A Tale Of Two Cities

Phew, I didn't think I would make it to the end. Classic novels, in general, require concentration and a clear head. In my opinion, reading Dickens needs these qualities and a large dose of dedication. 'A Tale of Two Cities' needs even more - the historical element means there is a lot of take in which even pushed and challenged me to muddy my enjoyment. As such, I often found I had to unwillingly put this book down - eye-strain and a novel-inducing headache from the intensity of Dickens work.If you haven't come across this novel before, it's the one that famously begins: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. Yes, there's your small fact for a pub quiz. Set in the time of eighteenth century London and France, there is a lot of history as Dickens describes the bloodied and violent streets of Paris. With the guillotine ominously hanging over society, (pun definitely intended!), many innocent civilians are somewhat slaughtered as the spies close in. There's a fair bit of fighting in this novel, a lot of chat and even more description. Lacking the humour of say, Austin, Dickens grimly portrays a social mess that I found confusing and difficult to properly appreciate. In honesty, it was the final part of the novel that I enjoyed the most and one where I really understood what was going on!There are plenty of  classic novels out there and a range of Dickens to encounter. I won't read this again; I am glad I did but would try a different one to see if I enjoyed it more.

**Contains mild spoilers/quotesI cannot begin to express how much I love this book. I first read it in 1986 before my 'O' Levels the following summer (it was part of the English Lit syllabus) and I reckon I have read it upwards of 20 times since.In many respects, this is different to Dickens' other works. It is much shorter for one thing and unlike novels such as Bleak House, all the various strands are brought together by the end, with no dead-ends or red herrings. Additionally, not a word in this is wasted. There is much use of foreshadowing, for example spilled wine foretells of the spilling of blood come the revolution: The time was to come when that wine too would be spilled on the street-stones and when the stain of it would be red upon many there.The sun is used in a similar way: The sunset struck so brilliantly into the travelling carriage that the occupant was steeped in crimson. "It will die out" said Monsieur the Marquis, glancing at his hands...There are great characters, too. Jerry Cruncher is a favourite and the source of humour, some of it quite dark . Errand 'boy' for Tellson's Bank by day, 'fisherman' (i.e.grave robber) by night. He goes to bed with clean boots and gets up with muddy boots, much to the consternation of his son.The best character for me has to be the malevolent, vengeful and implacable Thérèse Defarge: "Tell wind and fire when to stop" returned Madame "but don't tell me"Wonderful book!

These additions of literary classics are handsomely priced, compact, and come with attached ribbon page markers. I believe this makes them great for carrying in the pocket - so you can still have a book to read, even when traveling light. My only two complaints are: The dust covers always arrive a little creased, or damaged - as Amazon do not keep their books in any protective plastic wrapping; and, the pages in the Macmillan Collector's Library books are very thin, in my opinion.

This is a limited edition book, one of 10,000 and absolutely the best way to enjoy a fantastic read like A Tale of Two Cities. The paper quality is fabulous, the print is perfect - big, easy to read. I’m so so happy to have found this on amazon at such a great price.

Bought what I thought was a new book for a Christmas present. Looks like its second hand, its all folded and dog eared. Its not the one described either, it has a different cover. Not very pleased.