Charles Dickensย was born in a little house in Landport, Portsea, England, on February 7, 1812. The second of eight children, he grew up in a family frequently beset by financial insecurity. When the family fortunes improved, Charles went back to school, after which he became an office boy, a freelance reporter, and finally an author. Withย Pickwick Papersย (1836โ37) he achieved immediate fame. In a few years he was easily the most popular and respected writer of his time. It has been estimated that one out of every ten persons in Victorian England was a Dickens reader.ย Oliver Twistย (1837),ย Nicholas Nicklebyย (1838โ39), andย The Old Curiosity Shopย (1840-41) were huge successes.ย Martin Chuzzlewitย (1843โ44) was less so, but Dickens followed it with his unforgettable,ย A Christmas Carolย (1843),ย Bleak Houseย (1852โ53),ย Hard Timesย (1854), andย Little Dorritย (1855โ57), whichย reveal his deepening concern for the injustices of British society.ย A Tale of Two Citiesย (1859),ย Great Expectationsย (1860โ61), andย Our Mutual Friendย (1864โ65) complete his major works.
Ian Richardsonย (1934โ2007) was a Scottish actor best known for his role on the BBC hit seriesย House of Cards. He also provided narration for several C. S. Lewis novels. He died in 2007.
Charles Dickens was born in a little house in Landport, Portsea, England, on February 7, 1812. The second of eight children, he grew up in a family frequently beset by financial insecurity. When the family fortunes improved, Charles went back to school, after which he became an office boy, a free...