Hard Times is a novel written by Charles Dickens, first published in 1854. The story is set in the fictional industrial town of Coketown, where the characters struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The novel explores the themes of industrialization, social injustice, and the consequences of neglecting the human spirit in favor of material gain. The main characters include Thomas Gradgrind, a schoolmaster who teaches only facts and logic, and his daughter Louisa, who is forced into a loveless marriage. The novel also features the working-class character Stephen Blackpool, who is caught in a web of poverty and despair. Through the characters' experiences, Dickens critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and the need for compassion and empathy in society. Hard Times is a powerful work of social commentary and a classic example of Dickens' storytelling prowess.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.