A Tale of Two Cities
                             Preface

  When I was acting, with my children and friends, in Mr Wilkie Collins's
  drama of The Frozen Deep, I first conceived the main idea of this
  story. A strong desire was upon me then, to
  embody it in my own person;
  and I traced out in my fancy, the state of mind of which it would
  necessitate the presentation
  to an observant spectator, with particular
  care and interest.

  As the idea became familiar to me, it gradually shaped itself into its
  present form. Throughout its execution, it has had complete possession
  of me; I have so far verified what
  is done and suffered on these pages,
  as that I have certainly done and suffered it all myself.

  Whenever any reference (however slight) is made here to the condition
  of the French people before or during the Revolution, it is truly made,
  on the faith of the most trustworthy
  witnesses. It has been one of my hopes to add
  something to the popular and picturesque means of
  understanding that terrible time, though no one can
  hope to add anything to the philosphy of Mr Carlyle's wonderful book.

  Tavistock House
  November 1859