Charles Dickens
Time and time again, Victorian literary luminary Charles Dickens gravitated to themes and fictional frameworks that allowed him to explore the diversity of humanity. That's the concept at the heart of these two tales about a kindhearted landlady and her generosity toward the lodgers who pass through her doors.
The most unique aspect of Charles Dickens' skill as a writer — and the characteristic that propelled him to unprecedented heights of literary fame — was his ability to immerse readers in the quotidian details of his characters' lives, loves, and struggles. That strength shines through in this vast collection of short pieces culled from Dickens' tenure as a newspaper columnist.
Master of Victorian fiction Charles Dickens was at his best when comparing and contrasting different classes of society. In this imaginative short story, a traveling circus sets up shop in an affluent neighborhood. When the performers begin mingling with the community's bankers and businessmen, hijinks ensue.
Ready to dive into a nautical mystery? The Wreck of the Golden Mary is a collaborative work from the minds of Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, two of the most popular nineteenth-century British writers of fiction. The Golden Mary is sunk by an iceberg under mysterious circumstances, and the rescue efforts devolve into chaos. Will the passengers survive?
32) A House to Let
"My dear children, I am very anxious that you should know something about the History of Jesus Christ. For everybody ought to know Him. No one ever lived who was so good, so kind, so gentle . . ."
So begins The Life of Our Lord, the sincere efforts of Charles Dickens to teach his children about the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
34) Holiday Romance
In this charming series of short stories from Victorian author nonpareil Charles Dickens, four pairs of lovebirds offer up a detailed account of their courtships. There's just one catch — none of the besotted have yet reached the ripe old age of 10. Displaying his usual knack for uncannily accurate characterization, Dickens gives readers a glimpse into the triumphs and trials of schoolyard romance.
Although he is now revered as the author of such long-form masterworks as Great Expectations, Charles Dickens' short stories ranked among his most popular creative endeavors during his lifetime. Like many of his Christmas-themed stories, The Seven Poor Travellers was originally serialized in a magazine. This heartwarming tale is a must-read during the holiday season, or anytime your spirit could use a boost.
In 1857, Charles Dickens paired up with his close friend and fellow Victorian novelist Wilkie Collins to produce this interesting novella. Said to have been inspired by the Sepoy Mutiny of that year, the tale scrutinizes the moral impact of colonialism and lauds the bravery of a regiment of Marines tasked with the responsibility of protecting a community of British expats from an encroaching swarm of dangerous pirates.
Taking a cue from his love of pleasure travel and people-watching, in 1860 Charles Dickens developed a new persona he called the "Uncommercial Traveller." In the series of essays written from this perspective, Dickens describes his long, leisurely walks around London and occasional jaunts to other locales. This charming collection highlights Dickens attention to detail and his keen powers of observation.
Charles Dickens was the literary superstar who singlehandedly set the bar for popular fiction in the mid to late nineteenth century. As a result of his fame, Dickens was also in great demand as a speaker. This collection brings together dozens of the author's lectures and talks on topics ranging from the literature of the day to the toughest social issues.