A Tale of Two Cities »

A Tale of Two Cities is one of Charles Dickens's most exciting novels. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it tells the story of a family threatened by the terrible events of the past. Doctor Manette was wrongly imprisoned in the Bastille for eighteen years without trial by the aristocratic authorities. Finally released, he is reunited with his daughter, Lucie, who despite her French ancestry has been brought up in London. Lucie falls in love with Charles Darnay, another expatriate, who has abandoned wealth and a title in France because of his political convictions. When revolution breaks out in Paris, Darnay returns to the city to help an old family servant, but there he is arrested because of the crimes committed by his relations. His wife, Lucie, their young daughter, and her aged father follow him across the Channel, thus putting all their lives in danger.

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Rita Karr - Children's Literature

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." so wrote Dickens in this adapted historical novel. Although the classic language of Dickens is missing from this adaptation, the black and white illustrations and the text tell the tumultuous story of life during this troubled time of the late 1700's in England and France. The characters, from Madame Defarge to Lucie Mannette, come to life on the page in this easy reading version of the classic novel. Written with the younger student in mind, this adaptation moves swiftly through the events of the period. This adaptation is a welcome addition to a classroom library to introduce students to both the historical events associated with the Industrial Revolution in Europe and to the classic literature of Dickens. The novel also provides an excellent source for discussion of social issues with younger students. Part of the "Great Illustrated Classics" series. 2002, ABDO Publishing Company,