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

~ (Author)

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Checkmark Books; illustrated edition edition (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816040877
• ISBN-13: 978-0816040872
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #496,676 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 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)

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.

4 of 4 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 50 REVIEWER)

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.