Hard Times

'Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else; and root out everything else' Dickens's novel honouring the value of the human heart in an age of materialism centres on Coketown; where Mr Thomas Gradgrind; school owner and model of Utilitarian success; feeds his pupils and his family with facts; banning fancy and wonder from young minds. As a consequence his obedient daughter Louisa becomes trapped in a loveless marriage; and his son Tom rebels to become embroiled in crime. As their fortunes cross with those of a free-spirited circus girl and a victimized weaver; Gradgrind is forced to question everything he believes in. Edited with an Introduction and notes by KATE FLINT