Oliver Twist

Introduction and Notes by Dr Ella Westland, University of Exeter.

Illustrations by George Cruickshank.

Dickens had already achieved renown with

The Pickwick Papers.

With

Oliver Twist

his reputation was enhanced and strengthened. The novel contains many classic Dickensian themes - grinding poverty, desperation, fear, temptation and the eventual triumph of good in the face of great adversity.

Oliver Twist

features some of the author's most enduring characters, such as Oliver himself (who dares to ask for more), the tyrannical Bumble, the diabolical Fagin, the menacing Bill Sikes, Nancy and 'the Artful Dodger'.

For any reader wishing to delve into the works of the great Victorian literary colossus,

Oliver Twist

is, without doubt, an essential title.