Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #465027 in Books
• Published on: 1999-07
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

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.

From Booklist
The publisher continues to provide attractive, reasonably priced resources on major authors in the curriculum, suitable for the high-school level and up. This one has 2,500 entries on Dickens' works, characters, and life. Next up: Edith Wharton.

Customer Reviews

Everything you wanted to know about Dickens
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.

Useful Guide
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.