Charles Dickens stands as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era and a profound social critic, whose creations of unforgettable characters and vivid portrayals of early Victorian London continue to resonate. His works, born from personal experiences with poverty and social injustice, achieved immense popularity in his lifetime and remain enduringly beloved. Praised for his realism, humor, and distinctive prose, Dickens's genius lies in his ability to capture the essence of his time while exploring timeless themes of human resilience. The term 'Dickensian' itself testifies to his lasting cultural impact, signifying conditions and characters that are both memorable and critically observed.
Great Expectations; Hard Times; Oliver Twist; A Christmas Carol; Bleak House; A Tale of Two Cities
3488 pages
123 hours of reading
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth, this boxed set features six of his classic works in exquisite clothbound editions. Designed by award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith, these collectible volumes showcase vibrant, tactile cloth covers with elegant foil stamping. Part of Penguin's Clothbound Classics series, they offer a luxurious reading experience for both avid fans and new readers of Dickens.
Regarded as one of the greatest English novelists, this collection showcases four of his most acclaimed works, highlighting his literary prowess. "Oliver Twist," published in 1838, explores London's Victorian underworld through the lens of social protest, morality, and detective fiction. The orphan Oliver, alongside unforgettable characters like Viper Fagan, Bill Sykes, and the Artful Dodger, captivates readers with their vivid portrayals. "A Tale of Two Cities," released in 1859, captures the tumult of the French Revolution, depicting a time of terror as a starving populace rises against a corrupt regime. Central to the narrative are the contrasting hearts of Charles Darnay and Sidney Carton, embodying the human experience amid chaos. "Great Expectations," published in 1861, follows Pip as he unexpectedly inherits a fortune, blending comedy and tragedy while evoking childhood fairy tales with unexpected twists. This novel is celebrated for its intricate prose, offering insights into a mind reflecting in solitude. Lastly, "A Christmas Carol," released in 1843, remains a cherished holiday classic, featuring iconic characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, all of whom hold a special place in our hearts.
This handsome 5-volume boxset bring together Charles Dickens' best-known works in collectible paperback editions.Readers can revel in Dickens' masterful atmospheric descriptions of Victorian London as they encounter some of the novelist's most enduring and best-loved characters, from Fagin to Scrooge and Miss Havisham. These intricately plotted masterpieces will provide reader with hours of pleasure.• Oliver Twist• A Christmas Carol• Hard Times• A Tale of Two Cities• Great ExpectationsTogether, these complete and unabridged novels provide the ideal introduction to one of English literature's greatest and much-loved authors.ABOUT THE The Arcturus Classic Collections series features delightful, high-quality paperback box sets of classic works of literature with striking contemporary cover designs.
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.
The life and loves of Nicholas, the orphaned son of a bankrupt man, form the basis of this complex novel based on the author's recurrent theme of rising from poverty.
Do you love traditional old Christmas stories and art? If so, then you’ll enjoy this collection of 45 delightful stories and poems from days gone by. Over 200 illustrations have also been added to enhance the book and make it one which you’ll read and treasure for years to come.Authors
Regarded as a literary genius, Dickens is celebrated for crafting some of the most memorable characters in literature. His works, which reflect social criticism and the complexities of Victorian society, gained immense popularity in his lifetime and continue to resonate with readers today. Through his novels and short stories, he explores themes of social injustice, personal struggle, and the human condition, solidifying his status as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era.
Many readers know Victorian England through the writings of Charles Dickens. Not only did Dickens put a face to the era through his memorable characters, he also captured the spirit of his age in entertaining fiction spun from its social concerns and historical events. This literary omnibus brings together five of Dickens's best-known novels: Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. Prolific, energetic and committed to social change, no other novelist of the time did as much as Charles Dickens to rally his readers to action and no other writer at any time has created such an extraordinary collection of well-loved novels. This exquisitely designed Leatherbound edition has distinctive gilt edging and an attractive silk-ribbon bookmark; it will make an artful addition to any home library.
An anthology of classic children's fiction, including stories by J.M. Barrie, Hans Christian Anderson, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Kenneth Grahame, Rudyard Kipling, Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear. This publication also features new illustrations by artists including Raymond Briggs and James Marsh.
Characters from The Pickwick Papers are among the narrators in this charming collection of short stories, published by the author from 1840 to 1841 in a weekly periodical.
The novel follows the life journey of the orphan David Copperfield, inspired by Charles Dickens's own experiences. David faces a series of challenges, encountering ruthless and cruel individuals, such as his stepfather and the director of the orphanage where he is placed after a conflict with his father. Despite these hardships, he also meets kind-hearted people and finds friends even in the unfriendly environment of the orphanage. After a difficult childhood and a challenging adolescence, David ultimately discovers happiness. The story explores themes of resilience, personal growth, and the impact of social class, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of its protagonist as he navigates through life's adversities.
Works include:Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick ClubThe Adventures of Oliver TwistA Christmas CarolThe Personal History of David CopperfieldGreat ExpectationsTale of Two Cities
In den 1930er Jahren, tief im Süden der USA, ist Atticus Finch der Verteidiger eines schwarzen Mannes, der ein weißes Mädchen missbraucht haben soll. Durch die Augen der beiden Kinder von Atticus, Scout und Jem enthüllt Harper Lee mit viel Humor und großem Scharfsinn die irrationalen Einstellungen der Erwachsenenwelt zum Thema Hautfarbe und Klasse der 30er Jahre. Atticus hält einer Stadt der Heuchelei und der Gewalt den Spiegel vor und versucht, für seinen Mandanten das Unmögliche zu erreichen: Gerechtigkeit. Doch Geschichte lässt sich nicht ungehindert beeinflussen.
Great Expectations, David Coperfield, Oliver Twist, and a Christmas Carol
860 pages
31 hours of reading
"David Copperfield" was Dickens' 'favourite child', and is a novel of personal development with richly comic as well as deeply poignant moments. "Great Expectations" also traces the progress of a young man through life but, as a novel of the author's maturity, is expressed in subtler shades of nuance. "Oliver Twist" is more black-and-white than either, highlighting the incorruptibility of young Oliver as he battles with the evil of Fagin and Bill Sikes. "A Christmas Carol" is both a ghost story and a moral tale which defined the pattern of Christmas celebrations. The four books in one volume represent much of Dickens' finest writing. This elegant edition is quarter bound in bonded leather, with head and tail bands, a ribbon marker, gilt top edge, and illustrated front and back boards.
A Christmas carol: Seven years after the death of his business partner Jacob Marley, a miserable old man named Ebenezer Scrooge is working in his office. He hates happiness, love, family, generosity, Christmas, and probably also puppies. When his nephew Fred invites him over to Christmas dinner, Scrooge yells at him and refuses. Scrooge then tells off the people collecting charity donations, and grumbles and complains that the fact that his clerk Bob Cratchit gets a paid day off for Christmas is theft. The chimes: A goblin story of some bells that rang an old year out and a new year in is set during New Year's Eve in London. The story commences with a lengthy, haunting description of a churchyard at night. Dickens sets an evocative scene by stating in the opening paragraph: " ... there are not, I say, many people who would care to sleep in a church."
Featuring twelve original tales, this collection showcases Charles Dickens' imaginative storytelling, including his renowned piece "The Signal Man." The stories explore various themes, from supernatural encounters in "To Be Read at Dusk" to whimsical narratives like "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton." Each tale reflects Dickens' unique style and keen observations of society, making it a rich and diverse anthology for readers to enjoy.
Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the narrative follows Doctor Manette, who endures an 18-year imprisonment in the Bastille before reuniting with his daughter Lucie in London. The novel explores themes of resurrection and sacrifice amid the turmoil of revolutionary France, highlighting the dangers faced by its characters as they navigate a world filled with political upheaval and personal trials. Critics classify it as an adventure due to the constant peril threatening the protagonists' lives.
London and Paris at the time of the French Revolution are the setting of this suspense-filled classic focusing on the physical resemblence of Sidney Carton and Charles Darney & their love for Lucy Manette.
Charles Dickens revolutionized literature and left an indelible mark on Western civilization, becoming the first fiction writer to achieve international fame. He introduced episodic storytelling and cliffhangers, shaping the narrative styles of film and television. His vivid portrayal of Victorian London and unforgettable characters, such as Oliver Twist and Ebenezer Scrooge, have transcended time, establishing them as not just iconic figures but mythic representations of the era.
This book tells us about one of the greatest story-tellers the world has known. Many of the events in his life, and the characters whom he knew, are described in his books: this is the story of the man who wrote them.
Oliver Twist. Pip. The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The characters of Charles Dickens live on in our imaginations long after we’ve read his renowned works of social commentary and vivid storytelling. Although these novels were written more than a hundred years ago, no home library today would be complete without them. This collection includes some of Dickens’s most famous and beloved works—The Adventures of Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations.
Full of suspense, humor, and tenderness, Hard Times is a brilliant defense of art in an age of mechanism and a blistering portrait of Victorian England as it struggles with the massive economic turmoil brought on by the Industrial Revolution.
Set during the Christmas season, this enduring novella explores themes of redemption and the spirit of giving through the transformation of its main character. Known for its vivid storytelling, it has inspired countless adaptations and parodies, solidifying its status as a classic in festive literature. Its powerful emotional resonance continues to captivate readers worldwide, making it a significant work in the canon of English fiction.
Renowned for creating iconic characters and compelling narratives, Dickens stands as a towering figure in Victorian literature. His journey from a factory worker to a celebrated author showcases his resilience and talent, despite limited formal education. Over two decades, he edited a weekly journal and produced a remarkable body of work, including 15 novels and numerous short stories, which continue to captivate readers today. Dickens's sharp social critique and vivid storytelling solidify his legacy as a literary genius.
Focusing on the trials and tribulations of the Nickleby family, this two-volume work chronicles their journey through various fortunes and misfortunes. The narrative explores themes of resilience and social injustice as the characters navigate challenges and societal upheavals. With rich character development, the story delves into their struggles against adversity, highlighting the importance of family and moral integrity in the face of life's unpredictability.
These three very different novels show the remarkable scope of Dicken's work. Hard Times (1854) exposes the limites of utilitarian philosophy, as Louisa Gradgrind grows up trapped by her disciplinarian father's uncompromising views on bringing up children. A Tale of Two Cities (1859), set in London and Paris, sees the causes and effects of the French Revolution from the point of view of individuals caught up in events. One of Dicken's most experimental novels, it is also a highly charged examination of human suffereing and sacrifice. Great Expectations (1860-1) charts the progress of Pip from childhood through a series of painful and comic experiences to adulthood, stressing that he must establish his own sense of self and discover his own set of values. Peopled with memorable characters such as Sleary of the circus in Hard Times, and Miss Havisham, locked in memories of her past in Great Expectations, each of these novels explores questions of human fallibility, honour, and growth.
What was it like to be Charles Dickens? His letters offer vivid snapshots of a life lived at maximum intensity, serving as a near-autobiography. This selection is drawn from the twelve-volume British Academy Pilgrim Edition of his letters, featuring over fourteen thousand, with four hundred carefully chosen to capture the essence of 'the Sparkler of Albion.' Dickens possessed an extraordinary energy, seemingly having twice the hours in his day, and he approached letter-writing with the same fervor as all his pursuits. This eagerly awaited collection takes readers to the heart of his life, showcasing him as a novelist, journalist, magazine editor, social campaigner, traveler, and family man. For Dickens, reading and writing letters were integral to his daily rhythm; he once remarked to a friend, "I walk about brimful of letters," claiming to write at least a dozen each day. While sometimes a chore, it was often a source of joy, reflecting his high spirits, sparkling wit, and keen observations. Whether you dip in or read through, this selection re-creates the brilliance of being Dickens and the sheer pleasure of his company.
Cuento de Navidad es la famosa obra que Charles Dickens le dedicó a estas fiestas en 1843. En su novela, Dickens nos invita a replantear ciertos comportamientos y a identificarnos al fin con los valores de la Navidad.
"Большие надежды" - знаменитый роман Чарльза Диккенса. Это история мальчика из простой семьи по имени Пип, которому неожиданно выпала возможность "стать джентльменом".Непростые жизненные испытания становятся для молодого человека дорогой к духовному очищению.Текст произведения подготовлен для уровня 4 (Upper-Intermediate), для продолжающих учить английский язык верхней ступени, и снабжен комментариями.В конце книги дается англо-русский словарь.
Celebrated as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era, Dickens is renowned for creating iconic characters and addressing social issues through his writing. His journey began in hardship when he left school to work in a factory due to his father's imprisonment. Overcoming this adversity, he became a prolific author, producing 15 novels, numerous short stories, and non-fiction works. His literary contributions garnered immense popularity during his lifetime, and he continues to be recognized as a literary genius.
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is a timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns the true meaning of kindness and goodwill through a transformative encounter with four ghosts on Christmas Eve. This edition also includes "The Chimes" and "The Haunted Man," showcasing Dickens's festive storytelling.
The joys and wonder of the holiday season are captured in the tale of the transformation of the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge, as well as in other Christmas tales
An unusual children's classic from the author of "A Christmas "Carol gives a retelling of the Christ story in an accessible and amusing manner Never published in its author's lifetime and intended solely for his own children--to whom he read it every Christmas--"Life of Our Lord" is a straightforward and gently humorous take on Jesus Christ's life and teachings. Far removed from the sharp satire and social dimension of his more famous writings, but showcasing his characteristic humanity and genius for storytelling, this is both an essential work for those wanting to see a different, more intimate side to Dickens's prose and a timeless retelling for children and adults alike.
Preserving a significant work in literary history, this modern edition of a classical text features a retyped and reformatted layout for enhanced readability. The effort aims to ensure that the charm and wit of the original content remain accessible to both contemporary and future readers, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
A Christmas Carol 'Bah! Humbug!' Mr Scrooge is a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, miserable old man. Nobody stops him in the street to say a cheery hello; nobody would dare ask him for a favour. And I hope you'd never be so foolish as to wish him a 'Merry Christmas'! Scrooge doesn't believe in Christmas, charity, kindness - or ghosts. But one cold Christmas Eve, Scrooge receives some unusual visitors who show him just how very mistaken he's been... The Chimes The second of his series of Christmas books, Charles Dickens wrote The Chimes one year after A Christmas Carol. Tackling familiar themes of redemption, social injustice and family, it is a story of hope and contemplation and is a moving festive read well worth discovering.
This volume not only combines the two famous collections of Dickens's contributions to the periodicals "All the Year Round" and "Household Words" but also includes 'The Lamplighter, ' 'To Be Read at Dusk, ' 'Sunday under Three Heads, ' 'Hunted Down, ' 'Holiday Romance, ' and 'George Silverman's Explanation.' As Leslie C. Staples writes in his Introduction, 'To know Dickens one must be familiar with a dozen major novels, but the knowledge is incomplete without some familiarity with his journalistic work, muc of the best of which is to be found in this volume.'
zjednodušená anglická četba, vhodná při přípravě na zkoušku FCE jako doplňkový materiál ( úroveň B2 - Upper-Intermediate, slovní zásoba 2 200 slov) věk 16+ Popis: úroveň B2 podle Společného evropského referenčního rámce Macmillan Readers v této pokročilosti můžete číst asi po více než třech letech studia angličtiny. Většina titulů je balena…
After his father dies, Nicholas Nickleby goes to London with his mother and sister. Mistreated by a wicked relative, it is up to Nicholas to save them.
The second volume of this classic work features the adventures and misadventures of the Pickwick Club, showcasing rich characters and humorous storytelling. Aimed at preserving its significance, this edition has been meticulously reformatted and retyped to ensure clarity and readability, making it accessible for contemporary readers. The effort to maintain the integrity of the original text highlights its enduring value in literary history.
Set against the backdrop of Victorian Christmas, the novella explores the bond between two sisters, Grace and Marion, who face separation but ultimately find their way back to each other. Unique among Dickens's Christmas tales, it avoids supernatural elements, focusing instead on familial love and reconciliation. The story reflects the era's festive spirit and has influenced modern holiday traditions. This edition includes a new biography, offering deeper insights into Dickens's life and legacy as one of the greatest novelists of his time.
Als sich der arme Waisenknabe Pip in die schöne und reiche Estella verliebt,
wagt er nicht einmal davon zu träumen, jemals selbst auch reich zu sein. Eines
Tages taucht der Anwalt Mr. Jaggers auf und teilt Pip mit, ein unbekannter
Wohltäter würde für seine Ausbildung bezahlen. Pip geht nach London, wo er ein
neues Leben als Gentleman beginnt. Er macht sich große Hoffnungen nun endlich
die Gunst Estellas zu gewinnen. Doch schon bald muss er feststellen, dass Geld
nicht alles ist, was im Leben zählt.
On Christmas Eve, 1812, seven-year-old orphan Pip encounters an escaped convict in a churchyard while visiting his family's graves. Living with his abusive sister and her kind husband, Joe Gargery, a blacksmith, Pip is coerced into stealing food and a file for the convict. On Christmas morning, he returns with the stolen items, but soldiers soon arrive to capture the convict, who confesses to stealing from Joe's smithy.
A year later, wealthy recluse Miss Havisham requests a boy to visit her, leading Pip to fall in love with her adopted daughter, Estella, who remains cold and distant. Pip continues visiting Miss Havisham until he is old enough to become an apprentice blacksmith. During his last visit, she provides funds for his apprenticeship, while Joe's envious assistant, Dolge Orlick, harbors resentment towards Pip and Mrs. Joe. When Mrs. Joe is brutally attacked, Orlick becomes a suspect, and she later becomes kinder. Biddy, a former schoolmate, joins the household to assist in her care.
In a separate narrative set in 1775, John Willet and his friends gather at the Maypole Inn, where a local tale of murder unfolds. Reuben Haredale's murder, which occurred 22 years prior, casts suspicion on his missing gardener and steward. Joe Willet, unhappy with his father's treatment, leaves to join the army after saying goodbye to his love, Dolly Varden. Meanwhile, Edward Chester, in love with Emma Haredale, faces opposition from bot
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) has produced some of the most memorable writings in the English language, including such well known works as "A Christmas Carol, Sketches by Boz, A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, Daivid Copperfield, Great Expectations, and The Pickwick Papers. Dickens is famous for the characters he created and his descriptions. A man of tremendous energy, he spent hours a day walking the London streets from which his characters and scenes came. Most of Dickens' work was in magazine serial form. Quiet Vision publishes not only Dickens' well known works but also many of his lesser known but still well crafted works.
[Penguin Readers Level 6]Alone in the world, Oliver is brought up in the workhouse and sent out to work. To escape from beatings he runs away to London. There he meets the Artful Dodger, Fagin and the terrifying Bill Sykes. They try to turn Oliver into a criminal. But Oliver finds new friends who want to protect him. Will they succeed?Penguin Readers are simplified texts designed in association with Longman, the world famous educational publisher, to provide a step-by-step approach to the joys of reading for pleasure. Each book has an introduction and extensive activity material. They are published at seven levels from Easystarts (200 words) to Advanced (3000 words).
The festive season approaches, but Ebenezer Scrooge, is a heartless old miser who doesn't enjoy Christmas and doesn't think anyone else should, either. One mysterious Christmas Eve, some ghostly visitors take Scrooge on a journey through time that changes his mind for ever.
The short story is one of the most skilled and entertaining of literary forms. This marvellous collection rangers over nearly five thousand years and includes stories from countries all round the world. Many of the great classical authors are included such as Dickens, Hardy, Balzac, Zola, de Maupassant, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Hawthorne, O. Henry and Poe. Other writers equally worthy of fame, but little known outside their own countries, have been specially translater for this volume. The stories have been arranged under their country of origin and each section is introduced by a compact survey of the development of the short story within that country. Every story is preceded by a useful biographical note on the author. Altogether, 178 different tales have been gathered here, each among the best of its kind. Tragic, comic, romantic or macabre, they are guaranteed to bring hours of pleasure to every reader.
Makes a portrait of India. In this book, these unabridged observations of the British in India and Indian life were originally commissioned for The Civil and Military Gazette where the author worked as a journalist in the 1880s.
Written with intelligence and authority, these twenty-three essays provide an insight into the works of the literary genius of Charles Dickens. Chesterton greatly admired Dickens as a social prophet and a defender of the common man. Here, he focuses both on the style and ideology of Dickens and provides the critical insight into his work with his characteristic perceptive generosity. Chesterton is still regarded by many as one of the most accomplished and perceptive critics of Dickens. As much about his strongly held beliefs as about Dickens this volume is sure to inform and give pleasure to advocates of both writers.
First published in a single volume in 1843, and including the iconic original engravings by Phiz, these satirical portraits not only reveal the dazzling brilliance of young Dickens's genius, but also offer a humorous glimpse into Victorian mores and attitudes.
A king and queen have fallen on hard times - but then their eldest daughter is given a magic wishbone. Can this improve their fortunes? A magical retelling of a Charles Dickens' fairytale, specially written for children who have just started reading alone and developed in conjunction with a reading expert from Roehampton University.
First serialized in the 1850s and 1860s, these short stories range from humour to social criticism, from satirical bite to high drama. Many of the stories were written in collaboration by the two authors.
Charles Dickens is considered one of the greatest English authors of all time. Dickens often used the pen name Boz. Much of his work first appeared in periodicals and magazines in serialized form. Unlike many writers of his time Dickens wrote the entire novel before serializing it. He made frequent use of the cliffhanger to keep the public interested. A Christmas Carol is a traditional favorite about the conversion of Ebenezer Scrooge from a grasping old miser. Three nights in succession, Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, and emerges from the experience a totally changed man. The Cricket on the Hearth published in 1845 is a Christmas story. Instead of chapters this book is divided into Chirps. The story revolves around a family with a cricket in the house. The cricket is their guardian angel. At one point the cricket warns the master that his wife may be having an affair. Even though this seems to be a tragic occurrence all is well in the end. Love prevails and a girl may regain her sight. This IS a Christmas tale after all.
Reader im preisgünstigen Klassensatz zu einer Mindestbestellmenge von 10
Exemplaren Der Waisenjunge Oliver Twist wächst unter schlimmsten Bedingungen
in einer englischen Kleinstadt in einem Armenhaus auf. Um dem ständigen Hunger
und den Misshandlungen zu entkommen, flieht er nach London wo er sich dem
Gauner Fagin anschließt. Dieser möchte aus Oliver einen Dieb machen, doch der
Junge wehrt sich dagegen. Wird er eine Chance auf ein besseres Leben bekommen?
It is said that Charles Dickens invented Christmas, and within these pages you'll certainly find all the elements of a quintessential traditional Christmas brought to vivid life: snowy rooftops, gleaming shop windows, steaming bowls of punch, plum puddings like speckled cannon balls, sage and onion stuffing, miracles, magic, charity and goodwill. This beautifully produced Vintage Classics edition gathers together not only Dickens' Christmas Books ('A Christmas Carol', 'The Chimes', 'The Battle of Life', 'The Cricket on the Hearth' and 'The Haunted Man') but also stories that Dickens wrote for the special seasonal editions of his periodicals All the Year Round and Household Words, and the hilarious festive episodes from The Pickwick Papers. A must-have for Christmas, this edition should be as necessary to your festivities as holly, mistletoe and silver bells.
Celebrate the bicentennial birthday of Charles Dickens with this Miniature Edition packed with witty summaries of the novels of one of history's most beloved storytellers. All fans of great literature can enjoy these perfectly portable renditions of Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities , and all the Dickensian classics. Featuring synopses, character profiles, and illustrations, this mini book brings to life twenty classic tales and the iconic characters that populate the world of Dickens.
A Tale of Two CitiesThis wonderful series is a quick way into a range of exciting stories, from the chilling tale of 'Frankenstein', to the gripping adventure of 'Treasure Island' and the powerful animal story of 'Call of the Wild'. Fast-moving and accessible, each story is a shortened, dramatically illustrated version of the classic novel, which loses none of the strength and flavour of the original. 'A Tale of Two Cities' (1859) centres on the years leading up to the French Revolution and culminates in the Jacobin Reign of Terror. It tells the story of two men, Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, who look similar but are very different in personality. Darnay is a romantic French aristocrat, while Carton is a cynical English barrister. However, the two are in love with the same woman, Lucie Manette... Oliver TwistDickens' celebrated novel of innocence betrayed and then triumphant. It recreates the London underworld populated by such characters as Fagin, Bill Sikes, Nancy and the Artful Dodger, who are contrasted with the friends and family of the orphaned Oliver.
Martin Chuzzlewit sets out for America where he intends to make his fortune. Dickens's novel is parodic and unsympathetic to those who do not suffer or who do not understand the suffering of others. The book is about selfishness and Martin's failures in America cure him of his selfishness.
For David Copperfield, orphaned and with a cruel stepfather, the future looks bleak. But a new start beckons with the magnificent Mr Micawber, then with his eccentric aunt, Betsey Trotwood.
"Please, Mr. Murdstone! Don't beat me! I've tried to learn my lessons, really I have, sir!" sobs David. Although he is only eight years old, Mr. Murdstone does beat him, and David is so frightened that he bites his cruel stepfather's hand. For that, he is kept locked in his room for five days and nights, and nobody is allowed to speak to him. As David grows up, he learns that life is full, of trouble and misery and cruelty. But, he also finds laughter and kindness, trust and friendship... and love.
