A HANDWRITTEN message in a poetry book has raised doubts over Thomas Hardy's sexuality.

The volume has come to light bearing an inscription from Dorset's most famous author to homosexual writer Siegfried Sassoon.

The book of poems by Dorset author William Barnes is to go under the hammer at Duke's of Dorchester next Thursday.

Valuer Chris Copson said the idea of Hardy as a repressed homosexual has some appeal.

He added: "It would be intriguing to know whether the inscription in the book indicates more than just literary admiration."

He says Hardy's close relationships with gay men including Sassoon and Lawrence of Arabia, and two unconventional marriages may point to his homosexuality.

But honorary vice-president of the Hardy Society Dr Jim Gibson said: "The assumption that Hardy was interested in homosexuals is preposterous. He clearly loved women."

Experts believe the book of Barnes's poems may fetch up to £2,000 and expect a flurry of interest from private collectors and institutions.

Siegfried Sassoon was one of a group of writers called the Max Gate circle who gathered at Hardy's home on the outskirts of Dorchester.