This fully annotated edition of A Tale of Two Cities includes: The Original 1839 Publication, complete with Original Illustrations. A new historical annotation and author biography by Charlotte Davis. New literary discussion questions for all readers, In the tumultuous backdrop of revolutionary France and the contrasting calm of London, Charles Dickens weaves a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Set against the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, the narrative follows the fates of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a dissipated English lawyer. Their lives, intertwined by love and friendship, resonate amidst themes of resurrection and transformation. As Dickens delves into his characters’ personal tragedies and triumphs, he also paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink, capturing the chaos, violence, and passion of an era. At once a historical epic and a personal drama, “A Tale of Two Cities” is Dickens’ exploration of duality – the dual nature of humanity, the contrast between light and dark, love and hate, and, most prominently, the cities of London and Paris. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. In this unforgettable classic, Dickens challenges us to consider the nature of revolution, the price of freedom, and the lengths one would go for love. Viking Classics annotated editions always Include: Spelling and grammar are carefully edited, improved, and considered to preserve the original manuscript and provide a seamless reading experience. Beautiful, hand-designed cover for eBook, paperback, and hardcovers. Makes an excellent gift for children, teens, and adults.