It's 200 years since one of our most famous authors was born. Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, the second of eight children. He, like many of his characters, experienced hardship. While his father and family were imprisoned in Marchalsea, the debtors prison, he was sent to work in Warren's Blacking factory where he endured appalling conditions. Through many of his novels he raised awareness of the social injustice that was endured by many people during the Victorian era and during his life he championed the plight of the working class.
He started as a journalist and went on to write numerous novels along side plays, travel guides and weekly magazines.
Dickens' books
American notes
Charles Dickens chronicles his five-month trip around the United States in 1842 and records his adventures as well as his impressions of American schools, prisons and slavery.
Braille 10v; TB 12713
Dombey and Son
Dombey has lost his beloved son, and his firm. His wife and daughter are estranged from him through his arrogance, and he lives alone and desolate until his daughter returns to take care of him.
Braille 13v; giant print 10v; TB 1403 in 2 disks
Little Dorrit
William Dorrit is a long-term inmate in the debtors' prison, Marshalsea. He must stay there until his fortune improves and his debt is paid. For her entire life so far, his daughter Amy has faithfully nursed him in jail. Trying to keep herself out of debt she works as a seamstress for the stern Mrs Clennam. When Mrs Clennam's son, Arthur, returns home from years abroad working for the family business, Amy's life begins to change.
Braille 14v; giant print 10v; TB 13605 Set in 2 disc
The life and times of Martin Chuzzlewit
Old Martin Chuzzlewit, tormented by the greed and selfishness of his family, effectively drives his grandson, young Martin, to undertake a voyage to America which will have crucial consequences for himself, his grandfather and his grandfather's servant, Mary Graham whom he loves.
Braille 21v; TB 1470
The mystery of Edwin Drood
The betrothal of Edwin and Rosa by their fathers when they were still very young leads to unhappiness, jealousy and violent quarrels.
braille 9v; giant print 3v; TB 1294
No thoroughfare & other stories
A collection of Dickens' short stories, of which "No thoroughfare" and "The lazy tour of two idle apprentices" were written with his friend and protege Wilkie Collins.
TB 9382
The signalman and other ghost stories
Charles Dickens would entertain and alarm guests at his soirees with his imaginary creations. This collection of stories, to be read at dusk in flickering firelight, brings together fifteen of his spine-chilling masterpieces.
TB 10841
Sketches by Boz
The original germ of the idea for these portraits in words, lies with one of Dicken's publishers who required a series of stories to accompany some sporting cartoons in their magazine. In this series of sketches, readers can discern characters and situations in common with Dickens full-blown novels.
Braille 10v; TB 407599