New Releases by Charles 1812-1870 Dickens

Scenes and Characters from the Works of Charles Dickens by Charles Dickens presents a captivating mosaic of some of the most memorable characters and scenes from the literary genius''s vast repertoire. As a cornerstone of Victorian literature, Dickens’s work resonates with readers on multiple levels, speaking to themes of social justice, morality, and human resilience. This collection serves as both an introduction to Dickens’s novels and a detailed exploration of his most iconic and multifaceted characters, showcasing the brilliance of a writer who understood the human condition profoundly. From the grim streets of London to the cozy firesides of the upper class, Dickens creates a world teeming with vivid characters who embody the struggles and triumphs of life. Through this collection, readers are reacquainted with unforgettable figures like the indomitable Oliver Twist, the cunning Fagin, the tragic yet hopeful Pip, and the spirited Miss Havisham. Each character is crafted with precision, rich backstories, and a distinctive voice that brings them to life. Dickens’s ability to blend humor with pathos allows readers to connect emotionally with his characters, drawing them into their journeys of hardship, aspiration, and, ultimately, redemption. In *Scenes and Characters from the Works of Charles Dickens*, readers will find an assortment of pivotal scenes that underscore the dramatic arcs of these characters. The passages chosen highlight Dickens’s signature style—his keen observation of society, a knack for eloquent descriptions, and his unique ability to produce both laughter and tears. The scenes reflect his critique of societal norms, highlighting the contrast between wealth and poverty, innocence and corruption, and love and betrayal. Each excerpt illuminates a particular sentiment or commentary on life that remains relevant today, making Dickens’s work timeless. This collection does not merely serve as a retrospective of Dickens’s novels; it invites readers to delve more deeply into the societal issues he championed. The themes of child labor, social inequality, and the plight of the underprivileged are woven throughout the narratives, allowing readers to engage with the realities of Dickens’s time. It inspires reflection on issues that persist across generations, challenging us to consider how far we’ve come and the strides yet to be made in the pursuit of social justice. Moreover, Dickens’s impeccable storytelling weaves a sense of nostalgia and warmth into each scene, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages readers to lose themselves in his world. His evocative language paints vibrant images in the mind''s eye, transporting readers to bustling markets, dark alleys, and grand estates. Reading this collection feels like embarking on a journey down the cobbled streets of Victorian London, where fortune and misfortune coexist in a delicate balance. In conclusion, *Scenes and Characters from the Works of Charles Dickens* is an essential addition to the library of any literature lover. This compilation not only highlights the depth and richness of Dickens’s narratives but also evokes a feeling of admiration for his characters, each of whom struggles to navigate the complexities of human existence. Readers of all ages will find pleasure in revisiting these beloved stories, breathing in the life lessons encapsulated in Dickens’s prose while appreciating the relevance of his observations in a modern context. This treasure trove invites both longtime fans and new readers to explore the heart and soul of one of literature’s most revered authors, reminding us that beneath the layers of society, we are all connected through our shared experiences.

"Mrs. Lirriper''s Legacy" by Charles Dickens, published in 1864, is a delightful novella that showcases Dickens''s trademark wit, vibrant characterizations, and keen observational humor. As one of his later works, this story combines elements of social commentary with an engaging plot, reflecting the complex social dynamics of Victorian England while remaining quintessentially Dickensian in its charm. The novella follows the life of Mrs. Lirriper, a kind-hearted widow who runs a boarding house for elderly gentlemen. Her establishment is a microcosm of Victorian society, populated by a cast of eccentric characters that draw from Dickens''s vast array of memorable personas. Mrs. Lirriper is characterized as a nurturing figure, embodying warmth and compassion as she manages her home and navigates the intricate lives of her boarders. The narrative unfolds through her perspective, allowing readers to see the world through her generous and observant eyes. Dickens masterfully combines humor with poignancy, capturing the essence of humanity through Mrs. Lirriper''s experiences and interactions. One of the novella''s central themes revolves around legacy—both in the literal sense of inheritance and the more abstract notion of the impact individuals leave behind. As Mrs. Lirriper receives news of an unexpected legacy from a former boarder, the story delves into the ripple effects of this inheritance on her life and the lives of those around her. The arrival of the bequest unfolds as both a blessing and a complication, activating a series of events that expose the various motivations and desires of the colorful characters residing in her boarding house. Throughout the narrative, Dickens explores the relationships between wealth and morality, illustrating how monetary possessions can influence behavior and reveal one’s true character. The comical yet insightful portrayal of Mrs. Lirriper’s boarders showcases a diverse range of personalities, each with their unique expectations and relationships with money. From the miserly and scheming to the generous and humble, these characters serve to illuminate the complex nature of human interactions in the context of financial gain and social status. Dickens''s deft hand at character construction allows readers to empathize with each figure, regardless of their flaws, resulting in a rich tapestry of human experiences. The humor throughout "Mrs. Lirriper''s Legacy" is characteristic of Dickens''s writing style, blending light-hearted moments with astute observations of social conventions. Mrs. Lirriper’s witty commentary serves to engage the reader, while also allowing Dickens to poke fun at the eccentricities of society. Her delightful narrations evoke laughter and reflection, as she candidly reveals the quirks and follies of her guests, often providing insight into the human condition in a way that remains relevant to this day. Moreover, the novella addresses social issues of the time, particularly the plight of the elderly and the class dynamics prevalent in Victorian England. Through the lens of Mrs. Lirriper’s boarding house, Dickens sheds light on the limited options available to older individuals during a time when societal structures often failed to provide adequate support. The interplay between the warmth of domestic life and the harsh realities faced by the elderly creates an emotional depth that resonates throughout the work, inviting readers to consider compassion in the face of hardship. The relationships depicted in the novella are central to its charm, particularly the bonds that form between Mrs. Lirriper and her boarders. Her nurturing disposition allows her to serve as a confidante and reliable support system for those who have come to depend on her hospitality. The emotional undercurrents within these relationships highlight the importance of community and connection, illustrating how genuine affection can transcend societal expectations and financial disparities. Dickens expertly navigates these themes, offering a narrative that is rich with both humor and heart. The structure of "Mrs. Lirriper''s Legacy" maintains a leisurely pace, enabling readers to savor the various nuances of character interactions and the unfolding drama surrounding the legacy. Dickens''s vivid descriptions of the boarding house—its lively atmosphere, the bustling interactions, and the comical scenarios—serve to create a sense of place that complements the story’s themes. The climax of the novella is paced effectively, leading to resolution points that bring closure to the characters’ journeys while leaving readers with lingering questions about their choices and motivations. In summary, "Mrs. Lirriper''s Legacy" is a charming and insightful novella that exemplifies Charles Dickens''s storytelling prowess. Through the delightful character of Mrs. Lirriper, Dickens explores themes of legacy, morality, and human connection, all intricately woven into a humorous and engaging narrative. The work shines a light on social concerns of the time while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. With its captivating prose and rich characterizations, "Mrs. Lirriper''s Legacy" stands as a testament to Dickens''s enduring legacy as one of literature''s most beloved authors, inviting readers to reflect on the intricacies of love, friendship, and the legacies we leave behind.

Enter the unforgettable world of Charles Dickens with The Best of Charles Dickens (Boxed Set)—a beautifully curated collection of his most beloved novels. From the haunting orphanhood of Oliver Twist to the social satire of Hard Times and the chilling atmosphere of A Tale of Two Cities, this set captures the heart and soul of Victorian England. Dickens’ masterful storytelling, vivid characters, and sharp social commentary make these timeless tales essential for every reader. Whether you’re new to Dickens or revisiting old favorites, this box set is your gateway to some of the greatest novels ever written. The master of character, the voice of a generation. Explore the finest novels of Charles Dickens in one collectible boxed set Delve into rich narratives filled with memorable characters and moral complexity Reflect on timeless themes of justice, poverty, love, and redemption Discover why Dickens remains one of the most celebrated authors in English literature Cherish a beautifully designed set ideal for collectors and gift-givers Themes Explored: The struggles of the working class in industrial society Redemption, morality, and the triumph of the human spirit Hypocrisy and injustice in social institutions The resilience of children and the poor Friendship, sacrifice, and enduring hope

"Christmas Classics: Charles Dickens Collection (With Original Illustrations)" is a quintessential anthology that showcases Dickens''s masterful narrative style, interweaving vivid characterizations with profound social commentary. Featuring beloved tales such as "A Christmas Carol," "The Chimes," and "The Cricket on the Hearth," this collection not only captures the spirit of Christmas but also reflects the Victorian societal values, dilemmas, and hopes of its time. The original illustrations accompany each story, enriching the text and offering readers a visual glimpse into the era, thus framing Dickens''s work within the larger Victorian literary context where morality and social responsibility play pivotal roles. Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated novelists of the 19th century, was deeply influenced by his own hardships and the socio-economic conditions of Victorian England. Having experienced poverty in his youth, Dickens became a fervent advocate for social reform and used his literary voice to shine a light on the plight of the working class. His personal experiences, coupled with his keen observations of societal injustices, led him to write these holiday classics that echo themes of redemption, generosity, and community. Recommended for both long-time Dickens enthusiasts and new readers alike, this collection provides a unique opportunity to experience the warmth of Dickens''s stories as intended by the author. With its timeless messages and charming original illustrations, "Christmas Classics" invites readers to reflect on the true spirit of the season and encourages a sense of compassion that transcends time. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works'' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions. - The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing. - A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation. - A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists. - A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work''s strengths. - Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author''s overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts. - Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection''s central themes.

A Christmas Carol is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in London by Chapman & Hall on 19 December 1843. The novella met with instant success and critical acclaim. Carol tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation into a gentler, kindlier man after visitations by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come.The book was written at a time when the British were examining and exploring Christmas traditions from the past as well as new customs such as Christmas cards and Christmas trees. Carol singing took a new lease on life during this time. Dickens'' sources for the tale appear to be many and varied, but are, principally, the humiliating experiences of his childhood, his sympathy for the poor, and various Christmas stories and fairy tales.Dickens'' Carol was one of the greatest influences in rejuvenating the old Christmas traditions of England, but, while it brings to the reader images of light, joy, warmth and life, it also brings strong and unforgettable images of darkness, despair, coldness, sadness, and death. Scrooge himself is the embodiment of winter, and, just as winter is followed by spring and the renewal of life, so too is Scrooge''s cold, pinched heart restored to the innocent goodwill he had known in his childhood and youth. A Christmas Carol remains popular--having never been out of print--and has been adapted many times to film, stage, opera, and other media.

The Battle of Life: A Love Story is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in 1846. It is the fourth of his five "Christmas Books", coming after The Cricket on the Hearth and followed by The Haunted Man and the Ghost''s Bargain. The setting is an English village that stands on the site of an historic battle. Some characters refer to the battle as a metaphor for the struggles of life, hence the title. Battle is the only one of the five Christmas Books that has no supernatural or explicitly religious elements. (One scene takes place at Christmas time, but it is not the final scene.) The story bears some resemblance to The Cricket on the Hearth in two respects: it has a non-urban setting, and it is resolved with a romantic twist. It is even less of a social novel than is Cricket. As is typical with Dickens, the ending is a happy one. It is one of Dickens''s lesser-known works and has never attained any high level of popularity - a trait it shares among the Christmas Books with The Haunted Man.

Hard Times - For These Times (commonly known as Hard Times) is the tenth novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1854.The book surveys English society and satirises the social and economic conditions of the era.Hard Times is unusual in several ways. It is by far the shortest of Dickens'' novels, barely a quarter of the length of those written immediately before and after it.Also, unlike all but one of his other novels, Hard Times has neither a preface nor illustrations. Moreover, it is his only novel not to have scenes set in London.Instead the story is set in the fictitious Victorian industrial Coketown, a generic Northern English mill-town, in some ways similar to Manchester, though smaller. Coketown may be partially based on 19th-century Preston.

Mrs Lirriper is an involving story of people thrown together by chance, that moves from the squalors of Victorian London to the sunnier climes of southern France. Recently widowed, Mrs. Lirriper devotes her energies to attending to the needs of her assorted lodgers; but when a newborn child is abandoned to her care, her responsibilities grow to new levels.Charles John Huffam Dickens FRSA was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world''s best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.[1] His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read today.Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors'' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed readings extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children''s rights, education and other social reforms.Dickens''s literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers. Within a few years he had become an international literary celebrity, famous for his humour, satire and keen observation of character and society. His novels, most of them published in monthly or weekly instalments, pioneered the serial publication of narrative fiction, which became the dominant Victorian mode for novel publication. Cliffhanger endings in his serial publications kept readers in suspense. The instalment format allowed Dickens to evaluate his audience''s reaction, and he often modified his plot and character development based on such feedback. For example, when his wife''s chiropodist expressed distress at the way Miss Mowcher in David Copperfield seemed to reflect her disabilities, Dickens improved the character with positive features. His plots were carefully constructed and he often wove elements from topical events into his narratives. Masses of the illiterate poor would individually pay a halfpenny to have each new monthly episode read to them, opening up and inspiring a new class of readers.His 1843 novella A Christmas Carol remains especially popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities (set in London and Paris) is his best-known work of historical fiction. The most famous celebrity of his era, he undertook, in response to public demand, a series of public reading tours in the later part of his career.Dickens has been praised by many of his fellow writers - from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell, G. K. Chesterton and Tom Wolfe - for his realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations and social criticism. However, Oscar Wilde, Henry James and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing and a vein of sentimentalism.The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social or working conditions, or comically repulsive characters.

This was the final novel by Charles Dickens and was unfinished at the time of his death. It was meant to have 12 installments, but only 6 were completed (chapters 1-23). Supplying a conclusion to The Mystery of Edwin Drood has occupied writers from the time of Dickens''s death to the present day.

The Old Curiosity Shop is a novel by Charles Dickens. The plot follows the life of Nell Trent and her grandfather, both residents of The Old Curiosity Shop in London. Probably the most widely-repeated criticism of Dickens is Oscar Wilde''s remark that ''One would have to have a heart of stone to read the death of little Nell without dissolving into tears...of laughter.'' Of a similar opinion was the poet Algernon Swinburne, who called Nell "a monster as inhuman as a baby with two heads." The Irish leader Daniel O''Connell famously burst into tears at the finale, and threw the book out of the window of the train in which he was travelling. The hype surrounding the conclusion of the series was unprecedented; Dickens fans were reported to storm the piers of New York City, shouting to arriving sailors (who may have read the last installment in the United Kingdom), "Is Little Nell alive?" In 2007, many newspapers claimed the excitement at the release of the last volume The Old Curiosity Shop was the only historical comparison that could be made to the excitement at the release of the last Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Sketches by "Boz," Illustrative of Every-day Life and Every-day People (commonly known as Sketches by Boz) is a collection of short pieces Charles Dickens originally published in various newspapers and other periodicals between 1833 and 1836. They were re-issued in book form, under their current title, in February and August 1836, with illustrations by George Cruikshank. The first complete one volume edition appeared in 1839. The 56 sketches concern London scenes and people, and the whole work is divided into four sections: "Our Parish", "Scenes", "Characters" and "Tales". The material in the first three sections consists of non-narrative pen-portraits, but the last section comprises fictional stories

Master Humphrey''s Clock Charles Dickens, the foremost British writer, is memorable for his interesting characters and rich plots. He was a social activist who wrote plays and novels during the Victorian period. His best known novels include Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and others. Master Humphrey''s Clock was a weekly periodical edited and written entirely by Charles Dickens from April 4, 1840-December 4, 1841. It began with a frame story in which Master Humphrey tells about himself and his small circle of friends. Master Humphrey was a lonely man who lived in London. He kept old manuscripts in an antique grandfather''s clock by the chimney-corner. He decided that he would start a club, called Master Humphrey''s Clock, where the members would read aloud their manuscripts to the others.

Oliver Twist; or, the Parish Boy''s Progress is Charles Dickens''s second novel, and was published as a serial from 1837 to 1839 and released as a three-volume book in 1838, before the serialization ended. The story centers on orphan Oliver Twist, born in a workhouse and sold into apprenticeship with an undertaker.

This is a new edition, Adeptio''s Vintage Edition, of Charles Dickens''s Sketches of Young Couples, Young Ladies, Young Gentlemen, originally published in 1875 by E. J. Hale & Son, of New York, with Sketches of Young Ladies by Edward Caswall and illustrations by "PHIZ". Part of Adeptio''s Unforgettable Classic Series, this is not a facsimile reprint. Obvious typographical errors have been carefully corrected and the entire text has been reset and redesigned by Adeptio Editions to enhance readability, while respecting the original edition. The eBook edition was designed in an elegant style and set to take full advantage of the readers'' devices. Sketches of Young Couples, Young Ladies, Young Gentlemen, is considered one of Dickens''s masterpieces and helped establish Dickens''s reputation throughout the world. About the Author: Charles John Huffam Dickens (February 7, 1812-June 9, 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He was the second of eight children of Elizabeth Dickens (née Barrow; 1789 1863) and John Dickens (1785-1851). He created some of the world''s best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. Dickens''s works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognized him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are still widely read today. Born in England, in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors'' prison. Still a child, he lived in a back-attic in the house of an agent for the Insolvent Court, Archibald Russell. To pay for his board and to help his family, Dickens was forced to leave school and work ten-hour days at Warren''s Blacking Warehouse, on Hungerford Stairs, near the present Charing Cross railway station, where he earned six shillings a week pasting labels on pots of boot blacking. The strenuous and often harsh working conditions made a lasting impression on Dickens and later influenced his fiction and essays, becoming the foundation of his interest in the reform of socio-economic and labor conditions, the rigors of which he believed were unfairly borne by the poor. He later wrote that he wondered "how I could have been so easily cast away at such an age." Dickens has been praised by many of his fellow writers-from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell, G. K. Chesterton, and Tom Wolfe-for his realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterizations, and social criticism. Charles Dickens''s literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of "The Pickwick Papers." Within a few years he had become an international literary celebrity, famous for his humor, satire, and keen observation of character and society. His novels, initially published in monthly or weekly installments; this format allowed Dickens to evaluate his audience''s reaction, and he often modified his plot and character development based on such feedback Despite his lack of formal education, Dickens edited a weekly journal for 20 years, published over a dozen major novels and novellas, a large number of short stories- including a number of Christmas-themed stories-a handful of plays, several nonfiction books and articles, lectured, and performed readings extensively between 1836 and 1870. He died on June 9, 1870 in Kent, England. Dickens''s impressive works include masterpieces such as A Christmas Carol, Dombey and Son; Christmas Stories; Sketches of Young Couples, Young Ladies, Young Gentlemen; Adventures of Oliver Twist (or, The Parish Boy''s Progress), and A Tale of Two Cities (A Story of the French Revolution)-all published

Great Expectations is Charles Dickens''s thirteenth novel. It is the second novel, after David Copperfield, to be fully narrated in the first person.Great Expectations is a bildungsroman, or a coming-of-age novel, and it is a classic work of Victorian literature. It depicts the growth and personal development of an orphan named Pip. The novel was first published in serial form in Dickens'' weekly periodical All the Year Round, from 1 December 1860 to August 1861.It is set among the marshes of Kent and in London in the early to mid-1800s.From the outset, the reader is "treated" by the terrifying encounter between Pip, the protagonist, and the escaped convict, Abel Magwitch. Great Expectations is a graphic book, full of extreme imagery, poverty, prison ships, "the hulks," barriers and chains, and fights to the death. It therefore combines intrigue and unexpected twists of autobiographical detail in different tones. Regardless of its narrative technique, the novel reflects the events of the time, Dickens'' concerns, and the relationship between society and man.George Bernard Shaw praised the novel as "All of one piece and consistently truthful."Dickens felt Great Expectations was his best work, calling it "a very fine idea."

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a real classic. You should grab it and read it to experience it yourself. Here''s a simple plot to Great Expectations by Charles Dickens On Christmas Eve, around 1812, Pip, an orphan about seven years old, encounters an escaped convict in the village churchyard, while visiting the graves of his parents and siblings. Pip now lives with his hot-tempered elder sister and her kind husband, Joe Gargery, a blacksmith. The convict scares Pip into stealing food and a metal file. Early Christmas morning, Pip returns with the file, a pie, and brandy, though he fears being punished. During Christmas Dinner that evening, at the moment Pip''s theft is about to be discovered, soldiers arrive and ask Joe to repair some shackles. Joe and Pip accompany them as they recapture the convict, who is fighting with another escaped convict. The first convict confesses to stealing food from the smithy, clearing Pip of suspicion. A few years pass Miss Havisham, a wealthy, reclusive spinster who was jilted at the altar and still wears her old wedding dress lives in the dilapidated Satis House. She asks Mr Pumblechook, a relation of the Gargerys, to find a boy to visit her. Pip visits Miss Havisham and falls in love with Estella, her adopted daughter. Estella remains aloof and hostile to Pip, which Miss Havisham encourages. Pip visits Miss Havisham regularly, until he is old enough to learn a trade. Joe accompanies Pip for the last visit when she gives the money for Pip to be bound as an apprentice blacksmith. Joe''s surly assistant, Dolge Orlick, is envious of Pip and dislikes Mrs Joe. When Pip and Joe are away from the house, Mrs Joe is brutally attacked, leaving her unable to speak or do her work. Orlick is suspected of the attack. Mrs Joe becomes kind-hearted, but brain-damaged, after the attack. Pip''s former schoolmate Biddy joins the household to help with her care. Four years into Pip''s apprenticeship, Mr Jaggers, a lawyer, informs him that he has been provided with money from an anonymous benefactor, allowing him to become a gentleman. Pip is to leave for London, but presuming that Miss Havisham is his benefactor, he first visits her. ... ... Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Children''s Ghost Stories is a collection of classic tales by Charles Dickens, Washington Irving and William Shakespeare retold for modern readers, with ghostly jokes and excerpts from two exciting new series, GHOST RESCUE and FEAR RESCUE, for readers aged 6-9. Do you believe in ghosts? Or more to the point, do ghosts believe in you? When you turn in your sleep, do you go creak in the night, and do the ghosts hear you? When you snore in your darkest dreams, do the ghosts come spying to see what gurgling ghoul is spoiling their slumber? And do the ghosts gather, closer and closer, jostling to get a good look, peering into your face, poking your spots, picking your nose, lifting your eyelids in the hope, or fear, that you might wake? Who''s more afraid? You or them? I''m just the writer of this book, so leave me out of this. Except the ghosts have asked me to ask you - Please don''t do that thing you did last night. You know, that thing. Because it was horrible. Icky. Yucky. And if you do it again tonight they will take a photo and post it on Ghostagram... Praise for Andrew''s books - Ghost Rescue and the Greedy Gorgonzolas ''This series by Andrew Murray is wonderful, such a great concept that will have reluctant readers engaged from the outset - I enjoyed it myself as it was almost like a children''s version of Ghost Busters (who doesn''t like that!). Written in a very witty way, easy to read way; with artwork that compliments the story - each page is a delight to digest, and as always the magic of a book is always discovered when read with a child... my daughter absolutely loved this one and can''t wait to read more of the series! Murray and Horne have created characters that stick in your brain and make you buy into the series... the Gorgonzolas are horrid people and my daughter said that they reminded her of The Twits and Matilda''s Parents... not a bad compliment Mr. Murray, not bad at all!'' Ross Jeffrey, Storgy Kids Sherlock - Prisoner 221B ''Sherlock Prisoner 221B is a darkly woven mystery in book one of Andrew Murray''s new Sherlock Darkly series. It''s a skilfully crafted and compelling story of high-stakes deception in which Sherlock Holmes becomes a prisoner in Cell 221B of the Baker Street Young Offenders'' Institution, while his arch enemy Bizz Kid Moriarty is feted as a national hero. Framed for an audacious heist, Sherlock teams up with comic book creator Holiga Darkly to clear his name. With convincing characters, wonderful writing, and a twisty plot, this is a story that grips you from the get-go and never lets up.'' The Very Sleepy Sloth ''My youngest daughter recently brought this book home for us to read together. She loved it so much we read it a number of times within a few days. And for a picture book of 32 pages it really has some great lessons. Having talked this over with my daughter after about the 10th reading she realizes that we each have different strengths and talents and that is part of what makes us who we are. She realized that most of the animals were bucket dippers not bucket fillers(a concept used in primary grades at our school). And that Sloth helps them realize the mistakes they were making. The more we read this book and talked about it the more impressed I became. That my 6 year old picked up all of these lessons by herself speaks to the quality of the book. Overall a really good book with an awesome message, but without being preachy.'' Steven R McEvoy

Everyone begins life''s journey as a child. From one of the world''s most beloved writers comes this memorable parable of life''s transitions.Originally published by Charles Dickens in the mid-1800s, "The Child''s Story" is a timeless account of the journey we all take, from carefree childhood and spontaneous youth, through adulthood and marriage, and into our golden years. Now, almost 150 years after its original publication, acclaimed artist Harvey Chan adds his stirring images to Dickens''s classic words, creating a unique and powerful reading experience that''s ideal for children of all ages.

The Uncommercial Traveller is a collection of literary sketches and reminiscences written by Charles Dickens.In 1859 Dickens founded a new journal called All the Year Round and the Uncommercial Traveller articles would be among his main contributions. He seems to have chosen the title and persona of the Uncommercial Traveller as a result of a speech he gave on the 22 December 1859 to the Commercial Travellers'' School London in his role as honorary chairman and treasurer. The persona sits well with a writer who liked to travel, not only as a tourist, but also to research and report what he found; visiting Europe, America and giving book readings throughout Britain.Dickens began by writing seventeen episodes, which were printed in All the Year Round between 28 January and 13 October 1860 and these were published in a single edition in 1861. He sporadically produced eleven more articles between 1863-65 and an expanded edition of the work was printed in 1866. Once more he returned to the persona with some more sketches written 1868-69 and a complete set of these articles was published posthumously in 1875.

It is 1775, and Mr. Jarvis Lorry is traveling to Dover to meet Lucie Manette. He tells her that she is not an orphan as she had been told from a young age. He now says that he will travel with her to Paris to meet her father, who has recently been released from the Bastille. Doctor Manette is housed in the Defarges'' wine-shop and has lost his reason, but he starts to regain it when he meets his daughter and is transported back to London.Five years later, Charles Darnay is tried in London on a charge of treason for providing English secrets to the French and Americans during the outbreak of the American Revolution. The dramatic appearance of Mr. Sydney Carton, who looks remarkably like him, precludes any positive identification and allows Darnay''s acquittal. Darnay, Mr. Carton, and Mr. Stryver all fall in love with Lucie Manette, who was a tearful, unwilling witness for the prosecution. Although they all make an attempt to woo her, she favors Charles Darnay and marries him. Carton comes to her house alone and declares that while he expects no return of his love, he would do anything for her or for anyone whom she loves. Darnay has ominously hinted to Doctor Manette of his concealed identity, and he reveals to his father-in-law on the morning of his wedding that he is a French nobleman who has renounced his title.In France, Darnay''s uncle, Monseigneur, has been murdered in his bed for crimes against the French people. This means that Darnay is next in line to inherit the aristocratic title, but he tells no one but Doctor Manette. At the urgent request of Monsieur Gabelle, who has been arbitrarily imprisoned, Darnay returns to Paris. He is arrested as a nobleman and an emigrant and thrown into jail.A spy named John Barsad drops into the Defarges'' wine-shop to gather evidence regarding whether they are revolutionaries. They reveal practically nothing, although Madame Defarge is knitting a list of those whom she and the other revolutionaries intend to kill.

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Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Bleak House is a nineteenth century novel by English author Charles Dickens, first published as a serial between March 1852 and September 1853. A Chancery judge once had the kindness to inform me, as one of a company of some hundred and fifty men and women not labouring under any suspicions of lunacy, that the Court of Chancery, though the shining subject of much popular prejudice (at which point I thought the judge''s eye had a cast in my direction), was almost immaculate. There had been, he admitted, a trivial blemish or so in its rate of progress, but this was exaggerated and had been entirely owing to the "parsimony of the public," which guilty public, it appeared, had been until lately bent in the most determined manner on by no means enlarging the number of Chancery judges appointed-I believe by Richard the Second, but any other king will do as well. This seemed to me too profound a joke to be inserted in the body of this book or I should have restored it to Conversation Kenge or to Mr. Vholes, with one or other of whom I think it must have originated. In such mouths I might have coupled it with an apt quotation from one of Shakespeare''s sonnets: "My nature is subdued To what it works in, like the dyer''s hand: Pity me, then, and wish I were renewed!"

This superb collection of classic Victorian literature features the most notable works of Charles Dickens, including Oliver Twist (1839), A Christmas Carol (1843), A Tale of Two Cities (1859), and Great Expectations (1861). Considered the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Dickens was especially known for his unusual characters, incisive social commentary, and carefully constructed plots. Over the last two centuries, his popular fiction has continued to inspire adaptations in nearly artistic genre, and now it is available--complete and unabridged--in this gorgeous slipcase edition. The stylish clothbound hardcover also features a ribbon marker, historical timeline, and comprehensive introduction, enlightening the reader on the author’s life and works.

American Notes for General Circulation is a travelogue by Charles Dickens detailing his trip to North America from January to June 1842. Whilst there he acted as a critical observer of North American society, almost as if returning a status report on their progress. This can be compared to the style of his Pictures from Italy written four years later, where he wrote far more like a tourist. His American journey was also an inspiration for his novel Martin Chuzzlewit. Having arrived in Boston, he visited Lowell, New York, and Philadelphia, and travelled as far south as Richmond, as far west as St. Louis and as far north as Quebec. The American city he liked best was Boston - "the air was so clear, the houses were so bright and gay. [...] The city is a beautiful one, and cannot fail, I should imagine, to impress all strangers very favourably." Further, it was close to the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts Asylum for the Blind where Dickens encountered Laura Bridgman, who impressed him greatly.... Clarkson Frederick Stanfield RA (3 December 1793 - 18 May 1867) was a prominent English marine painter; he is often though inaccurately called William Clarkson Stanfield......... Charles John Huffam Dickens ( 7 February 1812 - 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world''s best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the 20th century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity. Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors'' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children''s rights, education, and other social reforms. Dickens''s literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers. Within a few years he had become an international literary celebrity, famous for his humour, satire, and keen observation of character and society. His novels, most published in monthly or weekly installments, pioneered the serial publication of narrative fiction, which became the dominant Victorian mode for novel publication. The instalment format allowed Dickens to evaluate his audience''s reaction, and he often modified his plot and character development based on such feedback. For example, when his wife''s chiropodist expressed distress at the way Miss Mowcher in David Copperfield seemed to reflect her disabilities, Dickens improved the character with positive features. His plots were carefully constructed, and he often wove elements from topical events into his narratives. Masses of the illiterate poor chipped in ha''pennies to have each new monthly episode read to them, opening up and inspiring a new class of readers.Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens has been praised by fellow writers-from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton-for his realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. ...............

A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost-Story of Christmas, commonly known as A Christmas Carol, is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843; the first edition was illustrated by John Leech. A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man. Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol at a time when the British were examining and exploring Christmas traditions from the past, such as carols, as well as new customs such as Christmas trees. He was influenced by experiences from his own past, and from the Christmas stories of other authors, including Washington Irving and Douglas Jerrold. Dickens had written three Christmas stories prior to the novella, and was inspired to write the story following a visit to the Field Lane Ragged school, one of several establishments for London''s half-starved, illiterate street children. The treatment of the poor and the ability of a self-interested man redeeming himself by transforming into a more sympathetic character are the key themes of the story. There is discussion among academics as to whether this was a fully secular story, or if it is a Christian allegory. Published on 19 December, the first edition sold out by Christmas Eve; by the end of 1844 thirteen editions had been released. Most critics reviewed the novella positively. The story was illicitly copied in January 1844; Dickens took action against the publishers, who went bankrupt, reducing further Dickens''s small profits from the publication. He went on to write four other Christmas stories in subsequent years. In 1849 he began public readings of the story which proved so successful he undertook 127 further performances until 1870, the year of his death. A Christmas Carol has never been out of print and has been translated into several languages; the story has been adapted many times for film, stage, opera and other media. With A Christmas Carol, Dickens captured the zeitgeist of the mid-Victorian revival of the Christmas holiday. He has been acknowledged as an influence on the modern Western observance of Christmas and inspired several aspects of Christmas, such as family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, dancing, games and a festive generosity of spirit............ Arthur Rackham (19 September 1867 - 6 September 1939) was an English book illustrator. .......... Charles John Huffam Dickens ( 7 February 1812 - 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world''s best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the 20th century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity. Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors'' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children''s rights, education, and other social reforms...............

Little Dorrit Charles Dickens The novel begins in Marseilles "thirty years ago" (i.e., c. 1826), with the notorious murderer Rigaud telling his cell mate how he killed his wife. Arthur Clennam is returning to London to see his mother after the death of his father, with whom he had lived for twenty years in China. On his deathbed, his father had given him a mysterious watch murmuring "Your mother," which Arthur naturally assumes is intended for Mrs Clennam, whom he believes to be his mother. Inside the watch casing is an old silk paper with the initials DNF (Do Not Forget) worked into it in beads. It is a message, but when Arthur shows it to the harsh and implacable Mrs Clennam, a religious fanatic, she refuses to tell him what it means and the two become estranged. In London, William Dorrit, imprisoned as a debtor, has been a resident of Marshalsea debtors'' prison for so long that his three children - snobbish Fanny, idle Edward (known as Tip) and Amy (known as Little Dorrit) -- have all grown up there, and Amy was born there. Their mother is dead. The children are free to pass in and out of the prison as they please. Little Dorrit, devoted to her father, supports them both through her sewing.

The Haunted Man and the Ghost''s Bargain, A Fancy for Christmas-Time (better known as The Haunted Man and the Ghost''s Bargain or simply as The Haunted Man) is a novella by Charles Dickens first published in 1848. It is the fifth and last of Dickens''s Christmas novellas. The story is more about the spirit of the holidays than about the holidays themselves, harking back to the first in the series, A Christmas Carol. The tale centres on a Professor Redlaw and those close to him. PLOT: Redlaw is a teacher of chemistry who often broods over wrongs done him and grief from his past. He is haunted by a spirit, who is not so much a ghost as Redlaw''s phantom twin and is "an awful likeness of himself...with his features, and his bright eyes, and his grizzled hair, and dressed in the gloomy shadow of his dress..." This spectre appears and proposes to Redlaw that he can allow him to "forget the sorrow, wrong, and trouble you have known...to cancel their remembrance..." Redlaw is hesitant at first, but finally agrees. As a consequence of the ghost''s intervention, Redlaw is without memories of the painful incidents from his past. He experiences a universal anger that he cannot explain. His bitterness spreads to the Swidgers, the Tetterbys and his student. All become as wrathful as Redlaw himself. The only one who is able to avoid the bitterness is Milly. With this realization, the novel concludes with everyone back to normal and Redlaw, like Ebenezer Scrooge, a changed, more loving man. Now a whole person, Redlaw learns to be humble at Christmas......... Charles John Huffam Dickens ( 7 February 1812 - 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world''s best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the 20th century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity. Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors'' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children''s rights, education, and other social reforms. Dickens''s literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers. Within a few years he had become an international literary celebrity, famous for his humour, satire, and keen observation of character and society. His novels, most published in monthly or weekly instalments, pioneered the serial publication of narrative fiction, which became the dominant Victorian mode for novel publication.The instalment format allowed Dickens to evaluate his audience''s reaction, and he often modified his plot and character development based on such feedback.For example, when his wife''s chiropodist expressed distress at the way Miss Mowcher in David Copperfield seemed to reflect her disabilities, Dickens improved the character with positive features. His plots were carefully constructed, and he often wove elements from topical events into his narratives.Masses of the illiterate poor chipped in ha''pennies to have each new monthly episode read to them, opening up and inspiring a new class of readers.Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre....

American Notes for General Circulation is a travelogue by Charles Dickens detailing his trip to North America from January to June 1842. Whilst there he acted as a critical observer of North American society, almost as if returning a status report on their progress. This can be compared to the style of his Pictures from Italy written four years later, where he wrote far more like a tourist. His American journey was also an inspiration for his novel Martin Chuzzlewit. Having arrived in Boston, he visited Lowell, New York, and Philadelphia, and travelled as far south as Richmond, as far west as St. Louis and as far north as Quebec. The American city he liked best was Boston - "the air was so clear, the houses were so bright and gay. [...] The city is a beautiful one, and cannot fail, I should imagine, to impress all strangers very favourably." Further, it was close to the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts Asylum for the Blind where Dickens encountered Laura Bridgman, who impressed him greatly.

This is a collection of most familiar and best seller Dickens books About Dickens: Charles John Huffam Dickens pen-name "Boz," was the foremost English novelist of the Victorian era, as well as a vigorous social campaigner. Considered one of the English language''s greatest writers, he was acclaimed for his rich storytelling and memorable characters, and achieved massive worldwide popularity in his lifetime. Later critics, beginning with George Gissing and G. K. Chesterton, championed his mastery of prose, his endless invention of memorable characters and his powerful social sensibilities. Yet he has also received criticism from writers such as George Henry Lewes, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf, who list sentimentality, implausible occurrence and grotesque characters as faults in his oeuvre. The popularity of Dickens'' novels and short stories has meant that none have ever gone out of print. Dickens wrote serialised novels, which was the usual format for fiction at the time, and each new part of his stories would be eagerly anticipated by the reading public.

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