The Letters of Charles Dickens. Vol. 2, 1857-1870

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25853

Title

The Letters of Charles Dickens. Vol. 2, 1857-1870

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents a full year of Charles Dickens's life from 1857 to 1870, capturing his transition to Gad's Hill, the organization of the Douglas Jerrold Memorial Fund, and his extensive public readings in America. Through intimate correspondence, readers witness his domestic warmth, professional dedication, and enduring friendship with contemporaries like Thackeray and Wilkie Collins.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled from the private correspondence of Charles Dickens, edited by his sister-in-law and eldest daughter, this volume chronicles a transformative era in the author's life spanning from 1857 to 1870. The narrative begins with Dickens securing Gad's Hill Place in 1857, a cherished retreat where he completed *Little Dorrit* and hosted the renowned Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. A significant portion of the collection is dedicated to the 'Memorial Fund' entertainments organized in memory of the actor and writer Douglas Jerrold. These events featured performances of *The Frozen Deep* and marked the inception of Dickens's own lucrative public reading tours, beginning with readings of *A Christmas Carol* at St. Martin's Hall. The letters vividly detail the logistical triumphs and personal strains of these productions, highlighting the indispensable role of his business manager, Arthur Smith, who managed the complex schedules and finances. The correspondence reveals Dickens's deep affection for his family, his sharp wit regarding his recurring struggles with American colds, and his complex, often humorous, relationships with American audiences and publishers. Later letters from his grueling 1868 American tour describe the immense scale of his readings, the harsh winter travel conditions, and his interactions with prominent figures such as Mrs. Stowe and President Lincoln. The volume serves as both a historical record of Victorian literary culture and a deeply personal glimpse into the man behind the masterpieces, balancing professional ambition with heartfelt domesticity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• Correspondence