The Mysterious Life of Charles Dickens: Unraveling the Enigma

Charles Dickens, the renowned English author, is best known for his remarkable contributions to literature during the Victorian era. His classic novels have left an undeniable impact on the world, but there is much more to Dickens than meets the eye. Behind his captivating stories lies a mystery that continues to intrigue readers and scholars alike.

The Early Days: A Glimpse into Dickens' Childhood

Born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, Charles John Huffman Dickens had a tumultuous upbringing that would shape his extraordinary imagination. His father's financial struggles forced the family into poverty, and this experience undoubtedly influenced Dickens' later portrayals of social injustice and the plight of the working class.

The young Dickens found solace in books and storytelling, enchanting his peers with vivid tales and creating characters that would later find a place in his novels. Although his early years were challenging, they fuelled his ambitions, setting the stage for his illustrious career.

The Mystery of Charles Dickens

by A.N. Wilson (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5140 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	367 pages

FREE

The Transformation: From Sketches to Novels

Before achieving worldwide fame, Dickens started his writing career as a journalist reporting on parliamentary debates. His unique style captured the attention of readers, and his sketches gained recognition. However, it was with his first novel, "The Pickwick Papers," that Dickens truly established himself as a master storyteller.

The success of "The Pickwick Papers" propelled Dickens' career, enabling him to delve deeper into his passion for writing. Through his subsequent works, such as "Oliver Twist," "David Copperfield," and "Great Expectations," Dickens delved into social issues, championing the underprivileged and highlighting the harsh realities of Victorian society.

The Legacy: Dickens' Enduring Influence

Even after his death in 1870, Charles Dickens' literary legacy lives on. His works continue to be widely read and studied, offering valuable insights into the complexities of human nature and society. His characters, from the selfless Tiny Tim to the conniving Fagin, have become synonymous with the human condition, transcending time and remaining relevant.

Furthermore, Dickens' writing style serves as an inspiration for many authors and remains a benchmark for literary excellence. His ability to evoke emotional responses through precise descriptions and powerful storytelling techniques continues to captivate readers around the world.

The Unraveled Mysteries: Hidden Secrets of Dickens

Beyond his literary achievements, Charles Dickens' life is shrouded in mystery. One such enigma is his clandestine love affair with actress Ellen Ternan. This affair, which lasted for over a decade, remained a secret throughout Dickens' lifetime. It was only through meticulous research and hidden correspondence that this hidden chapter in his life came to light, raising questions about the true nature of his relationships.

Moreover, Dickens was known for his extensive public readings, captivating audiences with his animated performances. Despite suffering from various health issues, he continued to tour and perform, leaving historians to marvel at his seemingly boundless energy.

Another mystery surrounding Dickens is his unconventional writing habits. It is said that he had a ritualistic routine, requiring specific conditions to fuel his creativity. From facing a particular direction while writing to his preference for blue ink, these peculiarities added to the mystique of Dickens' persona.

The Dickensian Charms: A Journey of Imagination and Inspiration

The enduring fascination with Charles Dickens is a testament to his ability to transport readers into a world of wonder and intrigue. Every immortal character he created, every twist and turn in his narratives, and every hidden secret of his own life contribute to the allure that surrounds Dickens to this day.

As we continue to explore the works and life of Charles Dickens, we embark on a journey of imagination and inspiration. His legacy goes beyond the pages of his novels, leaving us with a priceless treasure trove of literary genius and a tantalizing mystery that adds an extra layer of enchantment to the world of Dickens.

The Mystery of Charles Dickens

by A.N. Wilson (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5140 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	367 pages

FREE

Winner of the Plutarch Award for Best Biography

A lively and insightful biographical celebration of the imaginative genius of Charles Dickens, published in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of his death.

Charles Dickens was a superb public performer, a great orator and one of the most famous of the Eminent Victorians. Slight of build, with a frenzied, hyper-energetic personality, Dickens looked much older than his fifty-eight years when he died—an occasion marked by a crowded funeral at Westminster Abbey, despite his waking wishes for a small affair. Experiencing the worst and best of life during the Victorian Age, Dickens was not merely the conduit through whom some of the most beloved characters in literature came into the world. He was one of them.

Filled with the twists, pathos, and unusual characters that sprang from this novelist’s extraordinary imagination, The Mystery of Charles Dickens looks back from the legendary writer’s death to recall the key events in his life. In doing so, he seeks to understand Dickens’ creative genius and enduring popularity. Following his life from cradle to grave, it becomes clear that Dickens’s fiction drew from his life—a fact he acknowledged. Like Oliver Twist, Dickens suffered a wretched childhood, then grew up to become not only a respectable gentleman but an artist of prodigious popularity. Dickens knew firsthand the poverty and pain his characters endured, including the scandal of a failed marriage. 

Going beyond standard narrative biography, A. N. Wilson brilliantly revisits the wellspring of Dickens’s vast and wild imagination, to reveal at long last why his novels captured the hearts of nineteenth century readers—and why they continue to resonate today. 

The Mystery of Charles Dickens is illustrated with 30 black-and-white images.