The Making of Charles Dickens by Christopher Hibbert

Unpacking the Genesis of a Literary Giant

321 Pages, Hardcover

23cm x 16cm x 3cm

First Edition 1967

Condition: Very Good (Has very small/minor signs of wear). There no markings, inscriptions or signatures of any kind, pages are clean and vibrant. 

Christopher Hibbert's "The Making of Charles Dickens" offers an insightful look into the formative years and experiences that forged one of the English language's most enduring literary figures. This biography delves beyond the celebrated novels to explore the profound impact of Dickens's early life on his imaginative world and enduring themes.

Hibbert meticulously traces the events and environments that shaped Dickens's genius, from his challenging childhood marked by his father's imprisonment in Marshalsea debtor's prison and his own grueling work in a blacking factory, to his burgeoning career as a journalist and social observer. The book illuminates how these often-harsh realities directly fueled his passionate social commentary, his vibrant characterizations, and his deep empathy for the marginalized.

You'll discover how Dickens's personal relationships, his keen observations of Victorian society, and the political climate of the era all converged to inspire the rich tapestries of his novels. Hibbert reveals the man behind the masterpieces, providing a compelling narrative of how a young boy's struggles and vivid imagination evolved into the literary force that continues to captivate readers worldwide. This book is essential for anyone seeking to understand the crucible in which Dickens's extraordinary talent was forged.