Thomas Hughes's timeless novel, Tom Brown's School Days, offers a vivid and enduring portrayal of life at an English public school in the mid-19th century. Following young Tom Brown from his rural upbringing to his experiences at Rugby School under the revered Dr. Arnold, the book explores themes of friendship, moral development, bullying, and the formative influence of a strict yet caring educational environment. It became a hugely influential work, shaping perceptions of public school life and inspiring generations with its values of courage, integrity, and fair play, remaining a beloved classic of children's literature and social commentary.