Author: Charles Dickens
Publisher: Industrial Systems Research
Published: 2024-02-20
Total Pages: 6838
ISBN-13: 0906321913
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The English writer and social critic Charles Dickens was the pre-eminent novelist of the Victorian era. His books created great fictional characters and left permanent marks on literature, popular culture, and socio-political commentary. The novels feature evocative depictions of London life and strong themes of morality and redemption. Dickens first published many of them in serialized form in magazines – a practice aimed at engaging broad audiences and increasing anticipation for later instalments. The present book consists of 15 of the novels – compiled in one volume with modernized language for improved accessibility, readability, and understandability. The main goal has been to make the writings more engaging and vivid while sticking to the original tones and settings of the books. In "A Christmas Carol" (1843), the miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge receives four ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve who teach him the value of kindness, generosity, and the Christmas spirit. Dickens set "A Tale of Two Cities" (1859) against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The novel explores themes of resurrection, justice, and sacrifice through the lives of characters caught between Paris and London. "Great Expectations" (1860-1861) is the story of young Pip's journey from poor orphan to person of substance. The novel explores themes of wealth and poverty, love and rejection, as Pip eventually realizes what is valuable in life. In "Oliver Twist" (1837-1839), a young orphan navigates the grim underworld of Victorian London, confronting thieves and villains as he seeks a true family and a better life. "David Copperfield" (1849-1850) is a semi-autobiographical novel detailing the life and adventures of David Copperfield, from his troubled childhood to his eventual success as a writer, highlighting the importance of perseverance and personal integrity. "Barnaby Rudge" (1841) is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780. The focus is on the simple-minded Barnaby Rudge and the chaos that engulfs London. "Bleak House" (1852-1853) is a satire centered on a long-running legal case (Jarndyce and Jarndyce) and its impact on individuals. The narrative is rich in mystery and character study. "Dombey and Son" (1848) tells the story of a wealthy and proud businessperson who values his son as an heir to his fortune over his daughter. Redemption and familial love prevail in the end. Dickens set "Hard Times" (1854) in the fictional heavy industrial Coketown. The novel criticizes "utilitarian" philosophy and general material conditions in the town through the lens of particular individuals and their interwoven lives. "Little Dorrit" (1855-1857) tells the story of Amy Dorrit – born and raised in debtor's prison – and her impact on those around her. Dickens criticizes the British establishment and the injustices of the debtor's prison system. "Martin Chuzzlewit" (1843-1844) is a satirical novel exploring the theme of selfishness. It follows the fortunes and misfortunes of young Martin as he learns the value of being selfless. "Nicholas Nickleby" (1838-1839) describes the adventures of a man as he seeks to support his mother and sister after his father's death. He faces assorted villains but also finds allies in Victorian England. "Our Mutual Friend" (1864-1865) is Dickens' last completed novel. It examines the lives of several characters linked by a deceased man's fortune and explores themes of wealth, social class, and human nature. "The Old Curiosity Shop" (1840-1841), tells the story of Nell Trent and her grandfather after a vicious loan shark destroys their lives. It features various characters, hardships, and criticisms of Victorian society's treatment of the poor and vulnerable. Finally, “The Pickwick Papers” (1836-1837) is about the comedic journey of Mr. Samuel Pickwick and his friends as they travel around England to explore its unique customs, characters, and landscapes. The novel is full of whimsical adventures and satirical episodes.
