The Life of Our Lord [Paperback]

Charles Dickens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1981

This, the last work of Charles Dickens to be published, is a beautiful retelling of the Gospel account of Jesus. Originally handwritten by Dickens for his own children, this inspiring account was created in order that they might know more of the story Dickens called "the best that ever was or will be known in the world."

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up Until 1934, when the last of Dickens' children died, this remained a private document, unpublished at the author's wish. It was written for his own children as a simple introduction to Jesus Christ. Always a rebel against religious pomposity and high-flown theology, Dickens intended his family to learn about the human Christ who served the poor, loved children, and lived a beautiful and blameless life. He seldom alludes to Christ's divinity. Since this is a father's personal statement and not a faithful version of Gospels and Acts, perhaps he can be forgiven the condescensions and discrepancies appearing in the manuscript, such as confusing Herodias with Salome and Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany, stating that the Hebrew Sabbath occurs on Sunday, and eliminating Moses and Elijah from the Transfiguration. Unfortunately, however, an anti-Semitic tone appears whenever he mentions the Jews by name. He both ignores Jesus' Jewishness and the fact that his followers were largely Jewish. The work is probably best viewed as a period piece done with the author's usual charm and fervor, including earnest asides to his audience, but not polished with his usual care. The format is handsome. Each page of text is framed with a decorative border. The full-page illustrations, done in warm soft colors, are crisp and solid. There are no references to specific New Testament sources. Foreward, afterward, facsimiles of pages from the manuscript, and several prayers of the Dickens family are also included. Patricia Pearl, First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, Va.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Charles Dickens is one of the most enduring and popular novelists of all time. He authored a number of classic works, including Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and A Christmas Carol.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (January 1, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664256805
• ISBN-13: 978-0664256807
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,391,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A father's timeless gift, August 15, 2000

By 

M Elizabeth Gwynn (my desk at work) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of Our Lord (Paperback)

This slender volume is Charles Dickens' written interpertation on the four Gospels. He made the provision that it was not to be published until much later. It is a father's testimony of the truth of the things he held dear. A real treasure.