200Th Anniversary Collection 2

Here is the second volume; the first volume of short works - fiction, essays, poetry and speeches celebrating Dickens' birthday on February 7th 2012.

The wonder of Charles Dickens resides in his unparalleled ability to transport readers into the vivid tapestry of Victorian England. With an uncanny knack for illuminating both the harsh realities of life in the 19th century and the enduring resilience of the human spirit, Dickens crafted stories that transcend time and place. His characters, from the indomitable Oliver Twist to the enigmatic Miss Havisham, are etched into the collective memory of literature, their plights and triumphs offering a profound mirror to our own experiences. Dickens' narrative prowess lay in his knack for conjuring intricate, multi-layered plots that captivate, inspire, and, at times, even elicit a tear or a hearty chuckle. The vivid streets of London, the trials of orphans, and the ghostly visitations in A Christmas Carol all come to life through his words, inviting readers to explore the multifaceted world he so masterfully crafted.

But the wonder of Charles Dickens goes beyond his storytelling. He was, in every sense, a social critic of his era. His works, whether through the depiction of child labor, the stark conditions of the poor, or the intricacies of the legal system, shed light on the injustices of Victorian society. With a pen as his sword, Dickens championed social reform and illuminated the darkness of his time. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of literature to challenge the status quo and inspire change. Even today, his writings remain a source of wonder, inspiring generations to appreciate the beauty of language and the enduring resilience of the human spirit, and reminding us of the timeless relevance of his timeless tales.

With narration by Emmy Award-nominated actor Geoffrey Giuliano.