This story of class conflict in Victorian England serves as a powerful
critique of the social injustices that plagued the Industrial
Revolution.
Always concerned with issues of class, social injustice, and employment,
Dickens shows in Hard Times, written in 1854, a broader concern with
the philosophies and economic movements which underlie those issues.
Three parallel story lines reflect a broad cross-section of society and
its thinking.
This edition includes:
-A concise introduction that gives the reader important background
information
-A chronology of the author's life and work
-A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical
context
-An outline of key themes and plot points to guide the reader's own
interpretations
-Detailed explanatory notes
-Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on
the work
-Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group
interaction
-A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's
experience