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A brand-new, unused copy in perfect condition.
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Conditions
A brand-new, unused copy in perfect condition.
"A Tale of Two Cities" is a masterpiece of historical fiction set against the turbulent backdrop of the French Revolution. Spanning the starkly different atmospheres of London and Paris, the narrative follows the lives of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat seeking redemption, and Sydney Carton, a disillusioned English lawyer searching for purpose. Their fates become inextricably linked as the Reign of Terror sweeps across France, bringing with it chaos, violence, and the guillotine.
Charles Dickens explores profound themes of social injustice, resurrection, and the capacity for personal sacrifice. Through memorable characters like the vengeful Madame Defarge and the devoted Lucie Manette, the novel captures the duality of an era defined by both hope and despair. The famous opening lines set the stage for a story that examines the cyclical nature of history and the power of love to transcend political upheaval.
This enduring classic remains one of the most widely read works in English literature, celebrated for its dramatic plotting and evocative portrayal of a society in transition. It offers a powerful meditation on the human condition during one of history's most volatile periods.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Generally regarded as one of the giants of English literature, Charles Dickens enjoyed extensive popularity during his lifetime and his books continue to be widely read. Born in 1812 in England, Dickens did factory work as a child and had little formal education. While working as a reporter, Dickens published his first stories and sketches under the pen name Boz. Dickens' first novel, The Pickwick Papers, published in monthly installments ending in 1837, was hugely popular. Following that success, Dickens became a full-time novelist, producing fifteen novels, many published in weekly or monthly installments. He also wrote novellas, nonfiction articles, and hundreds of short stories. Dickens toured widely through Europe and America, presenting lectures and readings from his novels and stories. A Victorian ‘rock star', Dickens is also the author of A Tale of Two Cities, perhaps the bestselling novel of all time. A favorite of theatrical producers and filmmakers, Dickens' works have been adapted hundreds of times for film and theatre. A Christmas Carol is one of the best-known novellas of all time, and is produced annually in thousands of theatres worldwide. Among the more frequently adapted are David Copperfield, Oliver Twist (the basis for the musical Oliver!), and Great Expectations. Dickens died in 1870.
Amazing character development and unforgettable dynamics. This is truly a literary work of art. A must read for those interested in human complexity and its impact on the course of history. Please do not get the short classics version. Go for the full unabridged edition to do the story justice.
Captivated by the interwoven connections of past and present. Descriptive enough to conjure vivid imagery, without feeling bogged down or overwhelmed with adjectives. Looked up new words after reading however a noticeably easy read considering it’s from 1859!
As an adult I did not want an abridged book. Really disappointed. Waste of money.
Read it in high school many years ago & just read again, & appreciated it much more as an adult. This has to be one of the crowning glories of Charles Dickens...."it was the best of times, it was the worst of times....." What a way to start a book! And the ending was just as poignant...."it is a far far better thing I do than I have ever done...on his way to the guillotine. How Dickens contrasts Paris & London, love & hatred, war & peace, requited & unrequited love...it is a masterpiece of historical fiction. It is the substitionary love that Christ took on for us, innocent yet willing to pay for our sin. Here, the unsavory, drunkard lawyer does the same, trading places with the woman he loves husband, knowing he will be killed. Its an amazingly wonderful tale weaving in fascinating characters into a horrible, bloody, atrocity of a war between France & England and the overtaking of the government and the aristocracy of Paris by the poor and dejected who turn out to be ruthless and barbaric.
It’s the ultimate mystery novel: characters act strangely, but always for a reason. Miscellaneous people drift in and out, but they’re not truly miscellaneous — you just have to wait to see how they’re connected. And like any good mystery, the payoff at the end is worth the time it takes to get there...and what a payoff! Dickens is a master of the type of narration that simultaneously moves forward and back in time. In other words, strategically placed revelations from the past inform the present and shape the future. The brilliant timing both of his hints and of the actual revelations is a bonus field of study.
I cannot say enough about this story. This is truely a masterpiece from the familiar opening to the satisfying conclusion, a work of art. Beautiful. Sydney Carton is a cheracter that I will not soon forget. If you read nothing else, read this. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.
Published by Ashly Moore SheldonSeptember 24, 2026
Published by Ashly Moore SheldonSeptember 1, 2022
We’ve been having fun exploring the "Multiverse" of selected classics, by curating a collection of inventive adaptations. So far, we’ve featured installments on Alice in Wonderland, the Brontës, The Wizard of Oz, and Pride and Prejudice. Here we offer a collection of ten imaginative takes on Charles Dickens.
Published by Bianca SmithJanuary 4, 2018
All you need to make you look smart (not that you’re not already)
