"Hard Times" (1854)in Dickens' oeuvre occupies a distinct position. This is because the novel is devoid of fine humor, amazing plot twists and intricate adventures. It grows out of the author's disillusionment with his contemporary reality, which is devoid of hope, and promotes the theory that people are made by life (in this case, capitalism). In Dickens's case, they are people-automatics like Gradgrind, people-wood, like Mr. Bounderby, people-vipers like Mrs. Sparsit, or mixed types like Harthouse (half-automatics, half-wood) or Bitzer (half-wood, half-viper). Add to that the sad landscape of factories and slums, a mushroomed Parliament.
Published by Czytelnik, 1955
Format: 210 x 150 mm, 307s.
Hardcover, original paper wrappers.
Illustrations: Phiz et al, from the 1901 edition of The Authentic Edition.
Very good condition, minor rubbing of the wrapper visible in the photo.
