The Real Charles Dickens

by Stephen Browning

Offers an in-depth exploration of the author's life, work, and enduring legacy, examining his personal struggles, literary achievements, and social reform efforts.

The Real Charles Dickens is an insightful look into the world of the life and work of the great 19th-century writer. Dickens led one of the most colourful and interesting lives of any author and this book delves into his difficult early life, his emergence as a major novelist, his troubled marriage and suspected relationship with another woman, his trips abroad to Italy and the United States, his late blossoming as a theatrical performer and his work as a social reformer. 

The book takes a detailed look at each of his major works, tracing the development of his fiction through one of the most productive periods of world literature. To complement this are original photographs of locations associated with Dickens and the opportunity to follow in his footsteps with some expertly crafted walks around the parts of London most associated with him. There are sections on Dickens’ enduring relationship with the theatre and one detailing the ten children that he and his wife Catherine had together. From his first foray into serialised novels, The Pickwick Papers, to his last, great, unfinished work, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, each of his books is given special attention. 

 Full of biographical detail and analytical insight, The Real Charles Dickens takes the reader on a journey into the heart of the world that nurtured some of the greatest stories ever written.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Stephen Browning has written a series of books with Norfolk themes. Titles include Discover Norwich, Discover Norfolk – Land of Wide Skies, Spirit of Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk Food Heroes and Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path. He has also written The World of Charles Dickens. In Asia he has written several books aimed at helping young professionals with their English skills, two which have won top awards in Taiwan. Time permitting, he also enjoys writing features for Norfolk magazines and newspapers as well as detective stories.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read some amazing biographies and non-fiction books in the past year and am sad to say this wasn't one of them.

I have never read a biography about Charles Dickens and was excited to learn about his life. However, this was so difficult to read that I barely learned anything about him.

One of the biggest problems could be because it was an uncorrected proof or maybe a formatting problems in kindle. If I hear from another reader or the publisher that this was fixed, I will add a star to my eating. This formatting problem made it even worse to get through. When there are long quotes included, ones that you aren't putting quotation marks around, you are supposed to indent it further than your normal paragraph.

However, there was not a single example where they did this in the book. So I would suddenly be reading quotes and then have no idea when they finished. Would just have to guess when they finished.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

[Chris Chanona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable romp through Dickens’s life and works. Not too challenging or academic but very straightforward, enjoyable and thorough. His life is woven throughout as each work is discussed in chronological order. These chapters can be read as stand- alone if desired. I checked out Bleak House first as I have recently re-read it.

We also learn what happened to each of his several children and grandchildren in the case of Monica Dickens the successful novelist and short story writer.

I also liked the detailed Dickens’s walking routes round London, with bus suggestions too.. I shall get Google Maps ready! Accompanied by photos.

This is a lovely book for the Dickens completist, of which I am one.

I read an ebook copy provided by NetGalley but will look for a hardback once published.

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you to Netgalley and White Owl (Pen and Sword) for the ARC. All thoughts are my own as always.

I thought I'd enjoy this book but I ended up loving it!

If you're a classics fan or you enjoy reading about Victorian history, this book is for you!

The book takes you through Dickens' life from birth to death. The biography is split into chapters by 'life phase'. As you read about that particular time in his life, you're introduced to his relationships and connections as well as the general setting and contexts influencing his writing.

Throughout the text, you also get sections dedicated to each of his major works where you can learn more about it, read an in-depth literary analysis of it, draw connections with Dickens' own life as well as learn about its critical reception. I love that they are split out so you can choose to read them as you come across them or you could read them on their own at a later time, for example, after reading the novel.

I appreciated that the book offers a balanced view of his life and actions. I've read many books that put the figure on a pedestal, but what we get here is a much more comprehensive report of Charles Dickens. The real him with all of his virtues and vices. A man with great talents and strong social justice principles as well as a questionable husband.

While I loved the whole book and how organized and comprehensive it is, the cherry on top is the 'Walk with Charles Dickens' chapter at the end. It provides several recommended plans for literary walking tours of London. You can walk the same streets and even visit some of the establishments Charles Dickens and other classic writers frequented. And the book provides you with facts and information for each stop. I adore that!!

Overall, this was such a wonderful read. I am very grateful for the ARC and highly recommend the book!

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[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles John Huffam Dickens (February 7, 1812 - June 9, 1870) was born the second of 8 children to John Dickens and Elizabeth Barrow.The family struggled financially, leading to his father's imprisonment in a debtors' prison. Charles then had to work in a blacking factory at age 12 to support his family.

Charles began a career as a journalist, reporting on politics and social issues. His breakthrough came when he published "The Pickwick Papers" in 1836, which became a massive success.
- Charles wrote 15 novels:
- *The Pickwick Papers* (1836-1837)
- *Oliver Twist* (1837-1839)
- *Nicholas Nickleby* (1838-1839)
- *The Old Curiosity Shop* (1840-1841)
- *Barnaby Rudge* (1841)
- *Martin Chuzzlewit* (1843-1844)
- *A Christmas Carol* (1843)
- *Dombey and Son* (1846-1848)
- *David Copperfield* (1849-1850)
- *Bleak House* (1852-1853)
- *Hard Times* (1854)
- *Little Dorrit* (1855-1857)
- *A Tale of Two Cities* (1859)
- *Great Expectations* (1860-1861)
- *Our Mutual Friend* (1864-1865)
- *The Mystery of Edwin Drood* (unfinished, published posthumously in 1870)

Charles gave public readings of his works, which were highly popular. He edited a magazine called Household Words.

Charles, along with philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts, founded Urania Cottage, a women's shelter, in 1847, for prostitutes and homeless women. He supported education reform and advocated for improved education for the poor and working class. He campaigned against child labour and supported organisations that provided care and support for vulnerable children, like the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Charles wed Catherine Hogarth in 1836, and they had 10 children.They separated in 1858 due to personal differences, and there were rumours that he was having an affair with actress Ellen Ternan.

He is considered to be one of the greatest authors of the Victorian era, known for his vivid characters, social commentary, and memorable storytelling. He raised awareness about social issues.His works continue to be widely read, adapted, and performed, inspiring many with their timeless themes.

[Jayce Torben · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Real Charles Dickens invited me into the colorful world of Dickens. The book is organized chronologically with each book featured on a contrasting background for easy browsing.

I was particularly taken with the detailed hardships of his early years, his travels, insights into the influence of his friends and associates, his contributions to social reform, and his theatrical career. It was delightful to picture him giving readings and bringing each character to life for his audiences.

Stephen Browning and Simon Thompson have created an engaging, multidimensional biography that illuminates the personal and literary life of Dickens.

The background and insights added to my appreciation of the books. I especially enjoyed the discussion of Christmas in various works and of the questions surrounding his last, unfinished novel.

I enjoyed the many Dickens quotes throughout the text. His characters, storytelling, and depictions of social issues and institutions continue to enlighten and entertain. His concerns about piracy and plagiarism in America remain relevant.

The dismissive way some of Dickens' interests and beliefs were characterized surprised me. Because it's a review copy, I won't mention the words that I found off-putting.

The walking tours, complete with maps and including other literary figures are a bonus. There are numerous photos, a bibliography, and a basic index.

I recommend The real Charles Dickens to readers who enjoy literary and historical biography. It's detailed enough for the Dickens enthusiast and accessible enough for the general reader.

My thanks to Pen & Sword | White Owl for the eARC for consideration. These are solely my own opinions.

[Ryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Real Charles Dickens is a biography with a happy twist. Stephen Browning and Simon Thomas do an excellent job connecting Charles Dickens life to his many works.

The appeal in Dickens is his ability to write about actual people and the social environment he lived in. His works are a 19th century time capsule for us future generations to appreciate. In this biography you will gain a better understanding of what and who inspired much of his work. For example, the authors explore the people he based his characters on, such as Mr. A.S. Laing, a magistrate who would be forever linked to the cruel Mr. Fang in Oliver Twist. He would be one of his uncanny characters before Mr. Dickens realized it would be best to make these people less obvious and began fusing fiction in with the reality.

I especially enjoyed the author name drops, like the time when Hans Christian Anderson stayed with Dickens and his family in 1856 for five weeks and their surprising thoughts on the man. Other names mentioned were Elizabeth Gaskell, Anthony Trollope and George Eliot.

The book ends with a chapter that is essentially a tour guide of the locations that inspired his works or were directly linked to the man’s life. It’s written for the Charles Dickens fan, but accessible to the lesser read admirer. I approached this book more interested in his personal life than his novels so I didn’t quite get as much out of it as I wanted, but I’m glad I read it and will forever see he books in a new light. Suggested for the Dickens enthusiast.

Thank You NetGalley and Pen & Sword Books for the special opportunity for this advanced reading in exchange for a review.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW, Wishes do come true.............and I loved reading books by Charles Dickens when I was younger.

The Real Charles Dickens by Stephen Browning and Simon Thomas was a brilliant read this new book is an in-depth exploration of the author's life, work, and enduring legacy, examining his personal struggles, literary achievements, and social reform efforts. The Real Charles Dickens is an insightful look into the world of the life and work of the great 19th-century writer and gives you a detailed look at each of his major works, tracing the development of his fiction through one of the most productive periods of world literature.

Stephen Browning and Simon Thomas do an excellent job connecting Charles Dickens life to his many works It was a well researched and written book.

Overall this book was an excellent book, I would recommend it to anyone with any interest in Charles Dickens life and books etc.

[Shannan Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Browning provides an overview of the experiences that inspired Charles Dickens to write. Dickens based his characters on real-life people he encountered. The author uses the time of Dickens' life to highlight how different events affected him and inspired him to write. From the death of loved ones, debtor prison to political objections of child labor laws, poverty and slavery through his remarkable stories he highlights injustices of Victorian England and this author does a good making a correlation between real life and his writings. At the end of the book, he gives you a detailed walking path based on Dickens's life and stories. He tells you what you should know before you plan it out, including traffic patterns. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to your Dickens library, and I am one of them. Thank you, Pen and Sword, for the opportunity to review this book.

[Sam Beach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and written book. I learned more about Charles Dickens than I realized I would. The book gave a more personal feel and connection to the life of Charles Dickens and all he overcame in his life.
My only 'issue' with the book was I found the interspersing of information about his books to at times take away from the more biographical feel. I personally would have preferred the information separated, but that's more a personal preference. Overall an excellent book and I would recommend it to anyone with any interest in Mr. Dickens.

[Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short biography had the misfortune of being the fourth of four Dickens books I've read recently. It doesn't bring much to the conversation other than synopses of all of his books in chronological order. If someone were on their way to London, the walking tours in the appendix might be helpful. It is not quite as engaging as The Conversations with Charles Dickens, but would serve as a similar starting point for someone who was interested in the author. The formatting of the e-book without pictures was not helpful.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short biography successfully uses source material to get to a clear and concise depiction of Charles Dickens. I didn't think I could learn more about the man behind so many famous works, but Browning successfully presented information I had not learned before.
For anyone interested in Dickens, the time period, or simply a well written, easy to read, biography.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.