A tale of two cities

"Charles Dickens' historical novel 'A Tale of Two Cities' follows the life of Doctor Alexandre Manette following his eighteen-year imprisonment in the Bastille. The text of the novel is based on the first edition published by Chapman and Hall (1859) and reproduces the original illustrations. The text is accompanied by explanatory footnotes and a note on the text and illustrations. 'Contexts' includes selections by Charles Dickens on France and the French, contemporary responses to the French Revolution and its aftermath, writings and correspondence on the composition of 'A Tale of Two Cities', and theatrical adaptations during the nineteenth century. 'Criticism' features contemporary reviews and responses, followed by essays that examine the style, sources and inspirations, and historical framework of the novel, in addition to other critical viewpoints"--Provided by publisher.