Tuesday 9 August 2011

ABC Wednesday, D for Dickens




Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England, on February 7, 1812, to John and Elizabeth Dickens. He was the second of eight children. His mother had been in service to Lord Crew, and his father worked as a clerk for the Naval Pay office. John Dickens was imprisoned for debt when Charles was young. Charles Dickens went to work at a blacking warehouse, managed by a relative of his mother, when he was twelve, and his brush with hard times and poverty affected him deeply. He later recounted these experiences in the semi-autobiographical novel David Copperfield. Similarly, the concern for social justice and reform which surfaced later in his writings grew out of the harsh conditions he experienced in the warehouse. Dickens died in 1870.

"David Copperfield" was the very first Dickens book I read. And of course "A Christmas Carol" the second one.


With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with D.

25 comments:

Shooting Parrots said...

Dickens was one of the writers I actually enjoyed reading at school. A Christmas Carol is still a favourite that I revisit every year.

Gigi Ann said...

What a fascinating tale of Mr. Dickens. I didn't know "David Copperfield" was a semi-autobiographical. Now I want to read it. What a great choice for D Day toDay.

Arkansas Patti said...

Thanks Wil, you have made me want to reread Dickens. It has been too long. Since I haven't read David Copperfield, think I will start there. Thanks.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I think he is a writer you either take to or not Wil. I have ever found it easy to read his books but I am absolutely sure he was a great social commentator in his time.

anthonynorth said...

An excellent choice of writer. One of the very best.

Liz Hinds said...

A great man in many ways. I have to admit I have never actually read any of his books although I'm familiar with many - through television series!

mrsnesbitt said...

fascinating! There was a very intersting programme featuring Charles Dickens on Radio 4 earlier this week - a biographer had her favourite book exerts read out. David Copperfield was one - excellent programme.
Denise
ABC Team

photowannabe said...

I haven't read any of Dickens books for so many years. I think I need to get them out and read them for enjoyment, not homework. I'm sure it will make a vast difference.

Jane and Chris said...

When I was in Naval training in Porstmouth I got to hold an original Dicken's manuscript...with white gloves on, of course!
Jane x

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

Great "D" post. Did you that he got paid per word...and even with his verbosity (is that a word?) these stories always captured my attention, my mind and my soul.

Sylvia K said...

I have always been a Dickens fan and what a delightful post for the D Day, Wil! Christmas isn't complete without watching/reading Christmas Carol! Hope your week is off to a great start! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Tumblewords: said...

It's been awhile since I've read Dickens' work - it's time for a re-read. Thank you for the reminder!

Karen said...

Dickens...classic! A great author., and a great post for D day.

Leslie: said...

"A Christmas Carol" is something we never miss at Christmas time. He truly was a wonderful writer. Hope you have a decadent week,

Leslie
abcw team

Hildred said...

Very much an activist of his day, in a literary way. I'm sure he opened many eyes to needed reforms.

Chronicles of Illusions said...

loved learning all this about Dickens. great post.

George said...

Thanks for a neat post about Charles Dickens. I really enjoyed the slide show.

Chubskulit Rose said...

I am not much of a reader but I know some good authors, unfortunately they're not one of them. Thanks for sharing.

ABC Wednesday

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

What an impact Dickens made-particularly with a Christmas Carol. As an artists, I firmly believe that we can make a difference int his world. Thanks for demonstrating that by way of Dickens!

nonizamboni said...

Perfect choice! An author who could relate and now each generation can empathize and relate too.

Indrani said...

Excellent choice for 'D'. When I see my daughter reading his books I feel like going through them once more.

Roger Owen Green said...

Always fascinated how Dickens was serialized in mags before published into book form. GREAT topic.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Unknown said...

How accidental! Hubby is just reading
"Two Cities" by C. Dickens. I myself love David Copperfield.
Which town/city pics are in your right sidebar, Wil?
Have a great weekend!

Kay said...

Oliver is my favorite. It's one of my favorite musicals.

Patty said...

Wil, nice post. I just noticed the family photo. Very nice.