Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities among the most famous works in the history of fictional literature. The novel, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution, depicts the plight of the French peasantry in the years leading up to the revolution, the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same time period. Charles Darnay is a former French aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution who is falsely accused of treason despite his virtuous nature. Sydney Carton is a dissipated English barrister who endeavors to redeem his ill-spent life out of his unrequited love for Darnay's wife. Within A Tale of Two Cities Dickens unfolds a masterpiece of drama, adventure, and courage.