A Tale of Two Cities

First published in 1859, "A Tale of Two Cities" is the second historical novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution.

"A Tale of Two Cities" deals with the major themes of duality, revolution, and resurrection. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times in London and Paris, as economic and political unrest lead to the American and French Revolutions. The main characters in Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" — Doctor Alexandre Manette, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton — are all recalled to life, or resurrected, in different ways as turmoil erupts.

"A Tale of Two Cities" 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.

As Dickens' best-known work of historical fiction, "A Tale of Two Cities" is claimed to be one of the best-selling novels of all time.The novel has been adapted for film, television, radio, and the stage, and has continued to influence popular culture.