Main centres: | 1-3 business days |
Regional areas: | 3-4 business days |
Remote areas: | 3-5 business days |
Our books are listed as Author Surname, First Name Book Title. To browse alphabetically by author, simply click here and select Sort by Title: https://www.bobshop.co.za/jsp/userprofile/UserTradeList.jsp?User_UserId=1015374
"My satire is against those who see figures and averages, and nothing else," proclaimed Charles Dickens in explaining the theme of this classic novel. Published in 1854, the story concerns one Thomas Gradgrind, a "fanatic of the demonstrable fact," who raises his children, Tom and Louisa, in a stifling and arid atmosphere of grim practicality. Without a moral compass to guide them, the children sink into lives of desperation and despair, played out against the grim background of Coketown, a wretched community shadowed by an industrial behemoth. Louisa falls into a loveless marriage with Josiah Bouderby, a vulgar banker, while the unscrupulous Tom, totally lacking in principle, becomes a thief who frames an innocent man for his crime. Witnessing the degradation and downfall of his children, Gradgrind realizes that his own misguided principles have ruined their lives. Considered Dickens' harshest indictment of mid-19th-century industrial practices and their dehumanizing effects, this novel offers a fascinating tapestry of Victorian life, filled with the richness of detail, brilliant characterization, and passionate social concern that typify the novelist's finest creations. Of Dickens' work, the eminent Victorian critic John Ruskin had this to say: "He is entirely right in his main drift and purpose in every book he has written; and all of them, but especially Hard Times, should be studied with close and earnest care by persons interested in social questions."
Buy With Confidence
As a verified Bobshop seller, we offer a trustworthy shopping experience, maintaining an impeccable 100% positive rating from our buyers. With three strategically located depots across the greater Gauteng area, all orders are promptly dispatched from our Johannesburg North branch. Shop with confidence at Readmatter!
Pictures & Illustrations
Although we have photographed the majority of our products, some still feature stock images for illustration purposes only. Please note that the cover design of the actual product may differ from what is shown.
Condition & Availability
All our books are secondhand unless stated otherwise. Since we operate a network of physical stores in addition to our online presence, and update our Bobshop inventory only at the close of each business day, there may be occasions where items listed as available online have already been sold in-store. In such instances, we will provide a full refund promptly.
Readmatter is the proud sponsor of Penguins "Blikkies" , "Bos", "GC", "Geraldina" and "Gemini" at the East London Aquarium.