Novel by Charles Dickens, published both serially and in book form in 1859. The story is set in the late 18th century against the background of the French Revolution. Although Dickens borrowed from Thomas Carlyle's history, The French Revolution, for his sprawling tale of London and revolutionary Paris, the novel offers more drama than accuracy. The scenes of large-scale mob violence are especially vivid, if superficial in historical understanding. The complex plot involves Sydney Carton's sacrifice of his own life on ...
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Novel by Charles Dickens, published both serially and in book form in 1859. The story is set in the late 18th century against the background of the French Revolution. Although Dickens borrowed from Thomas Carlyle's history, The French Revolution, for his sprawling tale of London and revolutionary Paris, the novel offers more drama than accuracy. The scenes of large-scale mob violence are especially vivid, if superficial in historical understanding. The complex plot involves Sydney Carton's sacrifice of his own life on behalf of his friends Charles Darnay and Lucie Manette. While political events drive the story, Dickens takes a decidedly antipolitical tone, lambasting both aristocratic tyranny and revolutionary excess--the latter memorably caricatured in Madame Defarge, who knits beside the guillotine. The book is perhaps best known for its opening lines, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," and for Carton's last speech, in which he says of his replacing Darnay in a prison cell, "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known." -- The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature
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Add this copy of A Tale of Two Cities to cart. $6.43, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2017 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
One of Charles Dickens' most captivating books is A Tale of Two Cities, a tale of revolution, retaliation, and sacrifice. It narrates the tale of a family that is endangered by horrible past events and is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. After being wrongfully detained in the Bastille for eighteen years, Dr. Manette is eventually freed and reunited with his daughter Lucie, who was raised in London despite having French ancestry. Charles Darnay, who has given up wealth and status in France due to his political beliefs, wins Lucie over with his love. Darnay returns to Paris during the revolution to assist an elderly family servant, but he is quickly arrested due to the crimes his relatives have committed.
I had also reviewed this book on shabd.in too
Marilynne B
Mar 15, 2013
This book was a gift that I sent to my Great Grand kids.
FanOfTimeLifeBooks
Aug 20, 2010
Love and Sacrifice During the French Revolution
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical romance set before and during the French Revolution. English author Charles Dickens (1812-1870) has woven together an intricate plot, memorable characters, and vivid imagery to create a great story set during tumultuous times. Dickens has also captured the sense of desperation and resentment felt by the French people before and during the French Revolution. In sum, A Tale of Two Cities is a gripping book about love, sacrifice, and unselfishness. Highly recommended.
cigarcamel
May 28, 2009
Love the small Classic hardcover
This was one of the Barnes & Noble Classics in a small hardcover. Great size and nice book.
As for the story, its OK but no classic in my book.
PeachTea
Mar 14, 2009
It is.
It is amazing, it is powerful, it is beautiful. It is daunting, it is worth it. It is incredible. From Sydney to Lucie, the charactres shine. The plot is occasionally difficult to follow, but not in a I Am So Lost sort of way. A definite need-to-read.