Dickens" tenth novel, Hard Times is not the cheerful celebration of Victorian life found in his earlier work, though it is equally gripping, nor does it contain the expected myriad subplots. A concentrated, withering portrait of exploitation in a Lancashire mill town, Hard Times is considered by many to be the author"s most brilliant work and was an instant classic upon its publication in 1854. Martin Jarvis brings the story to life in this beautifully crafted audio version.