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Charles Dickens: A Life from Beginning to End
Charles Dickens * * *Download for FREE on Kindle Unlimited + Free BONUS Inside!* * * Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet. From working in a shoe-blacking factory as a 12-year-old to help his family while his father was in debtor’s prison, Charles Dickens rose to become one of the best-known novelists of all time. Lines like Oliver Twist’s “Please sir, may I have some more?” or the opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” are part of the popular vocabulary, and many of Dickens’ works have been translated into movies or TV series. Yet the story of his rise from relative obscurity to immense fame and popularity is not a simple one. Always energetic and unceasingly active, writing until the day before his death, Dickens proves to be a character as interesting as many of those he created. Inside you will read about... ✓ Providing for His Family as a Child ✓ Beginnings as an Author ✓ Increasing Fame ✓ The Republic of My Imagination ✓ Rumors and Infidelity ✓ Return to America and Last Years And much more! In this book, you’ll meet the author who not only wrote famous novels like Great Expectations and David Copperfield, but whose work also helped to develop and popularize the genre of the novel.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
185 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 28, 2022
but darkness was cheap so Scrooge liked it
A good discussion of Dickens’s many writings and his eternal legacy (what else could you call it) as well as a fairly in-depth examination of his life, a life that was far more painful and tumultuous than I would have guessed.
A good discussion of Dickens’s many writings and his eternal legacy (what else could you call it) as well as a fairly in-depth examination of his life, a life that was far more painful and tumultuous than I would have guessed.
January 22, 2021
Having read a few books authored by Dickens, one looked forward to knowing how he went about in his life and created masterpieces like "A Tale of Two Cities", "David Copperfield" and "Oliver Twist". There was always a desire for more. This offering by Hourly History does not disappoint as it portrays the life of Dickens as best as it could be in few pages.
October 27, 2019
Good!
Reasons for 4 stars:
-It is a short book. However, it was interesting.
-I do know not much about Charles Dickens personally.
-It did leave me curious to know more.
-It about his life and things that inspired his writing. Some parts are sad. Life is not always sunshine.
Reasons for 4 stars:
-It is a short book. However, it was interesting.
-I do know not much about Charles Dickens personally.
-It did leave me curious to know more.
-It about his life and things that inspired his writing. Some parts are sad. Life is not always sunshine.
March 7, 2023
Charles dickens
This is a good read for a quick inquiry about Charles Dickinson. Was a very good read and very enjoyable
This is a good read for a quick inquiry about Charles Dickinson. Was a very good read and very enjoyable
June 1, 2020
Dickens wrote so many classics that endure and have worked their way into popular culture including: "A Christmas Carol" (Scrooge), "A Tale of Two Cities" (“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”), "Oliver Twist" (“Please sir, may I have some more?”). He published many of his books in serial form first in daily or weekly papers. He was concerned with the disparity between the rich and the poor and many of his books reflect this. His life is just as interesting. What a fascinating and gifted author.
July 13, 2023
Another wonderful biography from this series. As always it was concise, thorough and to the point. In one word it was all I expected from a book like this. Excellent.
October 13, 2019
Over the past several years, I have developed a keener interest in history than I ever had when I was younger. In part, this is because I feel a need to put a framework around current events. In doing so, I am finding correlation between now and Victorian England. Charles Dickens, lauded for his writing that was so much about the plight of the poor would, no doubt, be writing similar books if he was alive today.
I was never a fan of Dickens' writing. I cringe at the mention of DAVID COPPERFIELD, which I had to read in junior high. In fact, I read only the first half of this weighty and wordy tome but never finished it. I have seen different movie adaptations of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, but none stands out like the two performances I saw of Patrick Stewart's one-man show adaptation, on Broadway. After reading this short biography, I wonder if the impetus for this solo performance by Steward is the direct result of Dickens' own reading tours where A CHRISTMAS CAROL was among the favorites. Along with writing, Charles Dickens had a love of theatre, and his readings were bits of performance art.
Much is told about the chronology of his writing and publishing career; however, there is no mention of his books being so wordy because he was paid by the word. It would seem that he was quite successful as a journalist, author, editor, and publisher, and made a decent living doing it. Dickens was also friend and colleague to Wilkie Collins whose works are also quite long. I found the works of Collins far more readable.
With regard to his books, and their publication in the United States, he was left out in the cold financially. The United States was not party to international copyright, so anyone could publish the works of non-US authors with impunity. Dickens made more than one trip to the United States, and he met Edgar Allan Poe whose work suffered lack of publication because, as an American, he would have to be paid. We have both sides of the same coin working toward international copyright. (You can read more about this in EDGAR ALLAN POE: A Life From Beginning to End, also from Hourly History)
Dickens' life is a reflection his time. His father kept the family in debt, thus ending up in debtor's prison when Charles was 12. At this young age, he had to work to help support his family. His father remained an inveterate spender throughout his life, even cashing in on his famous son's success. Despite early hardship, Charles Dickens was able to have the wherewithal to provide for a wife and ten children with a fair degree of comfort.
Although not a favorite author, I now see Charles Dickens as the product of his time which made the reading of this biographical account more than worthwhile.
I was never a fan of Dickens' writing. I cringe at the mention of DAVID COPPERFIELD, which I had to read in junior high. In fact, I read only the first half of this weighty and wordy tome but never finished it. I have seen different movie adaptations of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, but none stands out like the two performances I saw of Patrick Stewart's one-man show adaptation, on Broadway. After reading this short biography, I wonder if the impetus for this solo performance by Steward is the direct result of Dickens' own reading tours where A CHRISTMAS CAROL was among the favorites. Along with writing, Charles Dickens had a love of theatre, and his readings were bits of performance art.
Much is told about the chronology of his writing and publishing career; however, there is no mention of his books being so wordy because he was paid by the word. It would seem that he was quite successful as a journalist, author, editor, and publisher, and made a decent living doing it. Dickens was also friend and colleague to Wilkie Collins whose works are also quite long. I found the works of Collins far more readable.
With regard to his books, and their publication in the United States, he was left out in the cold financially. The United States was not party to international copyright, so anyone could publish the works of non-US authors with impunity. Dickens made more than one trip to the United States, and he met Edgar Allan Poe whose work suffered lack of publication because, as an American, he would have to be paid. We have both sides of the same coin working toward international copyright. (You can read more about this in EDGAR ALLAN POE: A Life From Beginning to End, also from Hourly History)
Dickens' life is a reflection his time. His father kept the family in debt, thus ending up in debtor's prison when Charles was 12. At this young age, he had to work to help support his family. His father remained an inveterate spender throughout his life, even cashing in on his famous son's success. Despite early hardship, Charles Dickens was able to have the wherewithal to provide for a wife and ten children with a fair degree of comfort.
Although not a favorite author, I now see Charles Dickens as the product of his time which made the reading of this biographical account more than worthwhile.
May 29, 2024
A quick and fairly enjoyable read but I didn't gain as much insight as I would have hoped.
I would have liked a bit more commentary, whether about Victorian Britain, Victorian literature or about Dickens himself.
I learned a lot of facts, but not much connecting them.
A few things I did learn:
(1) Dickens was a prodigy
Dickens had his first mega-success in 1836 when he was 24 and continued to enjoy super-popularity throughout his entire life. It seems like writing popular stuff was almost effortless for him.
(2) Dickens was a stressed out man
For Dickens, the writing life was not calm and meditative. He was perpetually pressed for money and harassed by deadlines. Most of the time he had to write under great pressure and he rarely took a break.
(3) He Died Young
I was surprised to learn that he died at 58. Even by the standards of the 1800s that's pretty young for a wealthy man.
While I didn't gain that much insight from this book, , it has made me thirsty to read some Dickens. I don't think I have read a Dickens since I was a child.
I would have liked a bit more commentary, whether about Victorian Britain, Victorian literature or about Dickens himself.
I learned a lot of facts, but not much connecting them.
A few things I did learn:
(1) Dickens was a prodigy
Dickens had his first mega-success in 1836 when he was 24 and continued to enjoy super-popularity throughout his entire life. It seems like writing popular stuff was almost effortless for him.
(2) Dickens was a stressed out man
For Dickens, the writing life was not calm and meditative. He was perpetually pressed for money and harassed by deadlines. Most of the time he had to write under great pressure and he rarely took a break.
(3) He Died Young
I was surprised to learn that he died at 58. Even by the standards of the 1800s that's pretty young for a wealthy man.
While I didn't gain that much insight from this book, , it has made me thirsty to read some Dickens. I don't think I have read a Dickens since I was a child.
January 5, 2020
So, Charles Dickens. A great writer and someone whose Christmas Carol still lives on today in various forms. (The Muppets Christmas Carol movie was really good. I still think the Alastair Sims version was the best.)
He had a fairly rough start in life with his father being sent to debtor's prison. He left school early due to lack of money and got a job. It was a while before his writing ability really got going but once it did he worked extremely hard, sometimes working on two books at the same time.
During this, though, he still had financial troubles, marriage problems and difficulties with publishers. His books seemed to get better as time went on and his books (adapted into plays, movies, etc) are still considered some of the best writing.
This book does a good job covering his life and I like the fact that it showed he had a lot of difficulties but still managed to make his mark on the history of literature.
He had a fairly rough start in life with his father being sent to debtor's prison. He left school early due to lack of money and got a job. It was a while before his writing ability really got going but once it did he worked extremely hard, sometimes working on two books at the same time.
During this, though, he still had financial troubles, marriage problems and difficulties with publishers. His books seemed to get better as time went on and his books (adapted into plays, movies, etc) are still considered some of the best writing.
This book does a good job covering his life and I like the fact that it showed he had a lot of difficulties but still managed to make his mark on the history of literature.
January 9, 2020
Succinct and informative
I like these short biographies because they give me a glimpse into the lives of the subjects. I love the fact that I can read them in one sitting. This book about the life of Charles Dickenson is a very nice overview of his life, times and motivation. If you are looking for an in-depth account of his life, this book is not for you. If you are just looking for the bare facts, give this a try. It is short, as they all are in this series, but it might satisfy your curiosity. Or, it might lead you to read a more thorough retelling of the life of this fascinating man.
I like these short biographies because they give me a glimpse into the lives of the subjects. I love the fact that I can read them in one sitting. This book about the life of Charles Dickenson is a very nice overview of his life, times and motivation. If you are looking for an in-depth account of his life, this book is not for you. If you are just looking for the bare facts, give this a try. It is short, as they all are in this series, but it might satisfy your curiosity. Or, it might lead you to read a more thorough retelling of the life of this fascinating man.
June 17, 2021
It was the best of times,it was the worst of times….
Dickens lead in from “ A Tale of Two Cities” is still quoted today. I must admit that I’ve only read a couple of Dickens work. But I’m very familiar with the titles of most of the fourteen novels he wrote.
This short history of his life filed on many relevant points i and many others are not aware of. For example, his marriage to Catherine and their ten children. Hosted trips to America. And, is comparison to Shakespeare as being two the the most famous English Authors.
Thank you Hourly History for bring all of this information to light.
Dickens lead in from “ A Tale of Two Cities” is still quoted today. I must admit that I’ve only read a couple of Dickens work. But I’m very familiar with the titles of most of the fourteen novels he wrote.
This short history of his life filed on many relevant points i and many others are not aware of. For example, his marriage to Catherine and their ten children. Hosted trips to America. And, is comparison to Shakespeare as being two the the most famous English Authors.
Thank you Hourly History for bring all of this information to light.
August 26, 2019
Dickens was Second Only to Shakespeare
This short read captures the spirit and character of Charles Dickens quite well. It makes me want to look up his writings and read them since I am only familiar with a few. He did have a heart for the poor, having lived in their shoes and known their plight. I did not know that he sired 10 children or that he separated from his wife after many difficult years and had a mistress. I only gave 4 stars because the editing needs some work.
This short read captures the spirit and character of Charles Dickens quite well. It makes me want to look up his writings and read them since I am only familiar with a few. He did have a heart for the poor, having lived in their shoes and known their plight. I did not know that he sired 10 children or that he separated from his wife after many difficult years and had a mistress. I only gave 4 stars because the editing needs some work.
June 22, 2018
Dickens
I liked the personal insight into Sickens character, though that could have been better embellished. Was aware of his relationship with Nelly but this to was pretty much glossed over. What became of his wife. Who inherited the rights to his books. A bit more detail would be nice. I did learn some about this great author, a favorite of mine.
I liked the personal insight into Sickens character, though that could have been better embellished. Was aware of his relationship with Nelly but this to was pretty much glossed over. What became of his wife. Who inherited the rights to his books. A bit more detail would be nice. I did learn some about this great author, a favorite of mine.
August 3, 2018
Okay overview of Dickens - it is mainly following his professional life, which is the most important aspect of him. I recommend it to people who don't know anything about Dickens - far more interesting than reading a Wikipedia article. Given its length, you can't expect too deep of a dive on the subject.
January 30, 2019
Mind blown
I have hated Dickens since the 7th grade lol. I think it's most likely because I didnt understand him or his stories. Getting to know the person a little bit, through this book, has helped me have a greater respect for the man and an urge to read his work. Thank you.
I have hated Dickens since the 7th grade lol. I think it's most likely because I didnt understand him or his stories. Getting to know the person a little bit, through this book, has helped me have a greater respect for the man and an urge to read his work. Thank you.
August 25, 2019
This was an hour well-spent. The information was very interesting; I had no idea that Charles Dickens traveled so much. Because A TALE OF TWO CITIES is so different from most of Dickens's work, it was fascinating to see what inspired him to write it. It is probably just as the book says, that after Shakespeare, Dickens was the most influential writer in England. What an interesting man.
November 27, 2019
Another great story on a famous writer Charles dickens.
I had heard about Charles dicken' the great expectations. But did not know he wrote so much about the poor and underprivileged society that existed in England during his time. His books has been adapted into plays and movies ever since.
I had heard about Charles dicken' the great expectations. But did not know he wrote so much about the poor and underprivileged society that existed in England during his time. His books has been adapted into plays and movies ever since.
Read
October 22, 2022”From the earliest days of my career down to this proud night, I have tried to be true to my calling. I hope that my public believe that I have as a writer, in my soul and conscience, tried to be as true to them as they have to me. From these garish lights I vanish now forevermore, with a heartfelt, grateful, respectful, affectionate farewell.”
May 9, 2021
What a shock! Charles Dickens is a name that I always came with fancy clothes and a high-class lifestyle. WRONG! He's a guy who earned a significant percentage of his nickels the hard way.
This is an interesting read, thanks for allowing us to peak behind the imaginative door.
This is an interesting read, thanks for allowing us to peak behind the imaginative door.
May 10, 2021
Interesting Read
This was a good overview of the life of a complex and unusual individual. It gives the good and bad of his personality, while at the same time acknowledging his writing genius.
This was a good overview of the life of a complex and unusual individual. It gives the good and bad of his personality, while at the same time acknowledging his writing genius.
October 12, 2021
Only 37 pages but full of the history of Charles Djckens from ,working as a child helping support his family. And becoming a known author throughout the years of history. A good history lesson. I enjoyed this short story.
March 22, 2022
Was Charles Dickens, England’s Greatest Authors.
I’ve read many of Dickens’s books but until I read this short history of him, I knew next to nothing of his life and times. It was a very enjoyable read and I recommend this to everyone who has read or seen some of his works.
I’ve read many of Dickens’s books but until I read this short history of him, I knew next to nothing of his life and times. It was a very enjoyable read and I recommend this to everyone who has read or seen some of his works.
January 3, 2025
Informative - well done - needs better proofreading - gives some understanding of the man and in part why he wrote some of what he wrote. Range from A Tale of Two Cities to Christman Carol to Bleak House
April 2, 2018
Good read!
Quick and easy read. Some good and basic info on Charles Dickens before I start reading some of his books.
Quick and easy read. Some good and basic info on Charles Dickens before I start reading some of his books.
April 17, 2018
Enjoyed this biography
I was glad for having read this book about Dickensian. Certainly. He is the author of one of my all-time favorite stories, "A Christmas Carol."
I was glad for having read this book about Dickensian. Certainly. He is the author of one of my all-time favorite stories, "A Christmas Carol."
September 24, 2018
Interesting
This was very interesting. I know parts of his life but this gave me great incite to this period. Love biographies.
This was very interesting. I know parts of his life but this gave me great incite to this period. Love biographies.
February 22, 2019
Very interesting
Very interesting read, but I wanted to know more. I consider the time well spent as I love learning about authors.
Very interesting read, but I wanted to know more. I consider the time well spent as I love learning about authors.
August 26, 2019
My Great Expectation s
One of my first loves as a reader: Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. To finally know him after 50 years is a great thrill.
One of my first loves as a reader: Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. To finally know him after 50 years is a great thrill.
September 18, 2019
Very interesting biography.
December 21, 2019
Review
I had no idea what a fascinating life Charles Dickens had. It was very interesting to see how his stories reflected his own life and the times in which he lived.
I had no idea what a fascinating life Charles Dickens had. It was very interesting to see how his stories reflected his own life and the times in which he lived.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews