Showing results by author "Charles Dickens"" in All Categories

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done...." With these words and a superb act of bravery and sacrifice, one of the most badly behaved heroes of all time ends Charles Dickens' great tale of the French Revolution. This is a firework display of a book, a crackling picture of the ravages and excesses of starving, furious men and the astonishing acts of heroism that usually accompany them.

A sinister masterpiece, Our Mutual Friend was Dickens' last completed novel. It is perhaps his ultimate vision of a dark, macabre London and the corrupting power of money.

A mysterious boatman on the Thames, a drowned heir, a dustman and his wife, and a host of other Dickens characters populate this novel of relationships between the classes, money, greed, and love. The 58 characters are presented with remarkable clarity by David Timson.

The Pickwick Papers, Dickens' first novel, is a glorious romp through the pre-Reform Bill England of 1827. Traveling by stage-coach, the innocent but well-intentioned Pickwick and his equally naive friends, all in search of "interesting scenes and characters," are repeatedly saved from disaster by the resourceful and quick-witted Sam Weller.

William Dorrit has been a resident of the Marshalsea debtors prison for so many years that he has gained the nickname "The Father of the Marshalsea". However, his suffering is eased by his close bond with youngest daughter Amy, or "Little Dorrit". The dashing Arthur Clennam, returning to London after many years in China, enters their lives and the Dorrits' fortunes begin to rise and fall. A biting satirical work on the shortcomings of 19th century government and society.

The Complete Charles Dickens Collection: Part One contains all of Charles Dickens' major published works from 1836 to 1849. From the short stories by 'Boz' which began Dickens' journey as an author, to the great works of literature that have inspired generations - including Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, The Old Curiosity Shop, and more - and essays that give us a deeper insight into his life, opinions, and travels, this collection is an essential addition to your library.

Audible presents an original production of the aptly named The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Charles Dickens’ final, unfinished novel. Following his untimely death at the age of 58, Dickens managed to publish only six of the 12 planned instalments of the story. Though it has gone on to be one of his more popular titles and the source of inspiration for various television, stage and theatre adaptations, no one knows exactly how Dickens planned to end the mystery.

Brought to you by Penguin. Now a major film directed by Armando Iannucci, starring Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton, Hugh Laurie, Peter Capaldi and Ben Whishaw. This Penguin Classic is performed by Ed Speleers. This definitive recording includes an introduction by Jeremy Tambling. 'The greatest...

In this gripping tale, two boys from the Foundling Hospital share the same name, leading to catastrophic repercussions in their adult lives. To set things right, two determined associates embark on a quest to locate a missing heir. Their journey plunges them into the depths of Londons mysterious wine cellars and the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, traversing the treacherous Alps in winter. With danger and betrayal lurking at every turn, its the unwavering bravery of the heroine and her loyal servant that keep hope alive. Rich with vivid descriptions, diverse characters, eerie ...

Step back in time to the 1840s as Charles Dickens invites you into the enchanting world of Master Humphreys Clock. This weekly periodical, published between April 1840 and December 1841, features a delightful collection of short stories, all purportedly shared by the titular character and his circle of companions. Alongside these tales, youll find engaging correspondence to the fictional club, creating a rich tapestry of narrative and camaraderie. While the complete novels The Old Curiosity Club and Barnaby Rudge are referenced throughout, this recording captures all the other published ...

Join us as we explore the enchanting world of Charles Dickens Christmas novellas, penned between 1843 and 1848. While many are familiar with the beloved classic A Christmas Carol, Dickens also gifted us with four other holiday tales The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, and The Haunted Man and the Ghosts Bargain. Each story brings its own unique charm and festive spirit. - Summary by Brad Filippone

Dive into the timeless tale of A Christmas Carol, where we follow Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is visited by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, along with the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these haunting encounters, Scrooge embarks on a transformative journey that leads him to embrace the true spirit of Christmas and become a more compassionate individual. - Summary by Wikipedia

Step into the enchanting world of A Christmas Carol, where we meet Ebenezer Scrooge, a cantankerous old miser whose life is forever changed after a series of ghostly visits. Guided by the spirit of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, and the three spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, Scrooge embarks on a transformative journey that reveals the profound truth that redemption is possible for even the most hardened of hearts. - Summary by Wikipedia and jvanstan

Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, flees to England to escape the violence of his noble family’s past, only to be drawn back into the chaos of his homeland. Lucie Manette, the daughter of a former prisoner of the Bastille, becomes the emotional anchor for those around her, including the brilliant but disillusioned lawyer Sydney Carton.

Andrew Sachs reads these four classic stories of suspense - "The Signalman" by Charles Dickens, "The Haunted Doll's House" by M. R. James, "The Room in the Tower" by E. F. Benson, and "The Bus-Conductor" by E. F. Benson. These spine-tingling tales, from the golden age of the ghost story, are sure to leave you with a creeping sense of dread.

When 19-year old Nicholas Nickleby is left destitute after his father's death, he appeals to his wealthy uncle to help him find work and to protect his mother and sister. But Ralph Nickleby offers little help and proves to be both hard-hearted and unscrupulous, leaving Nicholas to make his own way in the world.

Tom Baker reads Charles Dickens' timeless seasonal story. Charles Dickens' story of solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of Christmas by the three ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, has become one of the timeless classics of English literature. First...

One of Dickens’ earlier novels, dating from 1839, it charts the fortunes of an honorable young man, Nicholas Nickleby, who has set out to make his way in the world. Dickens presents his remarkably vivid display of Victorian characters and the life they lead, from the generous to the fated to the crushed. Hope springs eternal, however, and righteous persistence brings rewards.

Famed for being Dickens’s last completed novel, Our Mutual Friend is a sophisticated social analysis and damning satire of wealth, and the greed and corruption it can bring. First published between 1864 and 1865, Our Mutual Friend revolves around the inheritance of a large fortune left by John Harmon Sr., owner of a huge estate. Once John passes, his wealth is left to his son, but only under one condition: that he marries Miss Bella Wilfer, a shallow young woman preoccupied with money.

For the background to this historical novel, a tale of mystery, suspense and unsolved murder, Dickens chose the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780. Mayhem reigns in the streets of London, vividly described by Dickens, and the innocent Barnaby Rudge is drawn into the thick of it.