Historia de dos ciudades

Por Charles Dickens

"Era el mejor de los tiempos, era el peor de los tiempos, la edad de la sabiduría, y también de la locura;
la época de las creencias y de la incredulidad;
la era de la luz y de las tinieblas;
la primavera de la esperanza y el invierno de la desesperación.
Todo lo poseíamos, pero no teníamos nada..."

• Idioma: Español
• Editorial: MyBooks Classics
• Fecha de lanzamiento: 23 nov 2018
• ISBN: 9782379260797

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English writer and social critic. Regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Dickens had a prolific collection of works including fifteen novels, five novellas, and hundreds of short stories and articles. The term “cliffhanger endings” was created because of his practice of ending his serial short stories with drama and suspense. Dickens’ political and social beliefs heavily shaped his literary work. He argued against capitalist beliefs, and advocated for children’s rights, education, and other social reforms. Dickens advocacy for such causes is apparent in his empathetic portrayal of lower classes in his famous works, such as The Christmas Carol and Hard Times.

Vista previa del libro

ciudades

Charles Dickens

Parte 1

Libro primero. Resucitado

Capítulo 1

La época

Era el mejor de los tiempos, era el peor de los tiempos, la edad de la sabiduría, y también de la locura; la época de las creencias y de la incredulidad; la era de la luz y de las tinieblas; la primavera de la esperanza y el invierno de la desesperación. Todo lo poseíamos, pero no teníamos nada; caminábamos en derechura al cielo y nos extraviábamos por el camino opuesto. En una palabra, aquella época era tan parecida a la actual, que nuestras más notables autoridades insisten en que, tanto en lo que se refiere al bien como al mal, sólo es aceptable la comparación en grado superlativo.

En el trono de Inglaterra había un rey de mandíbula muy desarrollada y una reina de cara corriente; en el trono de Francia había un rey también de gran quijada y una reina de hermoso rostro. En ambos países era más claro que el cristal para los señores del Estado, que las cosas, en general, estaban aseguradas para siempre. Era el año de Nuestro Señor, mil setecientos setenta y cinco. En período tan favorecido como aquél, habían sido concedidas a Inglaterra las revelaciones espirituales. Recientemente la señora Southcott había cumplido el vigésimo quinto aniversario de su aparición sublime en el mundo, que fue anunciada con la antelación debida por un guardia de corps, pronosticando que se hacían preparativos para tragarse a Londres y a Westminster.

Incluso el fantasma de la Callejuela del Gallo había sido definitivamente desterrado, después de rondar por el mundo por espacio de doce años y de revelar sus mensajes a los mortales de la misma forma que los espíritus del año anterior, que acusaron una pobreza extraordinaria de originalidad al revelar los suyos. Los únicos mensajes de orden terrenal que recibieron la corona y el pueblo ingleses, procedían de un congreso de súbditos británicos residentes en América, mensajes que, por raro que parezca, han resultado de mayor importancia para la raza humana que cuantos se recibieran por la mediación de cualquiera de los duendes de la Callejuela del Gallo.

Francia, menos favorecida en asuntos de orden espiritual que su hermana, la del escudo y del tridente, rodaba con extraordinaria suavidad pendiente abajo, fabricando papel moneda y gastándoselo. Bajo la dirección de sus pastores cristianos, se entretenía, además, con distracciones tan humanitarias como sentenciar a un joven a que se le cortaran las manos, se le arrancara la lengua con tenazas y lo quemaran vivo, por el horrendo delito de no haberse arrodillado en el fango un día lluvioso, para rendir el debido acatamiento a una procesión de frailes que pasó ante su vista, aunque a la distancia de cincuenta o sesenta metros. Es muy probable que cuando aquel infeliz fue llevado al suplicio, el leñador Destino hubiera marcado ya, en los bosques de Francia y de Noruega, los añosos árboles que la sierra había de convertir en tablas para construir aquella plataforma movible, provista de su cesta y de su cuchilla, que tan terrible fama había de alcanzar en la Historia. Es también, muy posible que en los rústicos cobertizos de algunos labradores de las tierras inmediatas a París, estuvieran aquel día, resguardadas del mal tiempo, groseras carretas llenas de fango, husmeadas por los cerdos y sirviendo de percha a las aves de corral, que el labriego Muerte había elegido ya para que fueran las carretas de la Revolución. Bien es verdad que si el Leñador y el Labriego trabajaban incesantemente, su labor era silenciosa y ningún oído humano percibía sus quedos pasos, tanto más cuanto que abrigar el temor de que aquellos estuvieran despiertos,

Comentarios para Historia de dos ciudades

[eyejaybee · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I am not sure that anything I can say will add any value to the wealth of critical comment already available for this classic novel. I first read it towards the end of the last millennium (to lend an appropriately archaic feel) as one of the set books for my English Literature O level (the predecessor of what we would today call GCSEs). I was fortunate to enjoy the support of some excellent English teachers throughout my time at school, yet even their attentive ministrations failed to save this book from falling prey to the fate of most works that are encountered as compulsory reading. As a fifteen-year-old I found it very tedious and longwinded, and could not then imagine I might ever read it again for pleasure.To be fair, I think that tedious and longwinded are not always unfair when applied to Dickens, and would cite either Barnaby Rudge (surely there is an initial D missing from that surname) or Our Mutual Friend as evidence for the prosecution. (Indeed, it is quite a feat on Dickens’ part to make tedious a novel that starts so promisingly, with bodies being dragged from the Thames late at night.)They are not, however, fair for A Tale of Two Cities. Going off at another tangent, I have been struggling to think of another book which has such famous first AND last sentences: there are plenty that can offer one or the other, but few that manage both. The story is, of course, well known, so I won’t waste everyone’s time with a synopsis of the plot. There are some excellent characters: Jarvis Lorry, the serious solicitor who has given his professional life in service of Tellson’s Bank is a paragon of probity, always clad in various shades of brown. Not a man overburdened with humour, and perhaps not one with whom one might wish to be closeted on a long journey (although that fate befalls various people throughout the book). Jerry Cruncher is a hardy perennial from the Dickens stable: a Cockney, salt of the earth type, vaguely reminiscent of Silas Wegg, though better served in the leg department, or less chirpy Sam Weller, who is always on hand to do Mr Lorry’s or Tellson’s bidding, but who has a dark secret. C J Stryver, the pompous, overbearing barrister is brilliantly drawn, hyperinflated with his own self-importance and clothed in obtuseness as in armour of triple steel. Paradoxically, the more central figures seem less substantial. Charles Darnay (another man with a secret) is rather two dimensional, and the reader almost wishes that his lookalike, the diffident and dissolute lawyer Sidney Carton, whose nocturnal efforts keep legal Stryver’s practice afloat, but with precious little acknowledgement of that debt) had won Lucie Manette’s love.Like most of Dickens’ n ovels, this was published in weekly or fortnightly instalments, a fact reflected in the peaks and troughs of action throughout, as the writer carefully regulated the flow to leave sufficiently gripping cliff-hangers. Dickens was a master at conflicting tone. The chapter in which Jerry Cruncher’s sun follows his father on a nocturnal expedition, expecting to see him go fishing, is hilarious, although the mirth is in sharp juxtaposition with a chapter of huge sadness.This is a novel that repays reading for pleasure. It is also a more manageable length for modern taste than some of his heftier tomes. I read it in the excellent Penguin Classics edition which offers extensive background notes throughout the story, and an introduction full of insight (possibly aimed more at informing a re-reading, than for someone coming to the story for the first time.

[kraysaulis · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

Beautiful plotline. Beautiful descriptive paragraphs.

Way too long of a read for me. I like my books to flow quickly. Beautiful book for anyone with patience. I'm glad I can say I've read it, but I don't want to put myself through that again!

[barb_h_1 · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

 Just okay. I thought it was mostly boring with a few interesting parts thrown in. Glad I listened to the audiobook rather than read it because I don't think I would have been able to finish it otherwise.

[amante_2 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

My favorite Dickens book!

[justagirlwithabook · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I read this one on a plane on the way to England and actually enjoyed it. It isn't my favorite of all the Dickens I've read but it was valuable in and of itself. Everything really leads up to the last moments, which are insanely devastating in so many ways but touching. It didn't bring tears to my eyes - it didn't touch me on a deeply emotional level - but it was good. Definitely recommend.

[brakketh-1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

A fascinating story about the parallels between Paris and London during the French revolution particularly with respect to class differences. An eminently quotable book.

[kaulsu · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Wordy, yes. It is Dickens, after all! It has been very worthwhile reading and listening to these classic books. Not only does it put the quotable phrases we all know into their proper place, but it gives us the entire quote. Best of time and worst of times: yes, but so much more. And It is a far far better thing I do than I have ever done....I'm not sure I ever realized that was also from "A Tale..."Superbly narrated by Simon Vance.

[bontley · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

It's good. Who knew?

[tomohiro9n · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

The very last scene was moving. Inearly cried.

[krista.rutherford · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Charles Dickens created a vivid picture of the chaos and massive bloodshed of the French Revolution in this book. Most of the characters basically possess one main characteristic (a remarkable physical feature, odd habit, catchphrase, personality trait, etc.) with the exception of the lawyer Sydney Carton who had a personality several layers deep. The awesomely grim vision of La Guillotine just makes you hate the thing, which you might as well.

[kirmuriel-1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

The ending was the best!!! Of course it was a little predictable, but nevertheless beautifully written. However, the language doesn't have true a realism, I feel it is more a tale than a novel, hence the title.

[paperpuss · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

over rated

[joles_3 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Although in general I find books from Dickens's era tough to read a Tale of Two Cities is such a classic I couldn't help but enjoy it a little more than most. The comparisons made are very nice. It is a classic and should be read by everyone.

[linyarai · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

A great classic.

[chlebo_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Dickens, a page-turner? Who knew? Absolutely fantastic, although a little confusing in parts. However, the end completely makes up for any slow-going or confusion in the beginning.

[thefink_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This is a great story; artfully crafted, beautiful imagery, powerful emotions. It is a tragedy that Dickens never knew that he would touch so many, but such is the life of the unknown artist. I was drawn (as many are) to Sydney Carton, the embodiment of tragedy and beauty. I also listened to the audio book read by Frank Muller. I thought the story couldn't be more moving until it was performed by an extraordinary vocal actor.

[findantonia · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Less flowing and coherent than I expected. Sections are good (and highly quotable) reads but the frequency of quotations from this isn't a reflection of the prose throughout - overall it is very uneven. Different for Dickens, in that it is historical, but the same in that his reliance on outrageous coincidence and the Victorian trademark sentimentality are strongly present. The city hopping makes it still more bitty.

[cyderry · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Dickens style of comparing the opposites is the theme throughout this classic. His contrasts of the "best "and "worst "of times, "Light "and "Darkness, "and "hope "and "despair" mirror good and evil that will persist throughout the novel in characters and situations. Resurrection of the physical person of Dr. Manette and the spiritual of Sydney Carton by his personal sacrifice reflect this as well.The full story runs a little slow for me but as Classic go IMHO, it is better than most.

[jayne_charles_1 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Very different to the other Dickens novels I have read. This is a little more cryptic, and more adventurous in its prose style. I particularly admired the style in which the dialogue during the early court case was handled. Everyone is familiar with the line that occurs right at the end of this novel, though it is worth ploughing through the sometimes tricky plot, to find out exactly how the quote fits in.

[newskepticx · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
And thus begins what I think is Dickens' best work. Turns of phrases that capture a period of time as though you were there. At his finest, Dickens doesn't tell stories but imprints them on your mind.

[jbd1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

One of my favorite classics.

[lexieconyngham · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

One of my favourite Dickens novels, with a gripping plot and memorable characters, and an ending that will make the strongest man sob like a child.

[satyridae · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Listened to this on CD. 20 CDs. I am a Dickens fan, but this one was too much for me. To romance-y and not hilarious like Pickwick, and often kind of stiffly moralistic and prune-faced. So far this is my least favorite Dickens, by about a mile. It's still better than 90% of everything else, of course. Dickens' characters are so rich, so real, and ultimately so believable.

[scaryguy · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

A timeless tale. Still a great read!

[kaz2_1 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

This is the novel that the author had written about the London and Paris before and after France revolution.It is mainlu written about the difference between the aristcrats and the civils.The vocabulary is not difficult,but the relationships of chractersare complex,at first,it is thought that you are hard to underdstand.

[laphenix · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

I found this book enjoyable though not gripping. And having listened to the audio book, I regret that I may have missed many of the literary elements.

[bookwoman247 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Almost everyone knows the basics of this story along with the opening lines and the closing lines.This was Dickens at his absolute best! The horrible cruelty of the French Revolution, the virtue and bravery of some of the characters, the oppression that caused other hearts to turn to stone - it all made for quite a ride, indeed! Dickens really hit with a one-two punch with this book!Omigod, what a book! It has now become my favorite Dickens, and that is saying a lot!

[manishch-1 · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

Such a disappointment. A shallow story with so many "flat" characters who didn't sustain my interest at all. One of the few books in my life that I've stopped reading halfway because I just couldn't be bothered.

[joeydag · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

"It was the best..."
"Tis a far, far better rest I go to now."
I loved it.

[seregwen_1 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

I love this book, so much.