A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, published by Silver Burdett Press in March 1985, is a classic work of juvenile fiction that spans 288 pages. This edition presents the text as it first appeared in serial form in 1859, capturing the full scope of Dickens’s vision. The story follows Doctor Manette, who is released after eighteen years as a political prisoner, and his reunion with his daughter, Lucie. The narrative intertwines the lives of Charles Darnay, an exiled French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a brilliant yet disreputable English lawyer, as they navigate the tumultuous backdrop of the Reign of Terror in Paris.

Readers will find a rich exploration of themes such as family and sacrifice, set against the historical context of Europe during a time of great upheaval. The characters’ lives become increasingly enmeshed through their shared love for Lucie Manette, leading them from the calm of London to the chaos of revolutionary Paris. This edition also features the original illustrations by H. K. Browne, known as ‘Phiz’, and includes an introduction by Richard Maxwell that delves into the intricate blend of epic drama and personal tragedy within the narrative.