Dickens basically believed that most people were good at heart but that their good impulses could be distorted by social ills.Īfter publishing Oliver Twist, Dickens went on to write Nicholas Nickelby, The Old Curiosity Shop, Barnaby Rudge, American Notes, Martin Chuzzlewit, Dombey and Son, David Copperfield, Bleak House, Hard Times, Little Dorrit, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, Our Mutual Friend, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Interestingly, he doesn't suggest any solutions he merely points out the suffering inflicted by these systems and their deep injustice. Each week, readers waited avidly for the next installment in the tale this partly accounts for the fact that each chapter ends with a 'cliff-hanger' that would hold the reader's interest until the following chapter was published.ĭickens uses the characters and situations in the book to make a pointed social commentary, attacking the hypocrisy and flaws of institutions, including his society's government, its laws and criminal system, and its methods of dealing with poor people. The book originally appeared as a 'serial' that is, each chapter was published separately, in order, in a magazine called Bentley's Miscellany, of which Dickens was editor. It has been adapted as a film and a long-running Broadway musical and has been considered a classic ever since it was first published. It was written after he had already attained success as the author of The Pickwick Papers. Exceptions apply.Oliver Twist, published in 1838, is one of Charles Dickens's best-known and well-loved works. If you’re not completely satisfied with your order you can return it to us within 14 days of receipt. Any additional import duties must be covered by the customer.

The Museum has no influence or control over the length of time a parcel is held by customs. Delivery time will vary depending on the country's postal service and customs, which may hold parcels for a length of time before releasing them for delivery. Please see our delivery and local collection policy here. Charges are calculated depending on weight, size and destination at the checkout. We aim to process and pack orders within 2 working days. The first instalment was published in February 1837 and ended in April 1839. Written during his residence at 48 Doughty Street, published in monthly instalments, Oliver Twist was Dickens second novel. Part of Penguin's beautiful hardback Clothbound Classics series, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith, these delectable and collectible editions are bound in high-quality colourful and tactile cloth.

Oliver twist book cover