Charles Dickens A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Life & Work [Hardcover]

Paul B Davis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0816029059 | ISBN-13: 978-0816029051 | Publication Date: June 1998

Charles Dickens A to Z draws upon a vast array of letters, bibliography, criticism, correspondence, reviews, and the texts themselves to portray his life and literary career. Over 2,500 extensively cross-referenced entries include:

Detailed synopses of all his major and most minor works and an overview of the critical reception to each Descriptions of all characters, both fictional and factual, and all settings within his work Dickens's family, friends, acquaintances, professional contemporaries, and critics Places important to his life and work Social issues in Victorian England 50 photographs, many of them by Dickens's contemporaries.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up?This title takes readers into the world of Dickens, both real and imaginary. Davis has used letters, criticism, correspondence, reviews, bibliographies, and text to provide detailed synopses of all of the author's major and minor works, the critical reception of each one, and character descriptions. Dickens's life is described in fascinating detail (e.g., readers learn about the real child who inspired the creation of Tiny Tim). Black-and-white illustrations, a chronology of the writer's life and major works, and an extensive index complete this book. Students will love the clear descriptions and facts offered up in this fine dictionary.?Linda A. Vretos, West Springfield High School, Springfield, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Davis (English, Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque) has exhaustively researched the material for this comprehensive and extremely valuable guide, the latest in the publisher's "A to Z" series. The more than 2500 entries cover the significant elements of Dickens's life, synopses of his works, "biographies" of his characters, descriptions of the novels' settings, and relevant historical information. The body of Dickensian criticism is also summarized. This important reference work should be included in both public and academic libraries.?Diane G. Premo, Rochester P.L., NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816029059
• ISBN-13: 978-0816029051
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,252,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful Guide, December 7, 2005

By 

Steven Weigle (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Charles Dickens A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Life and Work (The Literary A to Z Series) (Paperback)

Charles Dickens A to Z by Paul Davis is a competent, handy guide covering all aspects of the life and writing of the eminent author. For every major work Davis provides a commentary and thorough chapter-by-chapter synopsis. Individual entries for each character contain a desciption and overview of actions. Includes details of Dickens's family, friends and contemporaries. Nice selection of illustrations.

I often consult this guide while reading Dickens. This is a good choice for beginners or casual Dickensians.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you wanted to know about Dickens, January 23, 2006

By 

Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Charles Dickens A to Z: The Essential Reference to His Life and Work (The Literary A to Z Series) (Paperback)

This work contains full detailed synopses of all the novels, character sketches, biographical details of Dickens and his family, themes in Dickens work, information about contemporary writers, illustrators and publishers, literary criticism, social themes , background details on the evils of slavery and crime that Dickens contended with , explanations of literary forms and terms.
It is a treasure-chest of information about Dickens.