Dombey and Son

“Dombey and Son” by Charles Dickens, published by Wordsworth Editions in 1995, is a classic work of fiction comprising 769 pages. This edition features an introduction and notes by Karl Ashley Smith from the University of St Andrews, along with illustrations by Hablot K. Browne, known as Phiz. The narrative centers on Mr. Dombey, a man fixated on his business, who raises his son to succeed him while neglecting his daughter, whose love remains unreciprocated.

Readers will encounter a rich tapestry of characters and situations as the story unfolds, highlighting themes of familial relationships and societal expectations. The plot follows the intertwining lives of Mr. Dombey’s children, particularly focusing on the contrasting experiences of his son and daughter. The narrative also introduces Walter Gay, a young clerk whose actions set off a series of events that challenge Mr. Dombey’s rigid views. This edition invites readers to explore the complexities of human emotion and the societal norms of the time, all while delivering moments of humor and poignancy.