
This eBook was produced by Bryan Sherman
PREFACE TO THE EDITION OF 1848.
A bold and restless spirit emerges from the grim alleys of London, a clever thief who steals not only money but the attention of every class he crosses. His charm and audacity make him a magnet for both the low‑down crowd of the streets and the polished circles of society, revealing how thin the line between respectable vice and criminality truly is. As his daring escapades unfold, the novel pulls listeners into a vivid portrait of a world where ambition and desperation collide.
Beyond the thrills, the story turns a sharp eye toward the institutions meant to punish him, exposing a prison system that breeds further crime and a legal code that favours swift execution over redemption. Through witty satire and keen observation, the narrative shows how the same slang that colours a tavern’s chatter mirrors the polished cant of the elite. The early chapters set a powerful stage for a tale that questions whether society can ever truly reform the very conditions that create its own outcasts.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (140K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1803–1873
Best remembered today for unforgettable phrases like "the pen is mightier than the sword" and "It was a dark and stormy night," this Victorian novelist was once one of the most widely read writers in Britain. He paired literary fame with a busy political career, giving his work an unusual mix of melodrama, ambition, and public life.
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