Charles Dickens
Список книг автора Charles DickensLittle Dorrit
Originally published in serial form from 1855 to 1857, “Little Dorrit” is characteristic of Charles Dickens’ later works. The story is a condemnation of British society, particularly of the system of debtor’s prisons, an issue that was of particular importance to Dickens as his father had been imprisoned for his debts when Dickens was a young man. Through the memorable characters of Little Amy Dorrit and her father William Dorrit, as well as the disenchanted Arthur Clennam, recently returned from abroad, Dickens weaves a suspenseful tale that plumbs the depths of lives confined by poverty and their own internal shortcomings. Despite the changing fortunes of many of the characters, financial scandal and personal ruin is never far behind them, and they must use their wits and intelligence to seek freedom in unexpected ways. “Little Dorrit” is in turns a touching romance, a biting social commentary, and a cautionary tale of lies, and personal responsibility. Dickens, at the height of his illustrious career, employs his masterful irony, humor, and experienced writing style to create a powerful story about both physical and psychological imprisonment, as well as the freedom of a spirit that feels love, kindness, and acceptance. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
The Pickwick Papers (with an Introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple)
Charles Dickens’s first novel, “The Pickwick Papers” was originally published in serial form between March 1836 and October 1837. Drawing on Dickens’s experience as a journalist and reporter in London and the surrounding countryside, the novel is a series of loosely related comical adventures of the members of the Pickwick Club, founded by the novel’s main character, Mr. Samuel Pickwick. Mr. Pickwick is a wealthy and bored old gentleman who suggests that he and the club members, Tracy Tupman, Augustus Snodgrass, and Nathaniel Winkle, venture outside London and report on their experiences to each other. From encounters with highwaymen, a duel, romantic escapades, and a brief stay in Fleet Prison, these wild and hilarious adventures form the basis of the novel’s plot. “The Pickwick Papers” gained immense popularity and became one of the first publishing successes of the pre-Victorian era when the character of Sam Weller was introduced in Chapter Ten. Sam is hired on as Mr. Pickwick’s valet and his wise Cockney observations and advice stand in contrast to the naïve and unworldly Mr. Pickwick. Through its numerous well-loved characters and settings, the novel affords the reader a fascinating and entertaining glimpse into 19th century England. This edition includes an introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple and a biographical afterword.
Our Mutual Friend (with an Introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple)
First published serially between 1864 and 1865, “Our Mutual Friend” is the last novel completed by Charles Dickens. The death of a wealthy miser, who is estranged from all except his trusted employees, Nicodemus and Henrietta Boffin, brings his son John Harmon back to London in order to claim his inheritance. The patrimony carries with it one condition, that he marries a woman he has never met, Miss Bella Wilfer. When a body is found floating in the Thames, it is presumed to be John, and the inheritance instead passes to the Boffins. The kind-hearted working class Boffins take into their household the disappointed bride to be Miss Wilfer and treat her as their own daughter, pampering her with their newfound wealth. They also accept the generous offer of John Rokesmith to attend to their financial affairs for free. Rokesmith, who also goes by the alias of Julius Handford, is in fact the heir John Harmon, presumed to be dead. Dickens’s novel is a thematically rich one, addressing the struggle of man between societal expectations and the desire to follow one’s heart. Rich with a symbolism of rebirth, “Our Mutual Friend” brilliantly dramatizes the impact that wealth plays upon society. This edition includes an introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple and a biographical afterword.
Nicholas Nickleby (with an Introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple)
Though only Dickens’ third novel, “Nicholas Nickleby” is a well-crafted and significant precursor to his other great works. The tale follows the fortunes of a young man, the son of an imprudent gentleman who leaves his family without resources. Fiercely devoted to his mother and sisters, as well as his true friends, Nicholas is occasionally emotional and even violent, yet always idealistic. He seeks the aid of his villainous uncle, Ralph Nickleby, who comes to hate his nephew and wishes him serious harm. Nicholas attempts more than once to achieve gainful employment, being first disgusted by the abuse of the schoolmaster Squeers, later surprised by the acting and antics of Vincent Crummles, and finally assisted by the merchant Cheeryble brothers. Dickens employs a cast of characters, both good and unsavory, in this adventurous story of Nicholas Nickleby, who helps those in need, despises wickedness, grows in self-awareness, and eventually falls in love, in a plot that is by turns melodramatic and comedic. An uplifting tale full of poignant indictments on Victorian society, “Nicholas Nickleby” has all the best characteristics of Dickens’ other classics. This edition includes an introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple and a biographical afterword.
Oliver Twist (with an Introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple)
Originally serialized in “Bentley’s Miscellany” between February 1837 and April 1839, “Oliver Twist,” is Charles Dickens’s second novel, the classic story of the struggles of a young orphan in 19th century England. When his mother dies in childbirth, Oliver Twist finds himself in a situation of dire poverty. At the time, those who could not afford to provide for themselves were often forced into servitude under the harsh Poor Laws of 19th century England. At the age of nine, Oliver is set to work picking and weaving oakum at the workhouse where he lives. The circumstances of Oliver’s life are brutal, with meager food, clothing, and shelter, he finds himself in an unenviable position. “Oliver Twist,” is an early example of social criticism, in which Dickens effectively draws attention to the political issues of child labor and the struggles of the poor. Drawing upon his own experiences as an impoverished youth, Dickens brought to light the struggles of the lower classes in a way that continues to resonate with audiences until this day. This edition includes an introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple.
David Copperfield (with an Introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple)
The eighth novel of Charles Dickens, which was first published serially between May 1849 and November 1850, “David Copperfield,” is viewed as one of the most autobiographical of all the author’s novels. A classic coming-of-age story, it is the tale of its titular character from childhood to maturity which chronicles the struggle between the emotional and moral aspects of his life. Central to the theme of the novel is the idea of the disciplined heart. Dickens suggests that people basically fall into three categories: those who have one, those who don’t, and those who seek to cultivate one. It is this development of a disciplined heart inside David Copperfield which establishes the principal context of his relationships throughout the novel. David’s story is one filled with trials and tribulations which he struggles to overcome in his pursuit of a happy and fulfilled life. Considered by many as one of Dickens’s greatest works, “David Copperfield” remains as popular today as when it was first published. This edition includes an introduction by Edwin Percy Whipple.
A Christmas Carol (Illustrated by Arthur Rackham with an Introduction by Hall Caine)
First published in 1843, “A Christmas Carol” is arguably Dickens’s most popular and accessible work. An instant success ever since its original publication, it is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold, bitter, old miser who despises Christmas and everything about it. When the ghost of Scrooge’s former business partner, Jacob Marley, visits him on Christmas Eve exactly seven years after his death, Scrooge is challenged to rethink his ways before it is too late. Over the course of the evening he is visited by three more spirits, the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come. These visits help Scrooge to see the error in his ways transforming him by the end of the story into a kinder and gentler soul. Inspired by his experiences as a child, Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” highlights the plight of the lower class in 19th century England through an enduring and ultimately heart-warming tale. This edition includes an introduction by Hall Caine, a biographical afterword, and is illustrated by Arthur Rackham.
Great Expectations (with a Preface by G. K. Chesterton and an Introduction by Andrew Lang)
“Great Expectations” is the classic novel by Charles Dickens that traces the life of an orphan named Pip. The novel begins on Christmas Eve 1812 where we find a seven year old Pip as he encounters an escaped convict in the cemetery where Pip’s family is buried. Pip lives with his abusive older sister, and her husband Joe Gargery, a blacksmith, whom Pip works for as an apprentice. A wealthy spinster, Miss Havisham, encourages a friendship between Pip and her adopted daughter Estella. When Pip receives a large sum of money from an anonymous benefactor, whom he assumes to be Miss Havisham, he leaves for London to become a gentleman. Soon after Estella arrives in London and Pip, who is in love with the girl, escorts her about the town. When it is discovered that Miss Havisham is not the anonymous benefactor, a series of events is set in motion with tragic consequences. At the center of the novel is a complicated set of themes that can be simplified by the idea that the affection of love and loyalty of friendship are more important than aspirations for wealth and to a higher social class. This edition includes a preface by G. K. Chesterton, an introduction by Andrew Lang, and a biographical afterword.
A Tale of Two Cities (Illustrated by Harvey Dunn with introductions by G. K. Chesterton, Andrew Lang, and Edwin Percy Whipple)
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” so begins Charles Dickens’s famous novel concerning the contentious time leading up to and during the French Revolution. In these first words Dickens exemplifies the dichotomous relationship that existed between the aristocracy and the lower classes of the time and the universal themes that would be depicted throughout the book. “A Tale of Two Cities,” is set in London and Paris, the titular two cities, at the end of the 18th century, and principally concerns the lives of Dr. Alexandre Manette, his daughter Lucie, who marries a French nobleman, Charles Darnay, and their close family friend, barrister Sydney Carton. Despite the union of Lucie and Darney, Carton confesses his love to Lucie, declaring to “embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you,” a promise that he will uphold in dramatic fashion by the end of the novel. Dickens considered “A Tale of Two Cities” to be the best novel that he had ever written. One of only two works of historical fiction that the author would compose; it is a sweeping narrative that explores the best and the worst of the human character and condition. This edition is illustrated by Harvey Dunn, includes introductions by G. K. Chesterton, Andrew Lang, and Edwin Percy Whipple, and a biographical afterword.
O Christmas Three
Four classic tales from three famous authors to enliven and inspire your celebration of Christmas this season…
This beautiful gift book contains three heart-warming stories that recall Christmases past: • O.Henry's all-American tale, «The Gift of the Magi,» originally published in 1906. • Leo Tolstoy's Russian folktale, «Where Love Is, There God Is Also» from 1887. • Charles Dickens' little known classic, «The Seven Poor Travellers» and «What Christmas Is As We Grow Older,» 1851.
"One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bulldozing the grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until one's cheeks burned with the silent imputation of parsimony that such close dealing implied. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas…. She had been saving every penny she could for months, with this result. Twenty dollars a week doesn't go far. Expenses had been greater than she had calculated. They always are. Only $1.87 to buy a present for Jim. Her Jim." – from the beginning of «The Gift of the Magi»