Hard TimesMy satire is against those who see figures and averages, and nothing else, proclaimed Charles Dickens in explaining the theme of this classic novel. Published in 1854, the story concerns one Thomas Gradgrind, a fanatic of the demonstrable fact, who raises his children, Tom and Louisa, in a stifling and arid atmosphere of grim practicality. Considered Dickens harshest indictment of mid 19th century industrial practices and their dehumanizing effects,