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A Tale of Two Cities (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels) Unabridged Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 33,658 ratings

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Against the backdrop of the French Revolution, Charles Dickens unfolds his masterpiece of drama, adventure, courage, and romance about a man falsely accused of treason.

Unjustly imprisoned for 18 years in the Bastille, Dr. Alexandre Manette is reunited with his daughter, Lucie, and safely transported from France to England. It would seem that they could take up the threads of their lives in peace. As fate would have it though, the pair are summoned to the Old Bailey to testify against a young Frenchman — Charles Darnay — falsely accused of treason. Strangely enough, Darnay bears an uncanny resemblance to another man in the courtroom, the dissolute lawyer's clerk Sydney Carton. It is a coincidence that saves Darnay from certain doom more than once.

This classic novel is brilliantly plotted, rich in drama, romance, and heroics that culminate in a daring prison escape in the guillotine's shadow. "
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" when injustice was met by a lust for vengeance, and rarely was a distinction made between the innocent and the guilty. In A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens critiques both the conditions leading up to the French Revolution (abuse of power by the aristocracy) and the Revolution itself (the Reign of Terror), offering dualities of political commentary as the ultimate backdrop for an engrossing work of historical fiction.

Dover's Thrift Editions library of classic literature is a top choice for teachers, students, librarians, and recreational readers around the world, offering exceptional value in classic fiction, nonfiction, plays, and poetry. 

 
"All the Little Raindrops: A Novel" by Mia Sheridan for $10.39
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tale of two cities classic french revolution fiction Paris

Against the backdrop of the French Revolution

This classic novel is brilliantly plotted, rich in drama, romance, and heroics that culminate in a daring prison escape in the guillotine's shadow. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" when injustice was met by a desire for vengeance, and rarely was a distinction made between the innocent and the guilty. In A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens critiques both the conditions leading up to the French Revolution and the Revolution itself (the Reign of Terror), offering dualities of political commentary as the ultimate backdrop for an engrossing work of historical fiction.

A Tale of Two Cities guillotine bastille darnay

Charles Dickens unfolds his masterpiece of drama, adventure, courage, and romance about a man falsely accused of treason

Unjustly imprisoned for 18 years in the Bastille, Dr. Alexandre Manette is reunited with his daughter, Lucie, and safely transported from France to England. It would seem that they could take up the threads of their lives in peace. As fate would have it though, the pair are summoned to the Old Bailey to testify against a young Frenchman — Charles Darnay — falsely accused of treason. Strangely enough, Darnay bears an uncanny resemblance to another man in the courtroom, the dissolute lawyer's clerk Sydney Carton. It is a coincidence that saves Darnay from certain doom more than once.

It was the best of times it was the worst of times
Dovers Thrift Edition Library of classic literature - a long standing mission of exceptional value

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

It was the time of the French Revolution—a time of great change and great danger. It was a time when injustice was met by a lust for vengeance, and rarely was a distinction made between the innocent and the guilty. Against this tumultuous historical backdrop, Dickens' great story of unsurpassed adventure and courage unfolds.
Unjustly imprisoned for 18 years in the Bastille, Dr. Alexandre Manette is reunited with his daughter, Lucie, and safely transported from France to England. It would seem that they could take up the threads of their lives in peace. As fate would have it though, the pair are summoned to the Old Bailey to testify against a young Frenchman—Charles Darnay—falsely accused of treason. Strangely enough, Darnay bears an uncanny resemblance to another man in the courtroom, the dissolute lawyer's clerk Sydney Carton. It is a coincidence that saves Darnay from certain doom more than once. Brilliantly plotted, the novel is rich in drama, romance, and heroics that culminate in a daring prison escape in the shadow of the guillotine.

About the Author

After a childhood blighted by poverty, commercial success came early to Charles Dickens (1812-70). By the age of 24, he was an international sensation whose new novels were eagerly anticipated. Two centuries later, Dickens' popularity endures as readers revel in the warm humanity and rollicking humor of his tales of self-discovery.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0486406512
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications; Unabridged edition (December 31, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780486406510
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486406510
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 710L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.75 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 33,658 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
33,658 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the historical drama and well-developed characters in this book. They find the story meaningful and applicable today as it was. Readers appreciate the value for money and consider it a decent collection. Opinions differ on the readability, pacing, and language. Some find the writing eloquent and well-written, while others find the language challenging and wordy.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

699 customers mention "Story quality"643 positive56 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging story about the French Revolution. They appreciate the author's understanding of the times and human nature. The well-developed characters are memorable. Readers find the narrative riveting, portraying events that might have happened at the time. The book enhances their knowledge of history related to the French Revolution and provides a vivid depiction of the historical setting.

"Dickens writes with an amazing understanding of the times and of human nature...." Read more

"...enjoyed the book's fictitious story, but also the book enhanced my knowledge of the history related to French Revolution and England...." Read more

"...tome is well worth the time and energy required to read and enjoy the historical drama, well-developed characters and genteel intrigue overshadowed..." Read more

"...The book will teach you a lot about the French Revolution and the condition of what was going on during the time period...." Read more

298 customers mention "Character development"275 positive23 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find Sydney Carton fun and colorful, with no quirky names or laugh-out-loud moments. The book is described as a good introduction to the series.

"...His characters are true to life and reveal the perversity and noble news of man in all its glory...." Read more

"...In particular, Sydney Carton, the most complex and dynamic character of the novel, touched me the most...." Read more

"...Dr. Mannette and his return to himself is likewise an interesting character arc. Unfortunately, Darnay and Lucie are less compelling...." Read more

"...and energy required to read and enjoy the historical drama, well-developed characters and genteel intrigue overshadowed by the hideous wraith of..." Read more

108 customers mention "Sacrifice"108 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's depiction of personal sacrifice and forgiveness. They find the story meaningful and applicable today as it was. The book is described as a powerful tale of intertwined lives affected by devastating and fearful times in France. Readers praise the sympathetic portrayals that touch their hearts, and the author masterfully tells the story of redemption and the redeemer.

"...character, initially described as a "man of good abilities and good emotions, incapable of their directed exercise, incapable of his own help and..." Read more

"...Jarvis Lorry is a banker and friend of the main characters, and he's brave, savvy, loyal, and more world-wise than most...." Read more

"...the man who sacrifices himself for all that is pure, loving and honorable in life...." Read more

"...What she did do, though, I admired her bravery. She’s very caring, something you don’t find in many protagonists, and if they are, you don’t really..." Read more

86 customers mention "Value for money"78 positive8 negative

Customers appreciate the value for money of this book. They find it a valuable collection with a unique cover design perfect for collectors. Readers describe it as classic Dickens and a must-have for any classical library. The historical setting offers many insights and lessons to appreciate. While the print could be larger, it is considered a major addition to the canon and used for book club selections.

"...There is an active table of contents and it also has page numbers...." Read more

"...My wife is so happy. This book was free and since then other books were purchased; in the alternative none has had the significant impact of a "..." Read more

"...A great reading copy for a great price!" Read more

"...real, the "lessons" Dickens puts into the story are all absolutely priceless...." Read more

837 customers mention "Readability"546 positive291 negative

Customers have different views on the book's readability. Some find it eloquently told with beautiful prose and amazing language use. Others find the writing challenging, wordy, and dense by today's standards.

"...So many beautiful passages, so quotable, so memorable...." Read more

"...standards, not especially so - but so often there are great lines, descriptions, phrases to be found in his prose that it's well worth it...." Read more

"...Although, in the beginning, I found the book's language challenging that required me to read some passages more than once to draw essence, but after..." Read more

"...instead, is one of Charles Dickens most powerful and engrossing tales of human existence, belonging to not only a tier#1 level of Dickens's novels..." Read more

154 customers mention "Pacing"80 positive74 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it engaging and intense, with a moving narrative. Others feel it drags for the first half and takes a while to get going.

"...either by blood or by long-ago coincidental encounter -- but it is exhilarating to watch everything fall into place...." Read more

"...the writing style was difficult to get into, and it was certainly a slow read...." Read more

"...The novel is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution and tells the story of the French aristocracy and the lower class, and..." Read more

"This was a slow burner. I struggled to follow what was happening at first...." Read more

111 customers mention "Print size"49 positive62 negative

Customers have different views on the print size of the book. Some find it long and wordy, while others say it's relatively short compared to other Charles Dickens books. The sentences are described as long and convoluted.

"...Yes, it is long and very wordy (written in a time when authors were paid by the word), but there is an amazing gem of a story to be found within." Read more

"...for readers but writers, this tome is well worth the time and energy required to read and enjoy the historical drama, well-developed characters and..." Read more

"...Often with book from this era, the sentence structure can be long and require a double take to ascertain the meaning...." Read more

"...This is a Long Book, But Because it is So Gripping, it Does Hold Your Attention For Long Periods of Time...." Read more

95 customers mention "Sadness"56 positive39 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book. Some find it heart-wrenching and an examination of human suffering. Others find it enjoyable, interesting, and a psychological thriller. The narrative is well-expressed. However, some readers consider the story harrowing, tragic, and frightening.

"...This book contains multiple heart throbbing events that left me awestruck, such as the tragic peasants' sufferings, fierce mob scenes; brutality at..." Read more

"...great English literature filled with complicated symbols, confusing metaphors, and a somewhat hidden plot, then this is the book for you...." Read more

"...A beautiful piece of literature that exposes the worst and best of humanity." Read more

"...The book is well-written and emotive and it provides valuable insight into the French Revolution and the impact it had on the lives of the people...." Read more

Simon Vance Narrative Voice Won Me Over
5 out of 5 stars
Simon Vance Narrative Voice Won Me Over
Watching the Warner Brothers DVD I purchased on Amazon (see Photo) with Ronald Coleman with several viewings took me to the Kindle version of the Dickens book. The read was laborious so I searched for an Audible. I wanted to know more of the characters portrayed in the DVD plot/scenario. I listened to the audio samples and settled on the pronunciation and style of Simon Vance. I think you will enjoy this one and I RECOMMEND it. If you already own the Kindle version you get a break on the list price OR use your monthly Audible credit to get it in your subscription plan. Audible is great in the times we live, especially for me with tired eyes to read, but great earbuds to listen to and enjoy.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024
    Dickens writes with an amazing understanding of the times and of human nature. His characters are true to life and reveal the perversity and noble news of man in all its glory. So many beautiful passages, so quotable, so memorable. Unchecked by Christian divine Providence, ugly revenge in society is all that remains to direct the human heart.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2010
    As a high school curriculum, my teacher required my class to read A Tale of Two Cities. This book caught my attention starting from the opening sentence "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" and kept me equally engaged till the last sentence "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." Although, in the beginning, I found the book's language challenging that required me to read some passages more than once to draw essence, but after few chapters I fell in love with the book. This book contains multiple heart throbbing events that left me awestruck, such as the tragic peasants' sufferings, fierce mob scenes; brutality at guillotine etc. Dickens infuses the story with a variety of emotions, ranging from love to hatred, sacrifice to selfishness, kindness to brutality, nurturing to killing, joy to tragedy, generosity to greed, as well as romance and suspense. Dickens fully makes use of several literary devices, such as allusions and imageries to embellish the script. Not only that I enjoyed the book's fictitious story, but also the book enhanced my knowledge of the history related to French Revolution and England. In the book, Dickens exhibits the social and political condition of 18th century England and France; the story of A Tale of Two Cities takes place in two major cities of these countries, London and Paris. In particular, Sydney Carton, the most complex and dynamic character of the novel, touched me the most. He emerges from a weak and sensual character, initially described as a "man of good abilities and good emotions, incapable of their directed exercise, incapable of his own help and his own happiness, sensible of the blight on him, and resigning himself to let it eat him away" to a powerful character capable of making the ultimate sacrifice by giving up his life for the woman he loves. Dickens' illustration of Carton's death scene; his recital of the words "I am the Resurrection and the Life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die, "and the words "Twenty-three" impact me the most, causing me to shed few tears. The book possesses many other attractions such as duality of characters. Specifically, the duality of Lucie Manette and Madame Defarge permeates throughout the novel. Dickens portrays Lucie as a nurturing character who "ever busily [winds] the golden thread that bound them all together, weaving the service of her happy influence through the tissue of all their lives." In contrast, Dickens describes Madame Defarge as a "ruthless woman, a strong and fearless character, of shrewd sense" who "was absolutely without pity." A Tale of Two Cities provides both education and entertainment; I highly recommend this book to any avid reader who seeks a book filled with humor, emotions, romance, and tragedy.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2012
    Back in my high school English classes, I often didn't care much for the assigned reading. However, one book that I did really enjoy at the time was Charles Dicken's 1859 classic A Tale of Two Cities. Having not read it since, I decided to pick it up again and see how it stood up. I once again enjoyed it, but not as much as I did back then. This is, largely, because I'm not the same person as I was back then (thankfully), leaving one of the main threads of the book to speak to me less than it did then.

    The novel spans from 1775 and the outbreak of the American Revolution and its effects in London to 1793 and the height of the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution in Paris. As is typical of Dickens, there are a lot of characters. The main four are Sydney Carton, English lawyer and ne'er-do-well, Charles Darnay, a French noblemen who dislikes the actions of his class and lives in London and - it just so happens - looks just like Carton, Dr. Alexandre Mannette, just released from 18 years of unjust imprisonment in the Bastille, and Dr. Mannette's daughter Lucie, who helps him recover, later marries Darnay, and is the subject of Carton's unrequited love.

    Of these main four, Carton and Dr. Mannette are interesting characters. Carton struggles with trying to make something of his wasted life, and with his affection for Lucie. Dr. Mannette and his return to himself is likewise an interesting character arc. Unfortunately, Darnay and Lucie are less compelling. Darnay is mostly just kind of "there" with no real highlight except for his confrontation with his evil uncle the Marquis, and an unfortunate lapse in judgement that leads him, a member of a noble family, to go to Paris in 1792. Lucie doesn't stand out much. She cares for her father and, later, daughter, and is the object of Carton and Darnay's affections. She doesn't really have much character of her own.

    The secondary character are almost universally compelling. The Defarges, a winemaker and his wife in Paris, are leaders of the revolutionary patriots, with complex stories of their own. Madame Defarge, in particular, pretty much steals the scene whenever she shows up. Jarvis Lorry is a banker and friend of the main characters, and he's brave, savvy, loyal, and more world-wise than most. Jerry Cruncher and Miss Pross aid our heroes, and each have moments of brilliance. An unnamed seamstress appears late in the book and has more pathos in her short appearance than many books have between their two covers.

    A Tale of Two Cities being Dickens, there are a ton of plot twists an unexpected revelations. Sometimes they seem to be a stretch, but, well, that's just how Dickens works, and pretty much every twist in fact is connected to a previous character or scene that comes back to be vital to the story. So, while it might be hard to believe that all these connections and surprises can fit into one story, Dickens makes them exciting and does a good job of justifying them in the buildup.

    Dickens' language is fantastic. His description of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror is particularly excellent. There are times he veers towards the wordy - though, by 19th century British standards, not especially so - but so often there are great lines, descriptions, phrases to be found in his prose that it's well worth it.

    So, as I said at the opening of this review, I liked A Tale of Two Cities this time around, but less than when I read it in high school. The main reason, I think, is that a major part of the novel revolves around unrequited love. Now, you can imagine why this would be a topic that captures the attention of a teenage boy. It certainly did for me. However, at this stage of life, after being with my wife for over fifteen years, I am amply requited (is that even a real word?). So, some of the raw emotion of the book just doesn't work for me the way it did back then (which, really, I'd call a good thing, personally). This might not matter to anyone else, but it took me a while to put my finger on just why I wasn't as into A Tale of Two Cities as I was the first time I read it, and I think it's interesting how a book can speak to the reader in different ways depending on where they are in their own lives.

    I listened to Simon Vance's reading of A Tale of Two Cities. Vance is one of my favorite narrators, and he does another fantastic job with this book. He does great voices for each character. He has such a broad range it can be hard to believe at times that the elderly man of business Jarvis Lorry, porter and honest tradesman Jerry Cruncher, and the gentleman Charles Darnay are all being voiced be the same narrator. I definitely recommend Vance's reading to audio book fans. Also, by odd coincidence, I had just read Vance narrate another tale of the French Revolution before this book - Rafael Sabatini's Scaramouche, which was also a great book, well-narrated.

    A Tale of Two Cities is a very good book, and a well-deserved classic. I recommend it to anyone curious to give Dickens a try. The plot is exciting, the language is compelling, and most of the characters are very interesting. I may not like it quite as much as I did as a teenager, but I still think A Tale of Two Cities is an excellent book, well worth reading.
    45 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Lucas
    5.0 out of 5 stars ok
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 5, 2024
    The media could not be loaded.
    São edições bem simples se comparadas com o padrão brasileiro, com páginas semelhantes a de um jornal o que torna o livro bem flexível. Mas com um bom material de apoio
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    Lucas
    5.0 out of 5 stars ok
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 5, 2024
    São edições bem simples se comparadas com o padrão brasileiro, com páginas semelhantes a de um jornal o que torna o livro bem flexível. Mas com um bom material de apoio
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  • Kl
    5.0 out of 5 stars top
    Reviewed in Germany on December 1, 2024
  • Marcus
    5.0 out of 5 stars Obra maestra
    Reviewed in Spain on September 6, 2024
    Una de las grandes obras de Dickens, historia dramática con fondo amoroso que sucede en el periodo del Terror durante la Revolución Francesa.
  • Liara
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bad quality cover, but worth the price
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on January 5, 2024
    For a paperback book you definitely see that the book cover is from bad quality. It is very thin and feels a bit off, however that doesn't mean that it is unreadable. Enjoyed reading the book and would definitely buy again. It is a great purchase for the price. Worth the price 👍
  • Divesh Agarwal
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Classic that Resonates Across the Ages
    Reviewed in India on September 27, 2023
    Rating: ★★★★★

    "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens is an enduring masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and gripping narrative. Having recently revisited this literary gem, I'm reminded once again of its profound impact and lasting relevance.

    Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution, Dickens weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption that transcends the boundaries of time and place. The vividly drawn characters, from the selfless Sydney Carton to the resolute Lucie Manette, come to life on the pages, their struggles and triumphs resonating with readers on a deeply emotional level.

    What makes "A Tale of Two Cities" truly remarkable is Dickens' skillful exploration of the human condition and his keen social commentary. The stark contrast between the two cities, London and Paris, serves as a powerful metaphor for the disparities and injustices of society. Dickens' portrayal of the Reign of Terror is hauntingly evocative, reminding us of the consequences of unchecked power and the fervor of revolution.

    The narrative unfolds with a sense of impending doom, and Dickens' mastery of suspense keeps the reader engrossed until the very last page. The famous opening lines, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," set the tone for a story that is both epic in scope and deeply personal in its exploration of love and sacrifice.

    As a reader, you'll find yourself immersed in the intricacies of the plot, rooting for the characters, and reflecting on the profound moral dilemmas they face. Sydney Carton's ultimate act of heroism is a testament to the redemptive power of love and selflessness, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart.

    "A Tale of Two Cities" is a literary masterpiece that continues to be relevant in our ever-changing world. Its exploration of the enduring themes of love, sacrifice, and the human spirit ensures that it will resonate with readers for generations to come. If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this classic, I wholeheartedly recommend adding it to your reading list. It's a journey through history and the human soul that you won't soon forget.