10 episodes

Charles Dickens was not only the most famous writer of his day, but, during the second half of his career, also a prominent public figure known through his readings and speeches. He cultivated, and relished, a close relationship with the vast audiences who came to hear him, in towns and cities throughout Britain, and in the USA. His readings appealed to his own deep instinct in support of the development of the imagination of the people, and also acknowledged the common Victorian pastime of domestic literary recitation. As an actor he took on the visage and gestures as well as the voice of his characters; audiences were spellbound.

Charles Dickens: Celebrity Author - Audio The Open University

    • Education

Charles Dickens was not only the most famous writer of his day, but, during the second half of his career, also a prominent public figure known through his readings and speeches. He cultivated, and relished, a close relationship with the vast audiences who came to hear him, in towns and cities throughout Britain, and in the USA. His readings appealed to his own deep instinct in support of the development of the imagination of the people, and also acknowledged the common Victorian pastime of domestic literary recitation. As an actor he took on the visage and gestures as well as the voice of his characters; audiences were spellbound.

    The First Public Reading 1853

    The First Public Reading 1853

    How Dickens started his reading career with A Christmas Carol - a reading he did for charity - in Birmingham Town Hall.

    • 14 min
    Transcript -- The First Public Reading 1853

    Transcript -- The First Public Reading 1853

    How Dickens started his reading career with A Christmas Carol - a reading he did for charity - in Birmingham Town Hall.

    Dickens The Performer

    Dickens The Performer

    Dickens first love wasn't writing, it was acting. In this programme we look at Dickens love of acting and the theatre.

    • 13 min
    Transcript -- Dickens The Performer

    Transcript -- Dickens The Performer

    Dickens first love wasn't writing, it was acting. In this programme we look at Dickens love of acting and the theatre.

    From Novels to Readings 1858

    From Novels to Readings 1858

    How Dickens began his professional career reading for his own profit initiating a new and brilliant phase in his career.

    • 12 min
    Transcript -- From Novels to Readings 1858

    Transcript -- From Novels to Readings 1858

    How Dickens began his professional career reading for his own profit initiating a new and brilliant phase in his career.

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