Charles Dickens

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Study of the genesis of the novel is facilitated by the reproduction of Dickens’ working plans and, for the first time, by some thousands of meticulous textual notes. "Backgrounds" offers all of Dickens’ correspondence about Bleak House as well as contextual materials that document the Victorian controversy over pollution, a theme central to the novel, and present contemporary attitudes toward the government, the courts, and the police, to enhance the setting of the story. Also featured are several hundred annotations which fully elucidate for today’s readers the allusions and topical references in this remarkably allusive Victorian masterpiece. Especially helpful is a clear exposition of the nature of law procedures in the Court of Chancery, which is crucial to an understanding of the central action of the story. "Critical essays" reprinted here include interpretations by G. K. Chesterton, J. Hillis Miller, George Ford, A. O. J. Cockshut, W. J. Harvey, H. M. Daleski, and Ian Ousby.

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Considered to be the most autobiographical of all Dickens's novels Cast out by his cruel stepfather to the brutal boarding school Salem House, young David Copperfield quickly learns that he must fight for a better life. After discovering his mother has died while he has been away, David is left all alone in the world and is sent to work in his stepfather's factory. He decides his only option is to run away, so he escapes London and finds his way to Dover. Once there he hopes to be taken in by his only known relative, his eccentric Aunt Betsy Trotwood--but will he ever be able to find the love and security he needs?

Fully illustrated, unabridged edition of A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens with classic drawings throughout by Arthur Rackham. The tale was written in October 1843 to help supplement Charles Dickens's income and "strike a sledgehammer blow" for the poor.It is the tale of a miser given a second chance. From an author needing to get out of debt. A story of redemption and forgiveness. It is the story of Christmas.ContentsStave One: Marley's Ghost ......................................................... 3Stave Two: The First of the Three Sprits .................................. 14Stave Three: The Second of the Three Sprits ............................ 24Stave Four: The Last of the Sprits ............................................. 36Stave Five: The End of It ........................................................... 45

Fully illustrated, unabridged edition of A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens with classic drawings throughout by Arthur Rackham. The tale was written in October 1843 to help supplement Charles Dickens's income and "strike a sledgehammer blow" for the poor.It is the tale of a miser given a second chance. From an author needing to get out of debt. A story of redemption and forgiveness. It is the story of Christmas.ContentsStave One: Marley's Ghost ......................................................... 3Stave Two: The First of the Three Sprits .................................. 14Stave Three: The Second of the Three Sprits ............................ 24Stave Four: The Last of the Sprits ............................................. 36Stave Five: The End of It ........................................................... 45