Books by Charles Dickens

"...It is a true tale of grief and trial, and sorrow...such tales usually are; if it were one of unmixed joy and happiness, it would be very brief. Olver Twist is Charles Dickens' classic tale of an orphan in search of a true home. Facing the harsh reality and cruelty of poverty he is forced to live in a dark and dismal London workhouse run by Mr. Bumble, a cruel man who cheats the boys out of their meager rations. One of the most often quoted lines from the book is "Please, sir, I want some more". Said by young Oliver to a church workhouse employee, Oliver is not only not given more food, but he is also treated like a dreadful sinner and criminal. Hungry and desperate, Oliver makes his escape, but being penniless and alone, he is easily lured into a world of crime by Fagin, the mastermind of a gang of young pickpockets. Luckily, when Oliver is sent on a mission by Fagin, he is rescued by a kindly gentleman. This benefactor takes him in but Oliver finds himself involved in a battle with an evil person and must use his wits to protect himself and others until he ultimately find his place in the world. The sordid lives of street criminals and the cruel treatment of orphans living in London in the mid-19th century is exposed in Dicken's story. He satirizes child labor and domestic violence in what is considered to be an early social novel. Dickens himself, spent two years in the workhouse at the age of 12 and missed several years of education. Dickens created some of literature's best-known fictional characters, and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.

Illustrated Edition featuring Illustrations, Summary, Author Biography, and Character ListStep into the gripping world of mystery and suspense with The Mystery of Edwin Drood, one of Charles Dickens's most fascinating and unfinished works. Set in the misty streets of the fictional city of Cloisterham, this captivating novel follows the mysterious disappearance of Edwin Drood, a young man who vanishes without a trace, sparking a series of dark and disturbing events.In this illustrated edition, readers will enjoy not only the intricacies of Dickens's storytelling but also vivid illustrations that bring the story's atmosphere to life. The novel delves into themes of obsession, love, and betrayal, drawing readers into a plot filled with twists and turns, leaving the ultimate fate of the characters uncertain.Though Dickens tragically passed away before completing the novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood remains a timeless classic of the detective genre, prompting many interpretations and theories about its conclusion.This edition includes a comprehensive summary, a list of characters, and an insightful biography of Charles Dickens, offering deeper context to the story and its complex characters.A must-read for fans of classic literature, suspense, and those intrigued by Dickens's masterful exploration of the human psyche.

In the turbulent era of the French Revolution, the fates of an exiled French aristocrat and a disenchanted English lawyer become inextricably linked. Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, they navigate love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Trotty Veck, an elderly porter, has read so many newspaper reports about crime and immorality that he believes the working classes are irredeemable. But, on New Year's Eve, summoned to the church tower by a mysterious chiming, Trotty witnesses his own death, and is taken on a ghostly journey that will force him to reassess his conviction. One of Dickens' 'Christmas stories', The Chimes is charming and surprising manifesto for empathy for our fellow man.

Illustrated edition containing hand-drawn illustrations, a detailed summary, author biography, and a complete characters listA Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a timeless holiday classic that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted miser who despises Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who show him the impact of his greed and cruelty on others. Through these haunting visions, Scrooge undergoes a profound transformation, discovering the true meaning of kindness, generosity, and the Christmas spirit.This Illustrated Edition features stunning hand-drawn artwork that enhances the magical journey of Scrooge's redemption. The edition also includes a detailed summary of the story, a biography of Charles Dickens, and a complete list of characters, making it a wonderful addition to any collection and perfect for readers looking to enjoy this heartwarming tale during the holiday season.

Features:Illustrated edition containing captivating illustrationsComprehensive summary of the plotDetailed author biography of Charles DickensInclusive list of main characters and their roles"A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. This illustrated edition brings the tale to life with vivid imagery that enhances the reading experience. The story revolves around the lives of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a dissolute English lawyer, whose lives become intertwined in a web of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Dickens masterfully captures the turmoil of the times, exploring themes of resurrection, justice, and the duality of human nature.In addition to the mesmerizing illustrations, this edition includes a summary that encapsulates the essence of the plot, making it easier for readers to grasp the complexities of the story. The biography of Charles Dickens provides insight into the mind of one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century, offering context to the narrative. A complete list of characters and their roles is also included, helping readers keep track of the numerous individuals that populate this rich and multifaceted novel.Whether you're a long-time Dickens enthusiast or a first-time reader, this edition of "A Tale of Two Cities" is a must-have for your collection, offering both an engaging read and a visual feast.

¿The greatest writer of his time.¿-Edmund Wilson ¿One of the great poets of the novel, a genius of his art¿-Edgar Johnson¿In Oliver Twist ¿Dickens attacked English institutions with a ferocity that has never since been approached.¿-George OrwellWith an incredible cast of characters, and an unvarnished portrayal of the early 1800¿s criminal underbelly in Victorian London, Dicken¿s second novel is an unforgettable masterpiece of the English language. Oliver Twist begins in a workhouse north of London where a young orphan named Oliver lives a brutal and impoverished life, and is subjected to a series of torments as he is handed off to an undertaker to work as a mourner at funerals. After a succession of maltreatments, Oliver runs away to London for a better life. In London, Oliver unwittingly falls into company of a gang of juvenile pickpockets who are under the spell of the sinister criminal Fagin and makes his home with them. Oliver is mistakenly accused of pickpocketing an older gentleman named Mr. Brownlow and arrested. In the ensuing trial Mr. Brownlow recognizes that Oliver was indeed innocent of the crime and takes him into care at his residence. Just as it appears that his life has improved Oliver is accosted back into the world of Fagin and his band of young miscreants. In the ensuing twists of fate, a great mystery is revealed, and Oliver finally fulfills his retribution. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Oliver Twist is both modern and readable.

Set in an industrial city in Northern England during the Victorian era, Thomas Gradgrind, a wealthy and retired man, devotes his life to the rationalist philosophy, and raises his children, Louisa and Tom, to never engage in any imaginative activity. The two grow up feeling confused, like something is missing in their lives, yet are unable figure out what exactly that is and affected differently by their upbringing. Louisa struggles to feel joy, and Tom struggles to find ethical standards. When Josiah Bounderby, a crass, rich man, asks for Louisäs hand in marriage, she cannot find a rational reason not to marry him. He would elevate her social status, was a friend of her father, and employed her brother at his bank. She decides to marry Bounderby, despite feeling no love for him. Meanwhile, Stephen, a poor laborer in one of the city¿s factories, who is struggling under the oppression of the upper classes, meets Tom and Louisa, inspiring them in different ways. When the city is shocked by a scandalous and devastating bank robbery, Stephen, Tom, and Louisäs lives are forever changed, and Gradgrind must question the strict beliefs on which he relies. Hard Times by Charles Dickens is revered not only for its skillfully constructed prose, but also its critique of capitalist and utilitarian philosophy. Dickens¿ empathetic portrayal of the effects of such beliefs raises concern and advocates for the conservation of human creativity and joy in a way that is still applicable today. With an eye-catching cover design and a modern font, Hard Times by Charles Dickens is a thought-provoking novel written by the greatest and most influential writers of the Victorian era.