Hard Times is a novel written by Charles Dickens, first published in 1854. The story is set in the fictional industrial town of Coketown, England during the mid-19th century. The novel explores the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution and the impact it had on the working class. The protagonist of the story is Thomas Gradgrind, a wealthy and influential businessman who believes in the power of rationality and facts. He raises his children, Louisa and Tom, to be logical and practical, denying them any emotional or imaginative experiences. The story follows the lives of several characters, including the Gradgrind family, as they navigate the struggles of poverty, exploitation, and social inequality. The novel also delves into the themes of education, morality, and the importance of human connection. Through vivid descriptions and powerful imagery, Dickens paints a picture of a society that values profit over people, where the working class is exploited and the wealthy are indifferent to their suffering. Hard Times is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today, as it highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and the need for social justice.Woes of Victorian life for the underclass.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.