reviews, however, though somewhat mixed, were generally positive . In the twentieth century, The Return of the Native became one of Hardy's most popular novels . </P> <P> The novel takes place entirely in the environs of Egdon Heath, and, with the exception of the epilogue, Aftercourses, covers exactly a year and a day . The narrative begins on the evening of Guy Fawkes Night as Diggory Venn is slowly crossing the heath with his van, which is being drawn by ponies . In his van is a passenger . When darkness falls, the country folk light bonfires on the surrounding hills, emphasising--not for the last time--the pagan spirit of the heath and its denizens . </P>

When was the return of the native written