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Hard Times

By Charles Dickens
Series: The Penguin English Library
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Hard Times by Charles Dickens is set in the industrial town of Coketown and examines the lives of its residents through the challenges of utilitarianism and capitalism. The story follows Thomas Gradgrind, a strict schoolmaster dedicated to teaching facts, and how his philosophy affects his children and those around him. Themes of imagination versus rationality and the harsh realities of industrial life are explored with rich detail and socially conscious insight.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy stories set in 19th-century England, focusing on the harsh realities of industrialisation and social class struggles. It offers a compelling read with rich character development and explores themes of utilitarianism and empathy. Ideal for those who appreciate classic literature that delves into societal issues with a blend of satire and poignant observation.

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Hard Times

Coketown is dominated by the figure of Mr Thomas Gradgrind, school owner and model of Utilitarian success. Feeding both his pupils and his family with facts, he bans fancy and wonder from young minds. As a consequence his obedient daughter Louisa marries the loveless businessman.

The Penguin English Library Edition of Hard Times by Charles Dickens

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The new paperback series - Penguin English Library

Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else.

Coketown is dominated by the figure of Mr Thomas Gradgrind, school owner and model of Utilitarian success. Feeding both his pupils and his family with facts, he bans fancy and wonder from young minds. As a consequence, his obedient daughter Louisa marries the loveless businessman and 'bully of humility' Mr Bounderby, and his son Tom rebels to become embroiled in gambling and robbery.

As their fortunes cross with those of free-spirited circus girl Sissy Jupe and victimised weaver Stephen Blackpool, Gradgrind is eventually forced to recognise the value of the human heart in an age of materialism and machinery.

Series: The Penguin English Library

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Hard Times by Charles Dickens is often praised for its sharp critique of utilitarianism and industrialisation. Critics admire Dickens' ability to blend social commentary with memorable characters and vivid storytelling. However, some reviews note that the novel can be overly didactic, with characters sometimes appearing more as symbols of societal issues than as fully developed individuals. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced during the Industrial Revolution.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141199566

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 July 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 259g

Pages: 368

Collections

Charles Dickens Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Series: The Penguin English Library

About the Author

Charles Dickens (1812-70) had his first, astounding success with his first novel The Pickwick Papers and never looked back. In an extraordinarily full life he wrote, campaigned and spoke on a huge range of issues, and was involved in many of the key aspects of Victorian life, by turns cajoling, moving and irritating. He completed fourteen full-length novels and volume after volume of journalism. Hard Times delivers a powerful indictment of materialism in industrial society, and vividly portrays the perils of the institutionalised crushing of imagination and creativity. The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, The Old Curiosity Shop, Barnaby Rudge, A Christmas Carol, Martin Chuzzlewit, Dombey and Son, David Copperfield, Bleak House, Little Dorrit, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, Our Mutual Friend and The Mystery of Edwin Drood are also published in the Penguin English Library.

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