Oliver Twist (Penguin Classics)

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Edited with an Introduction by Philip Horne.

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An adaptation of Dickens's story of the orphan forced to practice thievery and live a life of crime in nineteenth-century London.

Customer Reviews:

Still a Masterpiece.......2007-07-28

I bought the Penguin Classic version and recommend that purchase highly. This is among Dickens's best and almost on par with other great novels such as Anna Karenina, Pride and Prejudice, Madame Bovary, etc. In short, it is a masterpiece that brings together all of Dickens's writing skills with a great story. It has some literary flaws, and I would rate it slightly behind David Copperfield but it remains one of the most original and interesting of Dickens's novels.

As background information, I am in the process of reading most of Dickens's 22 novels and longer short stories, and set up a Listmania list. I bought the Penguin Classics version of the novel. As a suggestion, avoid the Penguin Popular Classics with the plain green covers (I bought two). They fall apart and do not stand up to a read, especially books over 500 pages in length. The Regular Penguin Classics with the photo or painting on the front are excellent and some have maps and illustrations (drawings). The Wordsworth Classics are not as good, and some are illustrated.

Charles Dickens, who lived from 1812 to 1870, is the best know male English writer of the 19th century. He authored 22 novels plus numerous short pieces. Most of his writing was first written in serialized form, later published as single novels.

A young Dickens at the age of 12 had the unenviable job of attaching labels 10 hours a day at the Warren's boot blacking factory. That experience shaped much of his writing career. Still in his teens he became a law clerk, then later in his twenties a journalist. The last job as a reporter led to the serialized writing of his novels. His works were social commentaries with larger than life characters, or colorful caricatures, living in the slums of London. He was a critic of poverty, social injustice, and the slow moving court system.

All of Dickens's experiences come together in his novels. The Pickwick Papers is mostly humorous, but Oliver twist is a dark novel set in the crime plagued streets of early 19th century London. There are very few nice characters here. Mostly, they seem very unfriendly, and most a lot worse: criminals, and abusing social workers. The pull between the good and the bad or negative, is personified by the difference of opinion between Oliver's benefactor, Mr. Brownlow, and the criminal Fagin. As is generally well known, the tale contains a cast of very odd characters with even odder names, such as The Artful Dodger, Fagin, and magistrate Fang. The only flaw in the story is that there are too many coincidences; otherwise it is a stunning tale and an innovative book.

Having read many of Dickens's novels I still rate David Copperfield as best as a work of literature and rate Oliver Twist as close behind and a must read. The book was read by Queen Victoria and Karl Marx, and both enjoyed the read. The novel had a far reaching social impact. It is hard to fathom that this is one of Dickens's first novels and written in his mid-twenties.

Suffer The Child.......2007-06-23

Does anyone enjoy "Oliver Twist" nearly so much when things are going well for the novel's young protagonist as when they are going badly? Do you notice how quickly you scan the pages when names like "Mr. Brownlow" "Rose" and "Mr. Losberne" are in the text, only slowing down when it's "Fagin" "Sikes" and "Mr. Bumble"?

Cruelty can be a positive quality when writing fiction. Dickens' torture test for his young hero saves the book from mawkish excess and, along with an uncompromising social conscience, gives it readability and drive.

Oliver Twist is a miserable orphan, his birth a mistake and his life a matter of no consequence to anyone but himself. Yet time and again, a guiding hand of mysterious providence suggests something of deeper importance connected to the business of his life. This is so even when he finds himself in the London underworld, under the guileful care of the master thief Fagin, who bestows praise upon Oliver's eager ears while coaching him down a criminal path where only a scaffold awaits.

A bit overlong, yes. "It is a tale told of grief and trial, and sorrow, young man, and such tales usually are; if it were one of unmixed joy and happiness, it would be very brief."

Though it is ironic how that formula works in reverse in "Oliver Twist", one understands what Mr. Brownlow means by that statement. The narrative of "Oliver Twist" covers a lot of ground, and presents a strong case for the reasonless cruelty of life even as it argues for humanistic compassion. If there is any release from life's savagery, it may only be found in death or dreams.

In his introduction to my Signet Classic edition, Edward Le Comte notes the "fairy tale" quality of "Oliver Twist" as a license for its sentimentality. That may be a hard sell for the casual reader. People come out of nowhere to sacrifice themselves on Oliver's behalf for vague reasons, often involving freakish coincidences. One fair maiden languishes under a life-threatening condition that can only be described as "acute Victorianism". Oliver himself soon becomes a helpless bystander in his own story, albeit one with perfect manners and diction despite his dirt-poor upbringing. Reading through this only works as a window to Dickens' time.

But the novel excels in the negative, in its conception of bad guys such as the homicidal Sikes, the engaging Artful Dodger, and especially smooth Fagin, the real center of menace in the story despite Sikes' bluster. You feel the soot and desperation of these people's sad lives in every bitter page.

With Fagin, Dickens plays with his audience's anti-Semitism mercilessly, always calling him "the Jew" and making Fagin's motives around Oliver obscure early on to recall the insidious "blood libel" of the time that supposed Jews guilty of slaughtering innocents.

Was Dickens anti-Semitic? No. He did write an anti-Semitic book, albeit not by design. It's hard to imagine Dickens' audience in 1838 making a distinction between the criminal and his ethnicity. Nor did Dickens think they would. He didn't care. He was on a mission.

And there's the rub. Dickens is not holding back anything grabbing his readers by the throat, which is why "Oliver Twist" worked then and still does today. It's not his best book, but it's a good one all the same, uniquely committed, maybe his most powerful. Seeing a debased world through the prism of middle-class morality has its flaws, but the focus is painfully keen and Dickens makes it hard to look away.

Gripping Classic Literature........2007-01-22

I always wanted to read this book--and any other Dickens--after being subjected to the musical featuring child stars Mark Lester and the late Jack Wild. It is with great sarcasm that, though I love the musical, to find that the novel differs greatly is such a surprise. I will also admit that this is the first Dickens novel I have ever read, and find it interesting to note that children have never had easy lives since the beginning of man's origins up until now. We just hear more about it these days.

The amazing cruelty with which orphans have been treated through history is depicted here with a verbal imagery which the reader will not soon forget, and the cast of supporting characters keeps one fascinated due to the human characteristics Dickens gives them. How a largely bland, yet sympathetic little boy stays true to the purest of righteous virtues seems far fetched at times given his treatment at the workhouse and being constantly surrounded by thieves and murderers like Fagin, Sikes, the Artful Dodger, and Master (All he does is laugh) Bates (I won't even elaborate on that name, but snickered quite a bit at it). Most children would have succumbed to their surroundings long before 12, but Dickens seems to be going for nature verses nurture here, pointing out that people can rise above their environment, and I cannot argue. Most people know someone who came from awful circumstances, only to become the opposite of all the negativity they've been surrounded with. So then, maybe there are street walkers like Nancy--the true hero of this story--who have hearts of gold as well, and there are wealthy people who are the antithesis of everything you have ever heard like the man who comes to adopt Oliver.

Dickens makes one thing very clear in Oliver Twist: right makes might, and if you hold on long enough goodness can indeed win the day, no matter how hard life gets sometimes. He also stresses that, among the many paths in life one chooses, the virtues of goodness and honesty are the best roads to take in the end. A classic worth reading more than once.

Oliver Twist is a classic novel from Dickens prolific pen........2007-01-04

The young genius Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was still publishing monthly installments of "The Pickwick Papers" when he began writing Oliver Twist.
What a tale! Young Oliver is born in the workhouse to a mother who dies giving him birth. He is apprenticed to the undertaker Sowerby; fights with one of the undertakers idiotic apprentices Noah Claypool; flees to London and comes into the clutches of the evil Fagin arch pickpocket. In this den of thieves we meet such unforgettable characters as the Artful Dodger; the despicable Bill Sikes and his mistress Nancy.
There are also many good people who populate the many pages of this novel. The Maylie family especially young Rose who rescue Oliver after he is injured in a foiled robbery escapade are helpful to the young waif. Mr. Brownlow is also a rescuer who eventually adopts Oliver. This novel is a fine bildungsroman as we follow child Oliver on his tempestuous journey through the London streets.
Oliver Twist contains many scenes which are film worthy. These scenes include the flight of Bill Sikes from the London mob following his murder of Nancy; Fagin's last hours in Newgate Prison prior to his being hanged;
the vivid descriptions of nineteenth century London and pastoral scenes
of beauty. The portrait of Oliver's half-brother Monks is well drawn.
The novel is not perfect. It relies too much on coincidence to be realistic. It is if you will a fairy tale but a great one!

Oliver Twist- .......2006-11-08

The story of Oliver Twist, written by Charles Dickens, is a classic bildungsroman, about the difficulties a child had to endure to survive in the 1800's. Dickens satirizes the atrocious trait of human selfishness by illustrating how it comprises ones humanity as the helpless and vulnerable are victimized for personal gain. Oliver Twist is an orphan from a small village not far from London, who is forced into social conventions by a city council. He escapes his horrible captor, a woman who steals food money for her personal use, but unfortunately lands in the hands of a criminal mastermind, who forces him to pickpocket in the London streets. He luckily is taken under the loving care of a family who gains the information of Oliver's previous captor. Many scenes are dedicated to the fallout of this criminal family which proves that with a positive environment, people are able to succeed in life. Oliver Twist has been around for nearly 200 years and I found it a very good novel, not only for its content but also for its moral truths. It is interesting because it allows children and young adults to imagine what life was like back then and to contrast their lives to Oliver's. This realization allows the reader to see that some people have more difficult lives then others and to not take advantage of them.

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Great masterpiece
A Dickens classic at an unbeatable price
A Pleasant Re-Discovery
Dickens's Double Edge.
"Twist" will make you shout

Oliver Twist (Dover Thrift Editions)
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486424537

Book Description

Set in Victorian London, this is a tale of a spirited young innocent's unwilling but inevitable recruitment into a scabrous gang of thieves. Masterminded by the loathsome Fagin, the underworld crew features some of Dickens' most memorable characters, including the vicious Bill Sikes, gentle Nancy, and the juvenile pickpocket known as the Artful Dodger.

Customer Reviews:

Great masterpiece.......2007-01-26

Excellent work from Charles Dickens. Every child in the world should read this book.

A Dickens classic at an unbeatable price.......2006-10-26

Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist" is regarded among the 19th Century's greatest works of fiction in any language. With its vast array of characters and vivid depictions of the lower rungs of Victorian society, this Dickens classic--an extraordinary study of social Darwinism--will remain such a classic for years to come.

And this Dover edition is the best for the price. How can you go wrong?

A Pleasant Re-Discovery.......2006-07-31

"Oliver Twist" was assigned reading for my sophomore English class in 1967, and did not finish it until today. To this high school student, it seemed too depressing to hold my interest, even under compulsion. When I recently started this again in preparation for watching "Oliver" at the Muny I was presently surprised. I now understand why this is a classic and maintains a loyal following. The story held my interest in what would happen next. I could see the traits of the characters and the development of the plot while progressing through the story. I am glad I rediscovered "Oliver Twist". Whether you are interested in classical literature or just a good story, it is a good choice.

Dickens's Double Edge. .......2006-07-25

Along with "Great Expectations," "Oliver Twist" was one of my father's favorite books by Charles Dickens. The book starts with the birth of Oliver Twist. His mother sadly dies, and Oliver is at the mercy of the brutal orphanage. (Headed by Mr. Bumble.) When Olvier Twist asks for more food in his famous line: "Please sir, I want some more...," the orphanage decides that this is intolerable. They offer 5 pounds to anyone who will take Oliver off their hands. (Though in the defense of the orphanage, they do refrain from sending him somewhere that is obviously unfit.) Oliver ends up in the employ of the undertaker Mr. Sowerberry. Mr. Sowerberry is half way decent to Oliver. But that is more than can be said for Mrs Soweberry, Noah, and Charlotte. Oliver runs away, and it is not long before he runs into the Artful Dodger. The Dodger convinces Oliver to join him in Fagin's employ. Fagin is of course the head of a band of thieves. Though, in all honesty, is Fagin really a villain? He takes better care of the boys than the so called legitmate firms. To be sure, he is a little crafty, but what are his intentions? He's trying to survive in a difficult time. Well, it is not long before Oliver winds up with the law on his tail. In this 2nd novel, we can see what made Dickens so successful. While the situation of so many people chasing Oliver is disturbing, Dickens offers comic relief by giving a comical explanation: "'Stop thief! Stop thief!' There is magic in the sound. The tradesman leaves his counter and the carman his wagon..." Well, Oliver is judged innocent, but not before Charles Dickens gives a fierce (but still comical) literary attack on the courts. Dickens is best known for his concern over the poor in these hard times, but we should not neglect his fierce and comical side. Well, the tension is released as Oliver is taken in by the kind Mr. Brownlow. But all can not be quiet for long. Fagin is concerned over Oliver's disappearance. (Why wouldn't he be? Oliver could tell where he resides.) Dickens starts to tighten the situation again. Nancy along with Bill Sikes (who unlike Fagin does not really have redeeming qualities) goes after Oliver. There is also a Bill Monks after Oliver as well. Oliver is captured. Fagin shows another redeeming aspect when he warns Oliver to be careful around Bill Sikes. Bill Sikes then takes Oliver on a job that ends in Oliver getting shot. But all is not lost. Oliver befriends the benevolent Rose Maylie, and she helps Oliver back to health. (We later learn that Rose Maylie is Oliver's aunt.) But there is more bad news. Oliver's half brother Monks still wants to get a hold of him. Monks runs across Mr. and Mrs. Bumble. (In an attempt to give Mr. Bumble some redeeming aspects, Dickens has him marry the down on her luck Widow Corney.) Through the destruction of a certain locket, Monks is able to secure the inheritence for himself. But there is more to come. Nancy pities Oliver and wants to return him to Mr. Brownlow. But Bill Sikes is starting to fear that Nancy will turn him over to the authorities. Tension increases as the psychopathic Bill Sikes clashes with the more human Fagin. Nancy conveys Oliver to safety, but soon afterwards, Bill Sikes brutally murders her. It is not long before Bill Sikes is persued by the mob, and perhaps Dickens was expressing a contempt for rage filled mobs even when they persue a killer. Oliver is of course saved and for the most part, the story ends happily. For the most part: Poor Fagin is arrested and the courts are not so merciful. Some of his acts were criminal, but he was just trying to survive. Did not Fagin treat the boys better than the orphanage? Fagin is judged guilty, and Dickens makes sure we feel some sorrow over his doom. Fagin's sorrow is so evident with one of his final lines: "What right have they to butcher me?" While this is only Charles Dickens's 2nd book, it does show Dickens's ability to skillfully combine disturbing events and cynical comedy, as well as bringing several plots together, and creating fully 3d characters.

"Twist" will make you shout.......2005-11-20

Dickens was a genius, and this work, written when he was in his early 20s, exemplifies that fact. The plot is a bit cliched, and deus ex machinae are everywhere, but, good Lord, the characterizations (and the accompanying names) are superb. The wry insights, the gentle cynicism, the not-so-gentle look at the poorhouses, the indelible imagery, the seamless shifts from comedy to tragedy and back again, all make for an unforgettable book--no matter how many forgettable film adaptations have been made. A joy to read.

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Oliver Twist (Penguin Readers, Level 6)
Charles Dickens , and Penguin
Manufacturer: Pearson ESL
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0582419492

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Dickens' Oliver Twist (Cliffs Notes)

Manufacturer: Cliffs Notes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0822009587

Book Description

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in the series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

In CliffsNotes on Oliver Twist, you’ll meet a dear, grateful, gentle orphan who, “instead of possessing too little feeling, possessed rather too much.” The CliffsNotes commentaries, summaries, and character analysis will show you why this sweet, sad, and moving story is considered to be one of Dickens' greatest works (and one of his more politically-charged ones). You’ll also find

Life and background of the author, Charles Dickens
A short introduction to the novel
A list of characters
Essays about symbolism, style, setting, and more
A review section that tests your knowledge

Customer Reviews:

A Compelling Story.......2006-03-02

"Oliver Twist" is an excellent, fascinating and compelling novel which I had the pleasure of reading. This book is exceptionally well narrated which distinguishes Dickens as one of the greatest English story writers. The issues he raised are timeless particularly societal issues pertaining to dealing with poverty, class differences, child labour, orphans and the disadvantaged in society. He highlights the need to care for others and not to be selfish. Dickens did a good job of enlightening the middle class in Britain of the hardships that the poor had to endure during his time.

Oliver Twist is a very young, innocent orphan who lost his mother at birth. He is thrust into the cruel and unforgiving world. I was moved by the numerous hardships and challenges that he had to endure at such a tender age, including being shot at. He was moved away from the workhouse when he innocently asks for some more food, taken to as an apprentice undertaker and after some trouble runs away only to get into a group of thieves and robbers.

Dickens paints a grim, dark and horrifying picture of life of the poor in Victorian England. The author produced some memorable characters like Fagin the miser and the gang of thieves that included The Artful Dodger, Mr Bumble at the workhouse, Nancy the kind hearted whore with motherly instincts, Mr Grimwig who is always threatening to eat his head and those of others, Sikes the murderer and others.

Thankfully the book has a happy ending for Oliver. However, Nancy touched my heart and I felt that she should not have met such a grisly demise. Some unfortunate anti-Semitic references taint an otherwise exceptional novel.

This is excellent reading for those who like a well written story with exciting twists and turns.

A Classic!!!.......2004-07-29

Oliver Twist is always a good book to read. This was my first
time.

When a baby is born, and the mother dies in child birth ,the baby is sent from place to place. At the age of 12 he finally
finds a place to call home.

The edition of this book I read was too long and drawn-out, and that's why I give it 4 instead of 5 stars:)

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Oliver's Progress

Oliver Twist (Norton Critical Editions)
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 039396292X

Customer Reviews:

Oliver's Progress.......2005-06-01

The Twist tale, much like all "classics" is fairly well known. This edition is good because of all the extras. There are critical reviews, illustrations and a good map, and a very clear editor.

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Oliver Twist (Classic Starts)
Charles Dickens , and Kathleen Olmstead
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1402726651

Book Description

Dickens’ timeless novel transports young readers to a colorful Victorian England filled with mistreated orphans, grim workhouses, and gangs of thieving children. The hero finds himself in dire circumstances after he dares to beg for more food in the orphanage. Determined to make his way in the world, he escapes to London, where he becomes involved with criminals…and finally finds a real home.

The Real Oliver Twist: Robert Blincoe: A life that Illuminates a Violent Age

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The Real Oliver Twist: Robert Blincoe: A life that Illuminates a Violent Age
John Waller
Manufacturer: Totem Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1840467274

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Robert Blincoe's political, personal and turbulent story illuminates the Dickensian age like never before. His life provides an outstanding example of courage and a refusal to be downtrodden.

Charles Dickens: Four Novels (Oliver Twist; A Tale of Two Cities; Great Expectations; A Christmas Carol

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Charles Dickens: Four Novels (Oliver Twist; A Tale of Two Cities; Great Expectations; A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1566196051

Oliver Twist: Adapted in Twenty-Four Scenes with Several Songs and Tableaux (Absolute Classic)

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Oliver Twist: Adapted in Twenty-Four Scenes with Several Songs and Tableaux (Absolute Classic)
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: Theatre Communications Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Taking their inspiration from the vivid world of the Victorian music-hall, a company of 13 actors conjure up a host of unforgettable characters-Fagin, Nancy, Bill Sykes, the Artful Dodger and, of course, little Oliver himself. Neil Bartlett is artistic director of the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith and has adapted and translated numerous plays for the stage, many of which are published by Oberon Books.

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