Dickens Adapted


Book Description

From their first appearance in print, Dickens's fictions immediately migrated into other media, and particularly, in his own time, to the stage. Since then Dickens has continuously, apparently inexhaustibly, functioned as the wellspring for a robust mini-industry, sourcing plays, films, television specials and series, operas, new novels and even miniature and model villages. If in his lifetime he was justly called 'The Inimitable', since his death he has become just the reverse: the Infinitely Imitable. The essays in this volume, all appearing within the past twenty years, cover the full spectrum of genres. Their major shared claim to attention is their break from earlier mimetic criteria - does the film follow the novel? - to take the new works seriously within their own generic and historical contexts. Collectively, they reveal an entirely 'other' Dickensian oeuvre, which ironically has perhaps made Dickens better known to an audience of non-readers than to those who know the books themselves.







Becoming Dickens


Book Description

This provocative biography tells the story of how an ambitious young Londoner became England’s greatest novelist. Focused on the 1830s, it portrays a restless, uncertain Dickens who could not decide on a career path. Through twists and turns, the author traces a double transformation: in reinventing himself Dickens reinvented the form of the novel.




Our Dumb Animals


Book Description







My Life as a Furry Red Monster


Book Description

Hello, Everybody! The furry red monster known as Elmo has charmed his way into hearts and homes throughout the world with his unmistakable laugh, over-the-top enthusiasm, and boundless love. Elmo’s appeal is nothing short of magical. Kids adore him, and parents find him irresistible. What is it about this little monster? Meet Kevin Clash, the man behind the Muppet and the unassuming heart and soul of Elmo. At last, the puppeteer who has performed Elmo for nearly twenty years comes out from behind the stage to share his story. Weaving together his memories of growing up with the life lessons gained from his furry red alter ego, Kevin reveals himself to be as caring, and as eager to grow and learn and love, as the very special character he brings to life. You will discover how young Kevin honed his talent entertaining the kids in his mother’s home day care with puppets he made from slippers and coat liners; how, as a struggling young artist, he realized his dream to meet and then work for his idol, Muppet creator Jim Henson; and how each and every day of performing Elmo reinforces for him what is most important in life. As Kevin has been inspired by Elmo, now we can all learn from his furry red ways. Kevin’s (and Elmo’s) thoughts on love, creativity, friendship, and optimism remind us of life’s simple truths and ultimately encourage us all to be a little bit more like Elmo—to live with joy, to love more easily, and to laugh more often.




DICKENS'S LONDON - Premium Collection of 11 Novels & 80+ Tales (Illustrated)


Book Description

In DICKENS'S LONDON - Premium Collection of 11 Novels & 80+ Tales (Illustrated), Charles Dickens masterfully captures the essence of Victorian London through his vivid descriptions and compelling narratives. His literary style, characterized by rich prose and acute social commentary, immerses readers in the bustling streets and complex characters of the era. From the heart-wrenching struggles of orphans in 'Oliver Twist' to the comedic misadventures of Mr. Pickwick in 'The Pickwick Papers,' Dickens's work remains a timeless portrayal of society in flux. The inclusion of detailed illustrations further enhances the reading experience, bringing to life the settings and personalities depicted in each story. Dickens's ability to seamlessly weave together plotlines and subplots showcases his unparalleled storytelling skills, making this collection a must-read for lovers of classic literature. Charles Dickens's own experiences growing up in poverty and working in a factory influenced his deep empathy for the marginalized and vulnerable. His firsthand knowledge of the disparities and injustices present in Victorian society compelled him to use his platform as a writer to advocate for social change. Through his works, Dickens sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the underprivileged, shining a spotlight on the pressing need for reform and compassion. DICKENS'S LONDON offers readers a captivating journey through the sights, sounds, and struggles of nineteenth-century England, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of literature to illuminate the human condition and inspire transformative action.




Dickens the Novelist


Book Description

In The Great Tradition, published in 1948, F. R. Leavis seemed to rate the work of Charles Dickens - with the exception of Hard Times - as lacking the seriousness and formal control of the true masters of English fiction. By 1970, when Dickens the Novelist was published on the first centenary of the writer's death, Leavis and his lifelong collaborator Q. D. (Queenie) Leavis, had changed their minds. 'Our purpose', they wrote, 'is to enforce as unanswerably as possible the conviction that Dickens was one of the greatest of creative writers . . .' In seven typically robust and uncompromising chapters, the Leavises grapple with the evaluation of a writer who was then still open to dismissal as a mere entertainer, a caricaturist not worthy of discussion in the same breath as Henry James. Q. D. Leavis shows, for example, how deeply influential David Copperfield was on the work of Tolstoy, and explores the symbolic richness of the nightmare world of Bleak House. F. R. Leavis reprints his famous essay on Hard Times, with its moral critique of utilitarianism, and reveals the imaginative influence of Blake on Little Dorrit. Q. D. Leavis contributes a pathbreaking chapter on the importance of Dickens's illustrators to the effect of his work.




Charles Dickens


Book Description

Perhaps best known for the classics;Oliver Twist;and;A Christmas Carol, Dickens wrote several books that remain masterpieces of English literature.