A Tale of Two Cities
About this book
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel published in 1859 by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris, and his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie whom he had never met. The story is set against the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. In the Introduction to the Encyclopedia of Adventure Fiction, critic Don D'Ammassa argues that it is an adventure novel because the protagonists are in constant danger of being imprisoned or killed. As Dickens's best-known work of historical fiction, A Tale of Two Cities is said to be one of the best-selling novels of all time. In 2003, the novel was ranked 63rd on the BBC's The Big Read poll. The novel has been adapted for film, television, radio, and the stage, and has continued to influence popular culture.
Reader Profile
3.9/5 · 1032035 readers · 405 pages · ≈ 7 h 30 m · Demanding
How long does it take to read A Tale of Two Cities?
About ≈ 7 h 30 m — 405 pages, assuming roughly 250 words per page at 225 words per minute.
How many pages is A Tale of Two Cities?
405 pages in its most-read edition.
What genre is A Tale of Two Cities?
It sits on the Classics, Drama, Historical Fiction shelves.
Has A Tale of Two Cities been made into a movie or TV show?
Yes — screen adaptations include A Tale of Two Cities (1958), A Tale of Two Cities (1935), The Only Way (1927), A Tale of Two Cities (1922).
Is A Tale of Two Cities in the public domain?
Yes — it is free to read and share.
Who are the main characters in A Tale of Two Cities?
The main characters include Jerry Cruncher, Jarvis Lorry, Alexandre Manette, Lucie Manette.
Where does A Tale of Two Cities take place?
It is set in London, Paris, Bastille Prison during 1775–93, Revolution, 1789-1799, 1789-1799 (Révolution).
Who wrote A Tale of Two Cities?
Charles Dickens.
Where can I read A Tale of Two Cities online for free?
It is in the public domain — read it free on Open Library