Tale of Two Cities

First published in 1859, "e;A Tale of Two Cities"e; is a historical novel by Charles Dickens. Set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution, it tells the story of the 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris of French Doctor Manette, as well as his release and subsequent life in London with his daughter Lucie-whom he had previously not met. "e;A Tale of Two Cities"e; is Dickens' best-known work of historical fiction and is commonly cited as being the best-selling novel of all time. Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was an English writer and social critic famous for having created some of the world's most well-known fictional characters. His works became unprecedentedly popular during his life, and today he is commonly regarded as the greatest Victorian-era novelist. Although perhaps better known for such works as "e;Oliver Twist"e; or "e;A Christmas Carol"e;, Dickens first gained success with the 1836 serial publication of "e;The Pickwick Papers"e;, which turned him almost overnight into an international literary celebrity thanks to his humour, satire, and astute observations concerning society and character. This classic work is being republished now in a new edition complete with an introductory chapter from "e;Appreciations and Criticisms of the Works of Charles Dickens"e; by G. K. Chesterton.