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Product Details
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Two of the most beloved novels in all of English literature--together in one extraordinary volume.
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
After 18 years as a political prisoner in the Bastille, the aging Doctor Manette is finally released and reunited with his daughter in England. There the lives of the two very different men, Charles Darnay, an exiled French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a disreputable but brilliant English lawyer, become enmeshed through their love for Lucie Manette. From the tranquil roads of London, they are drawn against their will to the vengeful, bloodstained streets of Paris at the height of the Reign of Terror, and they soon fall under the lethal shadow of the guillotine.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
A terrifying encounter with an escaped convict in a graveyard on the wild Kent marshes; a summons to meet the bitter, decaying Miss Havisham and her beautiful, cold-hearted ward Estella; the sudden generosity of a mysterious benefactor--these form a series of events that changes the orphaned Pip's life forever, and he eagerly abandons his humble origins to begin a new life as a gentleman. Dickens's haunting late novel depicts Pip’s education and development through adversity as he discovers the true nature of his "great expectations."
This deluxe paperback edition features
• French flaps
• rough-cut high-quality paper
• complimentary front- and back-cover designs highlighting each novel and including foil and debossing
A Charles Dickens Timeline
| 1812 | Born February 7 in Portsmouth, England |
| 1824 | His father John sent to Marshalsea Debtor's Prison for a debt of £40 and 10 shillings |
| Began working 10-hour days in shoe-polish warehouse to help support family | |
| 1833 | First story, "A Dinner at Poplar Walk," appeared in the Monthly Magazine |
| 1836 | First book, Sketches by Boz, collected his early journalism and stories |
| First novel, The Pickwick Papers, began its monthly serialization | |
| Married Catherine Hogarth | |
| 1837-39 | Oliver Twist appeared in monthly installments |
| 1838-39 | Nicholas Nickleby serialized |
| 1840-41 | The Old Curiosity Shop |
| 1841 | Barnaby Rudge |
| 1842 | American Notes, based on his tour that year of the United States |
| 1843 | The Christmas Carol, the first of his "Christmas tales" |
| 1843-44 | Martin Chuzzlewit |
| 1846-48 | Dombey and Son |
| 1849-50 | David Copperfield |
| 1852-53 | Bleak House |
| 1854 | Hard Times |
| 1855-57 | Little Dorrit |
| 1857 | Met actress Ellen Ternan, his longtime companion |
| 1858 | Separated from his wife, Catherine |
| 1859 | A Tale of Two Cities |
| 1860-61 | Great Expectations |
| 1864-65 | Our Mutual Friend |
| 1867-68 | Second tour of America |
| 1868-69 | Farewell reading tour of the British Isles |
| 1870 | The Mystery of Edwin Drood (unfinished) |
| Died from a stroke on June 9 |
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Most helpful customer reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two Classic From THE MASTER!,
By Andrew Salmon (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations: Two Novels (Oprah's Book Club) (Paperback)
The novels and stories of Charles Dickens have been with us for almost 200 years for a reason. He is simply one of the best (some say, THE best) novelist who ever lived. Originally released in serialized form in magazines, each fresh installment would create an uproar as thousands of rabid readers rushed bookshops for the latest part fresh off the presses. In the United States, the ships carrying the magazine issues from England would often be stormed by readers who couldn't even wait for them to be unloaded. Such was the fervor Dickens' writing created.With A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations, you have two of his best novels in one handy volume and at a great price. Great Expectations has been called "the only perfect novel" by critics. It's a tale of redemption, secrets, romance and tragedy. There is something for everyone to savor in this timeless novel and like all great fiction, there is also valuable lessons to be learned. Dickens wrote for the people and though his style is outdated by today's standards, you'll find the themes and scenes are very much of the street and deal with everyday cares and concerns. It is the strength of this aspect of his writing that has led to its enduring through the centuries. A Tale of Two Cities has twists that have been echoed in countless stories since then. This novel of the French Revolution is a-typical of Dickens as it is an historical tale and he usually wrote about the London of his time. But the book has transcended like so much of his work to the extent that it's has been referenced all through pop culture. Even Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan hinges it's dramatic high-points on the opening and closing lines of the novel. And this novel has, perhaps, both the best first and last lines in the history of fiction. Not bad for one book. Again, we've got intrigue, chases, escapes, unrequited love, romance and sacrifice. With this great collection you'll find that the themes and ideas of all great storytelling are timeless and what we enjoy today is just a variation of what came before. As an author and avid reader myself, I know that great storytelling is timeless, eternal. With two of the best novels ever written, you're in for a treat with this collection.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good value,
By
This review is from: A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations: Two Novels (Oprah's Book Club) (Paperback)
This is more for a strong reader, having two books in one is very convenient for holidays and a SUPER value!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great price,
By
This review is from: A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations: Two Novels (Oprah's Book Club) (Paperback)
I cant believe I only paid close to $3 for this classic! worth every penny. Pss. the book says $23 as its original price.
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