Charles Dickens Classic: A Tale of Two Cities (Annotated) with a Historical Introduction

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Jim D. Johnston

Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Unique to this title is:

• A historical introduction
• An overview of A Tale of Two Cities
• A study of the themes present in A Tale of Two Cities
• A list of the best famous quotes from A Tale of Two Cities

You may of course skip all of it and go straight to the main title if you do not want any spoilers and come back later to the beginning.

Charles Dickens was an English writer and social critic. He was born in 1812 in Portsmouth. When his father was sent to jail because of unsettled debt, Dickens had to leave school and get a job in a factory.

Although he lacked formal education and never had a chance to finish his schooling, Dickens successfully edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, gave lectures and performed readings, and lobbied passionately for social reforms in general, and children's rights in particular.

Dickens is believed to be the best novelist of the Victorian era and he became very popular during his lifetime. His novels are still widely read and translated.

A Tale of Two Cities is a historical fiction first published in weekly installments in 1859. The plot takes place in London and Paris between 1775 and 1792.

Eighteenth-century France and England are both ruled by fear and oppression. The upper classes live in luxury while common people suffer and starve. However, there is a difference.

The novel starts with the words, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," and we soon learn of the major difference between the two countries.

Enjoy this timeless classic!

Public Domain (P)2019 Chronos Publishing

Careful with paid-for reviews

2 paid-for 5 star reviews caught me. Shame on me. Jim Johnston's performance left me cold. I couldn't get passed the impression of Dan Rather whistling his s's. I would like to hear this book performed maybe by a Brit.

I LOVE THIS CLASSIC!

I love this classic! The narration was great. I have read all of the classics and enjoy them in audiobooks. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

One of my favorites

Though I did find this easier to follow in the written form, this was due to the convoluted way in which Dickens wrote much of this, and can be easily remedied by not multitasking whilst listening to this particular tale. It was an excellent reading of one of my favorites. I was given a free review copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

Great classic

I skimmed this book in high school but didn’t remember much. This is the first I’ve listened to it. I was glad to receive the offer from Audiobook Giveaways to review it.
I liked the historical introduction, overview and themes offered at the beginning of this audio production.

This is the second book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Jim D Johnston ) and I would listen to another. He has a nice cadence and reads the narrative parts well. His character voices are not overly distinct, however this does not cause any issues with understanding or enjoying the book.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.

Fantastic Listen

I really was not sure if I was going to like this story. I had read a child version 20 years ago and did not like the story. As an adult though, the story sounded interesting, and it takes place in a part of history I am more fascinated with now. I listened to this book in one straight sitting. I was not expecting that ending either!

The annotations and notes at the beginning are good. I did skip over the synopsis bit until the end. I didn't want to spoil anything for myself.

Jim D. Johnston did a great job and had very clear voices.

I received a copy of this audiobook at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review!

Carles Dickens Classic Annotated

I enjoyed this book.I never read the classice as a kid so I am catching up.I liked the intro.Jim D Johnston was a fine narrator.I found the explainations of the times to be very helpful. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'