Product Code: B2D4313
ISBN: 9781398809680
Introducing the Charles Dickens Classic Collection 5 Books Set, a timeless and cherished compilation of literary masterpieces that showcases the brilliance of one of the greatest writers in English literature. This collection brings together five iconic novels that have left an indelible mark on readers for generations: Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, Hard Times, Oliver Twist, and A Christmas Carol. With their immersive storytelling, vivid characters, and powerful social commentary, these books continue to captivate readers of all ages.
Titles in This Set:
- Great Expectations
- Tale of Two Cities
- Hard Times
- Oliver Twist
- A Christmas Carol
First in this magnificent collection is Great Expectations, a coming-of-age tale that follows the journey of Pip, an orphan boy who dreams of becoming a gentleman. Through Dickens' vivid descriptions and atmospheric settings, readers are transported to the marshes of Kent, the bustling streets of London, and the haunting Satis House as Pip navigates the intricacies of love, wealth, and identity.
Next, we have A Tale of Two Cities, a sweeping historical novel set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. This gripping tale intertwines the lives of two men, Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, and their contrasting fates during a time of political upheaval, sacrifice, and redemption. Dickens' exquisite prose and evocative imagery make this novel a true masterpiece.
In Hard Times, Dickens explores the social and economic realities of 19th-century England. Through the lives of characters such as Thomas Gradgrind and Josiah Bounderby, the author examines the harshness of the industrial era and the toll it takes on individuals and communities. This thought-provoking novel sheds light on the dehumanising effects of utilitarianism and the importance of compassion and empathy.
Oliver Twist is a beloved classic that introduces readers to the unforgettable orphan Oliver and the colourful cast of characters he encounters in the criminal underworld of Victorian London. Dickens skillfully portrays the stark contrast between the privileged and the destitute, highlighting themes of poverty, justice, and the struggle for a better life.
Finally, we come to A Christmas Carol, a heartwarming novella that has become synonymous with the holiday season. This timeless tale follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and miserly old man, through encounters with supernatural spirits. Dickens' message of redemption, love, and the spirit of Christmas continues to resonate with readers of all ages and has become a beloved part of holiday traditions worldwide.
Each book in the Charles Dickens Classic Collection 5 Books Set showcases the author's unparalleled storytelling abilities, keen observations of human nature, and his dedication to shedding light on social issues of his time. These works have stood the test of time, offering readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Victorian England while addressing universal themes that remain relevant today.
This beautifully crafted set is a must-have for Dickens enthusiasts, literature lovers, and anyone seeking to delve into the timeless works of one of the greatest literary icons in history. Immerse yourself in the world of Charles Dickens and experience the magic of his storytelling with this exquisite collection.
Description from the Publisher:
Great Expectations
Great Expectations (1861) is one of Dickens' most popular novels. In addition to its endearing hero, Pip - a blacksmith's boy, desperate to escape his humble background - the story is populated by a vivid cast of characters, from the convict Magwitch to Miss Havisham who, jilted long ago, still wears her wedding gown and, for revenge, schools the beautiful young Estella in the art of malice towards men.
Tale of Two Cities
'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.'
A Tale of Two Cities (1859) moves between two great European capitals, London and Paris, before and during the French Revolution. The struggle between the proletariat and the aristocracy in France and how the implacable hatred between the two threatens to destroy the happiness of exiled French nobleman Charles Darnay and his beautiful wife, Lucie Manette, are the twin themes of the story.
When Darnay risks death by returning to Paris, Sydney Carton, a dissolute barrister who several years earlier had promised to "embrace any sacrifice" for Lucie and those dear to her, sets out to save the young aristocrat, at any price.
Hard Times
The backdrop to this campaigning novel is the grim industrial centre of Coketown, with its belching chimneys, purple-dyed river and hordes of downtrodden mill hands. Here headmaster Thomas Gradgrind sternly prepares his pupils for their pre-determined fate as industrial fodder. Facts and figures are all that he will tolerate because he scorns 'fancy' and forbids any use of the imagination.
Gradgrind's own children are brought up on the same bleak doctrine. There will be tragic consequences, both for his submissive daughter Louisa and degenerate son Tom, before their father acknowledges the value of the human heart.
Hard Times is Dickens' shortest novel, yet one of his most politically controversial and hard-hitting.
Oliver Twist
Oliver Twist sent out shock waves when it appeared in 1838. With a half-starved orphan for a hero, it was Dickens' first attempt to rouse the public conscience over the social evils of his day.
A parade of memorable characters drives the author's message home: Mr Bumble, the workhouse beadle; Fagin, who runs a den of child thieves; Oliver's streetwise friend, the Artful Dodger; Nancy, the prostitute; and her lover, brutal Bill Sikes.
The adventures of the innocent Oliver - from workhouse to London's underworld, and how he was rescued - is one of Dickens' most popular stories.
A Christmas Carol
Every idiot who goes about with "Merry Christmas" on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.'
No Christmas is complete without Charles Dickens' classic morality tale in which rich miser Ebenezer Scrooge is shown the error of his ways after visits by the spectral Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet To Come.