Showing results for "Charles Dickens" in Literary History & Criticism

Delve into the eerie and enchanting world of Charles Dickens, a master storyteller with a fascination for the supernatural. In this collection, we present three of his captivating ghost stories, including the renowned The Signal Man. While these tales differ from his celebrated realistic and humorous novels, they offer a unique blend of Gothic atmosphere and intriguing characters, making them a must-listen for fans of the macabre. Summary by Vivian Chan.

The Uncommercial Traveller is the persona of Dickens for this collection of semi-autobiographical sketches. A kind of Victorian blogger, he is funny and affecting by turns as he recounts what he sees and wonders at its meaning. Whether laying bare ‘a wilderness of dirt, rags, and hunger’ or musing on the ‘moodiness’ of tom-cats; recounting Mr Indignation Cocker’s sherry bill or simply taking us by the hand as he goes about his ‘no-business’ in London and further afield, he brings the warmth, compassion and fleet-footed wit that infuse his novels.

Bleak house is one of Dickens finest achievements. It was written for serialisation in 1853 when Dickens was at the peak of his career. Monthly sales substantially exceeded his previous bestseller David Copperfield.Dickens' mastery of the English language comes to the fore in this book. It is an energetic book: a complex mystery story revolving around the heroine Esther Summerson and her path from childhood to marriage. During the course of Esther’s narration Dickens introduces some wonderful and unforgettable characters, and at the same time provides a searing indictment of the laws’ ...

Esteemed writer G. K. Chesterton offers a compelling critique of the works of Charles Dickens, sharing his profound admiration and unique insights into Dickens literary genius in his distinct and engaging style. (Summary by Karen Merline)

From Little Nell to Miss Havisham, Dickens’ Women tells the story of Charles Dickens’ life through his beloved characters. Cowritten and performed by Miriam Margolyes, best known for her role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, this one-women show is a celebration of her infectious passion for Dickens’ work. Taking on 23 different Dickensian characters, many of whom were inspired by real people such as Mary Hogwarth, Dickens' sister-in-law, Margolyes showcases her astonishing versatility as a performer. Dickens’ Women delighted audiences across the world in 2012 as Margolyes took her Olivier nominated show on tour for the bicentenary of Dicken’s birth.

Bleak House by Charles Dickens follows the complex intertwining lives of characters affected by the long-running court case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The novel is narrated by Esther Summerson, an orphan raised by the cold, neglectful Miss Barbary. As the story unfolds, readers encounter a wide array of characters, including the kind-hearted John Jarndyce, the ambitious lawyer Tulkinghorn, and the mysterious Lady Dedlock. The case consumes the lives of many, highlighting the inefficiencies and injustices of the legal system. Through rich characterizations and social commentary, Dickens ...

Dive into the world of David Copperfield, a literary masterpiece by Charles Dickens, that is as much a social commentary as it is an engaging tale. Filled with vivid, exaggerated characters from all walks of life, this novel offers a rich panorama of 19th-century society. Discover the virtuous yet humble Mr. Peggotty, the avaricious and vindictive Heep, and the money-obsessed Julia Mills. On this journey, youll explore themes of love, sacrifice, greed, and arrogance. More personal than any of Dickens other works, David Copperfield draws parallels with the authors own life, hinting at a hidden ...

The Charles Dickens Works Collection compiles his complete literary masterpieces, providing a deep dive into the world of Victorian England and the struggles of its people.

Experience the rich storytelling of Charles Dickens Audiobooks, a collection of unforgettable tales filled with vivid characters, social commentary, and timeless themes of justice, redemption, and resilience. These classic works continue to inspire and captivate audiences.

Timeless Charles Dickens Stories features a collection of his greatest works, offering compelling narratives of hardship, perseverance, and social change that remain relevant today.

In this captivating literary travelogue, Thomas Frost bravely ventures through the picturesque county of Kent, trailing the footsteps of the great Charles Dickens and his characters. Frost’s narrative is not only a tribute to Dickens and Kent but is also peppered with fascinating anecdotes about the local towns and villages he explores. He brings to life the last armed uprising on British soil - the Battle of Bossenden Wood, and seamlessly weaves in Dickens original descriptions of locations. Occasionally, he strays into the realms of myths and legends, concocting his own gripping tales....

The Charles Dickens Classics Podcast presents a beautifully narrated selection of his most iconic works, bringing to life his masterful storytelling and deep exploration of human nature.

Dive into the early life of Charles Dickens, as detailed in a biography published just 17 years following his death. Colleen McMahon brings to life the fascinating tale of this renowned author.

Dive into Charles Dickens final and unfinished masterpiece, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. A captivating tale entwined with suspense, love, and rivalry, it follows the enigmatic choirmaster John Jasper. Tortured by his illicit love for his student, Rosa Bud, who is engaged to his nephew Edwin Drood, Jasper reveals a sinister side. Adding to the intrigue is the fiery Neville Landless, who hails from Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) and vies for Rosas affection, causing a rift with Drood. Although Jasper seems the likely culprit behind the mysterious circumstances, Dickens untimely death leaves it ...

Filled with the twists, pathos and unusual characters that sprang from this novelist's extraordinary imagination, The Mystery of Charles Dickens looks back from the legendary writer's death to recall the key events in his life. In doing so, A.N. Wilson seeks to understand Dickens' creative genius and enduring popularity. Following his life from cradle to grave, it becomes clear that Dickens's fiction drew from his own experiences. Dickens knew first-hand the poverty and pain his characters endured, including the scandal of a failed marriage.

This classic tale follows Pip, an orphan who, through a series of peculiar twists, first becomes a blacksmith’s apprentice and later discovers he has “great expectations” of an inheritance from a mysterious benefactor. As he adopts the lavish lifestyle of a gentleman, he gradually distances himself from the kind-hearted figures of his past—Joe the blacksmith and the sensible Biddy. He pours his wealth into improving the fortunes of his friend and roommate, Herbert, and offers his heart to an “ice princess” who will never return his affection. Then, an escaped convict from his ...

"David Copperfield" or "The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery" was first published in 1850. Like all except five of his works, it originally appeared in serial form. Many elements within the novel follow events in Dickens' own life, and it is probably the most autobiographical of all of his novels. It is also Dickens' "favorite child." View our full collection of podcasts at our website: https://www.solgoodmedia.com or YouTube channel: https://www.solgood.org/subscribe

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens is a Victorian novel exploring the harsh realities of nineteenth-century London. The story follows orphan Oliver, who escapes the workhouse only to become entangled with a gang of pickpockets led by the cunning Fagin. Through vivid depictions of poverty, crime, and corruption, Dickens delivers a critique of social injustices. Oliver’s struggle for survival and identity captivates readers with themes of innocence, resilience, and hope. This enduring classic remains a piece of literature, shedding light on the darker side of urban life in Dickens’s era. ...

A collection of Charles Dickens novels (by season).View our full collection of podcasts at our website: https://www.solgoodmedia.com or YouTube channel: www.solgood.org/subscribeThis is a Librivox Recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton was a great admirer of Charles Dickens, and wrote a noted critique of Dickens' works expressing his opinion in his own inimitable style.