Dickens Trilogy 2

Something of a thriller, "A Tale of Two Cities", which famously begins "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" is set in the last quarter of the eighteenth century and contrasts the relative tranquillity of London with revolution-torn Paris.

Published in weekly parts between April and November 1859 Dicken's researched the historical background meticulously, using his friend Thomas Carlyle's "History of the French Revolution" as a reference.

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without "A Christmas Carol".

A true classic, the tale centres around Ebeneezer Scrooge - the meanest most miserly and miserable person in the whole world.

Yet he is surrounded by other characters who bubble over with life and warmth including Bob Cratchit, and the various 'ghosts of Christmas' who come to visit Scrooge, and influence him to change his ways. "Nicholas Nickleby" is at once a moving and funny novel following the fortunes and misfortunes of an impetuous, high-spirited hero.

Left penniless by his father's death, and protector of his sister Kate, Nicholas becomes a true champion of the weak, pitting himself against devious and unscrupulous uncle Ralph, in order to survive and triumph.