One of the most popular novelists ever, Charles Dickens wrote about what he saw in 19th century London: orphans, child labor, and the crime that was rampant in the city at the time. In the 1861 bestseller `Great Expectations,` he wove all of these themes into a tale of mystery and personal development. The story of a young orphan boy--poor and alone, but whisked away to London by a anonymous benefactor--is a fantastic tale, complete with plot twists and a love story that puts many modern novels to shame. To this day, `Great Expectations` remains one of Dickens's greatest achievements. Now available as part of the Canterbury Classics singles series, the novel is a must-have addition to the libraries of all classic literature lovers.