This month marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of that great English novelist, Charles Dickens. He was born in Portsmouth, England on February 7, 1811 and developed into the most popular and beloved author of his day. Many of his characters, such as Oliver Twist, Fagin, the Artful Dodger, Ebenezer Scrooge, Uriah Heep, and Mr.Micawber, are familiar even to those who have never read his novels.
Getting acquainted with Dickens is easy. The library has many of his novels, from David Copperfield (his most autobiographical) to the his last, unfinished work, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. We also have two adult biographies and two juvenile biographies, plus one on DVD.
And then, of course, there are the movies. Dickens’ books have been used by filmmakers looking for a good story over and over. You could enjoy A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, Nicholas Nickleby, A Christmas Carol, or Oliver! the musical.
Reading or watching a story by Dickens will leave you asking, “Please, sir, may I have more?”