Description

A Tale of Two Cities

This extensively annotated version of A Tale of Two Cities features the original 1839 publication, complete with the initial illustrations accompanying the text. It includes a fresh historical annotation and an author biography by Charlotte Davis, alongside newly crafted literary discussion questions designed for readers of all backgrounds.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of revolutionary France juxtaposed with the serene atmosphere of London, Charles Dickens intricately narrates a compelling story of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

The plot unfolds during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, focusing on the intertwined destinies of Charles Darnay, a French nobleman, and Sydney Carton, a disillusioned English barrister. Their lives, bound by affection and camaraderie, echo profound themes of resurrection and transformation.

As Dickens intricately explores the personal tragedies and victories of his characters, he simultaneously illustrates a society teetering on the edge of chaos, vividly depicting the tumult, violence, and fervor of the time. This work serves as both a historical narrative and a deeply personal drama, encapsulating Dickens’ examination of duality—highlighting the complexities of human nature, the stark contrasts between light and darkness, love and animosity, and most significantly, the cities of London and Paris.

The famous opening line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” encapsulates the essence of this timeless classic, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of revolution, the cost of liberty, and the lengths to which individuals will go in the name of love.

The Viking Classics annotated editions are meticulously crafted to ensure that spelling and grammar are thoroughly edited and refined, preserving the integrity of the original manuscript while providing a fluid reading experience.

Charles Dickens

Charles John Huffam Dickens, who lived from 1812 to 1870, was a famous author and social commentator, celebrated for creating some of literature’s most iconic characters. He is widely acknowledged as the preeminent novelist of the Victorian period. During his lifetime, Dickens’s works achieved remarkable acclaim, and by the early twentieth century, he was firmly established as a literary luminary. His novels and short stories continue to resonate with readers, maintaining their popularity across generations.

Dickens’s early life was marked by hardship; he left school to support his family by working in a factory after his father was imprisoned for debt. Despite his limited formal education, he demonstrated remarkable literary prowess, editing a weekly journal for two decades and producing an impressive body of work that includes 15 novels, five novellas, and numerous short stories and articles. His commitment to social issues was evident through his extensive lectures, performances, and vigorous advocacy for children’s rights and educational reforms, showcasing his dedication to improving societal conditions.

A towering figure in literature, Dickens’s influence is evident in works such as his beloved 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, which remains a staple of holiday storytelling and has inspired countless adaptations across various artistic mediums. His novels, including Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, frequently depict the stark realities of early Victorian London, while A Tale of Two Cities, published in 1859, stands as his most renowned historical fiction.

Dickens’s literary contributions have garnered admiration from contemporaries like Leo Tolstoy and George Orwell for their vivid realism and social critique, though some, including Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf, critiqued his writing for perceived superficiality and sentimentality. The term “Dickensian” has since emerged to describe situations reminiscent of his narratives, particularly those highlighting social injustices or grotesque characters. Dickens passed away on June 8, 1870, after suffering a stroke, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape literature and social thought.