Dickens: His Work and His World

by Michael Rosen

"The worlds of Charles Dickens, both his personal one and the ones he created, come alive in this terrific book, which will entice readers to his works." —  Booklist  (starred review)

Join award-winning author, critic, and anthologist Michael Rosen for a spirited tour of the life and work of one of our greatest novelists. With stunning illustrations by Robert Ingpen, this accessible, child-friendly book vividly re-creates the world of Charles Dickens, from the author's childhood in London to his early career, his performances, and, of course, the great social and political upheavals of the time, which inspired so much of his work. Michael Rosen's vibrant discussion covers some of the best-known novels by Dickens, describing  Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol,  and  David Copperfield,  and providing a fascinating detailed analysis of  Great Expectations.  Back matter includes a time line and an index.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Picture Books, Middle Grade, Childrens

96 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2005

About the author

Michael Rosen, a recent British Children’s Laureate, has written many acclaimed books for children, including WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, and I’M NUMBER ONE and THIS IS OUR HOUSE, both illustrated by Bob Graham. Michael Rosen lives in London.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Connie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated introduction to Charles Dickens, written for readers in middle school and their early teens. It includes a biography of Dickens, a description of 19th Century London, the social problems of the time, and a timeline. There is also a discussion of some of Dickens' most popular works--"A Christmas Carol," "Oliver Twist," "David Copperfield," and "Great Expectations." Very enjoyable!

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

With superb illustrations by Robert Ingpen, Michael Rosen has produced a book about Dickens with a difference. Aspects of Dickens' life are well known by many so the author begins by giving a somewhat abridged account of his life. That is not to say he skips over events, he just picks out the salient points in those 58 years and it works to perfection. After having read 'The Life' chapter the reader is in no doubt of what was significant in his life and times from the blacking factory work, which Dickens detested, through to the last reading in London when he gave the affection farewell to his audience in St James's.

In the 'London' chapter, Rosen puts across what the city meant to Dickens, how he lived there and walked it regularly and how his descriptions of the city and its people coloured the views of his readers and gave them a real feel for what the city was about.

Then he selects short extracts from 'A Christmas Carol', 'Oliver Twist' and 'David Copperfield' and demonstrates how Dickens interpreted the themes that were important to him for his readers to analyse and think about. He ends that particular section with a more detailed study of 'Great Expectations' and how forcibly Dickens put across the many points about what he felt strongly about; 'There is no one better than Dickens at creating moments like this', he wrote.

And then there is Dickens' legacy and relates some of his doings to the modern world such as film and TV adaptations of his works, shows based on his stories and the TV sitcoms that end each episode with a cliffhanger leaving the audience wanting more ... exactly like Dickens did with his serialised novels.

Finally there is a well constructed timeline that not only charts the important events in Dickens life but adds significant happenings for each of the years 1812 to 1870; it is a nice little tailpiece to this excellent work.

As for the illustrations, the pick of them for me is the double page spread of Dickens' characters around a huge Victorian bar with most of the 60 featured instantly recognisable from the novels. And if some are not as obvious as others, there is an excellent outline key to identify them.

The book is a fine addition to any Dickensian collection.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join award-winning author, critic, and anthologist Michael Rosen for a spirited tour of the life and work of one of our greatest novelists. With stunning illustrations by Robert Ingpen, this accessible, child-friendly book vividly re-creates the world of Charles Dickens, from the author's childhood in London to his early career, his performances, and, of course, the great social and political upheavals of the time, which inspired so much of his work. Michael Rosen's vibrant discussion covers some of the best-known novels by Dickens, describing OLIVER TWIST, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and DAVID COPPERFIELD, and providing a fascinating detailed analysis of GREAT EXPECTATIONS.

[Marie Hurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pictures are beautiful & a great way to introduce young people to Dickens.

[Patreesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's truly a lot to like about this book, unfortunately it tries to do too much in its abbreviated space.

[Elina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was vey good I did not know that he was the author of my favourite movie A Christmas Carol. I learnt a lot about Charles Dickens it was very informative. He was very talented because he could be scrooge for a moment then next moment he could be Tiny Tim. He was a great writer and many people loved him. I'm pretty sure some of your favourite stories are made by him. I give this a 5\5.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great resource when introducing Dicken's writing - puts his novels in context and offers a nice sampling of his writing which may be just enough for younger readers. There's a great graphic at the back with all of his most memorable characters in one big room.

[Georgene · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read summary of Dickens' life and 4 of his books--Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and Great Expectations. Not sure how many elementary and middle school students will be encouraged to actually read any of Dickens' works, but they can get a fairly good overview of these books by him by reading this biography.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives more information about Dickens life, and an excellent timeline in the back. It also discusses with examples how Dickens fiction portrays the struggle of lower class vs. upper class in the 1800's.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me want to read more about Dickens!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but I don't think it belongs in the juvenile biography section. The youngest reader I would recommend for it is probably a 9th or 10th grader.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVING IT!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How much do you know about Charles Dickens? This biography gives the reader a closer look at his life and some of his stories.

[Mona Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of Dickens' writing and his life.