Charles Dickens : The Complete Novels (Best Navigation, Active TOC) (A to Z Classics)

By Charles Dickens and A to Z Classics

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The first table of contents (at the very beginning of the ebook) lists the titles of all novels included in this volume. By clicking on one of those titles you will be redirected to the beginning of that work, where you'll find a new TOC that lists all the chapters and sub-chapters of that specific work.

This book contains the complete novels of Charles Dickens in the chronological order of their original publication.
The Pickwick Papers
Oliver Twist
Nicholas Nickleby 
The Old Curiosity Shop .
Barnaby Rudge 
Martin Chuzzlewit 
Dombey and Son 
David Copperfield 
Bleak House 
Hard Times 
Little Dorrit 
A Tale of Two Cities 
Great Expectations 
Our Mutual Friend 
The Mystery of Edwin Drood

• Language: English
• Publisher: ATOZ Classics
• Release date: Mar 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9782378072070

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens was born in 1812 and grew up in poverty. This experience influenced ‘Oliver Twist’, the second of his fourteen major novels, which first appeared in 1837. When he died in 1870, he was buried in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey as an indication of his huge popularity as a novelist, which endures to this day.

Book preview

Table of Contents

The Pickwick Papers

Charles Dickens

Chapter 1 The Pickwickians

Chapter 2 The first Day’s Journey, and the first Evening’s Adventures; with their Consequences

Chapter 3 A new Acquaintance—The Stroller’s Tale—A disagreeable Interruption, and an unpleasant Encounter

Chapter 4 A Field Day and Bivouac—More new Friends—An Invitation to the Country

Chapter 5 A short one—Showing, among other Matters, how Mr. Pickwick undertook to drive, and Mr. Winkle to ride, and how they both did it

Chapter 6 An old–fashioned Card–party—The Clergyman’s verses—The Story of the Convict’s Return

Chapter 7 How Mr. Winkle, instead of shooting at the Pigeon and killing the Crow, shot at the Crow and wounded the Pigeon; how the Dingley Dell Cricket Club played All–Muggleton, and how All–Muggleton dined at the Dingley Dell Expense; with other interesting a

Chapter 8 Strongly illustrative of the Position, that the Course of True Love is not a Railway

Chapter 9 A Discovery and a Chase

Chapter 10 Clearing up all Doubts (if any existed) of the Disinterestedness of Mr. A. Jingle’s Character

Chapter 11 Involving another Journey, and an Antiquarian Discovery; Recording Mr. Pickwick’s Determination to be present at an Election; and containing a Manuscript of the old Clergyman’s

Chapter 12 Descriptive of a very important Proceeding on the Part of Mr. Pickwick; no less an Epoch in his Life, than in this History

Chapter 13 Some Account of Eatanswill; of the State of Parties therein; and of the Election of a Member to serve in Parliament for that ancient, loyal, and patriotic Borough

Chapter 14 Comprising a brief Description of the Company at the Peacock assembled; and a Tale told by a Bagman

Chapter 15 In which is given a faithful Portraiture of two distinguished Persons; and an accurate Description of a public Breakfast in their House and Grounds: which public Breakfast leads to the Recognition of an old Acquaintance, and the Commencement of anoth

Chapter 16 Too full of Adventure to be briefly described

Chapter 17 Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some Cases, acts as a Quickener to inventive Genius

Chapter 18 Briefly illustrative of two Points; first, the Power of Hysterics, and, secondly, the Force of Circumstances

Chapter 19 A pleasant Day with an unpleasant Termination

Chapter 20 Showing how Dodson and Fogg were Men of Business, and their Clerks Men of pleasure; and how an affecting Interview took place between Mr. Weller and his long–lost Parent; showing also what Choice Spirits assembled at the Magpie and Stump, and what a

Chapter 21 In which the old Man launches forth into his favourite Theme, and relates a Story about a queer Client

Chapter 22 Mr. Pickwick journeys to Ipswich and meets with a romantic Adventure with a middle–aged Lady in yellow Curl–papers

Chapter 23 In which Mr. Samuel Weller begins to devote his Energies to the Return Match between himself and Mr. Trotter

Chapter 24 Wherein Mr. Peter Magnus grows jealous, and the middle–aged Lady apprehensive, which brings the Pickwickians within the Grasp of the Law

Chapter 25 Showing, among a Variety of pleasant Matters, how majestic and impartial Mr. Nupkins was; and how Mr. Weller returned Mr. Job Trotter’s Shuttlecock as heavily as it came—With another Matter, which will be found in its Place

Chapter 26 Which contains a brief Account of the Progress of the Action of Bardell against Pickwick

Chapter 27 Samuel Weller makes a Pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his Mother–in–law

Chapter 28 A good–humoured Christmas Chapter, containing an Account of a Wedding, and some other Sports beside: which although in their Way even as good Customs as Marriage itself, are not quite so religiously kept up, in these degenerate Times

Chapter 29 The Story of the Goblins who stole a Sexton

Chapter 30 How the Pickwickians made and cultivated the Acquaintance of a Couple of nice young Men belonging to one of the liberal Professions; how they disported themselves on the Ice; and how their Visit came to a Conclusion

Chapter 31 Which is all about the Law, and sundry Great Authorities learned therein

Chapter 32 Describes, far more fully than the Court Newsman ever did, a Bachelor’s Party, given by Mr. Bob Sawyer at his Lodgings in the Borough

Chapter 33 Mr. Weller the elder delivers some Critical Sentiments respecting Literary Composition; and, assisted by his Son Samuel, pays a small Instalment of Retaliation to the Account of the Reverend Gentleman with the Red Nose

Chapter 34 Is wholly devoted to a full and faithful Report of the memorable Trial of Bardell against Pickwick

Chapter 35 In which Mr. Pickwick thinks he had better go to Bath; and goes accordingly

Chapter 36 The chief Features of which will be found to be an authentic Version of the Legend of Prince Bladud, and a most extraordinary Calamity that befell Mr. Winkle

Chapter 37 Honourably accounts for Mr. Weller’s Absence, by describing a Soiree to which he was invited and went; also relates how he was intrusted by Mr. Pickwick with a Private Mission of Delicacy and Importance

Chapter 38 How Mr. Winkle, when he stepped out of the Frying–pan, walked gently and comfortably into the Fire

Chapter 39 Mr. Samuel Weller, being intrusted with a Mission of Love, proceeds to execute it; with what Success will hereinafter appear

Chapter 40 Introduces Mr. Pickwick to a new and not uninteresting Scene in the great Drama of Life

Chapter 41 What befell Mr. Pickwick when he got into the Fleet; what Prisoners he saw there; and how he passed the Night

Chapter 42 Illustrative, like the preceding one, of the old Proverb, that Adversity brings a Man acquainted with strange Bedfellows—Likewise containing Mr. Pickwick’s extraordinary and startling Announcement to Mr. Samuel Weller

Chapter 43 Showing how Mr. Samuel Weller got into Difficulties

Chapter 44 Treats of divers little Matters which occurred in the Fleet, and of Mr. Winkle’s mysterious Behaviour; and shows how the poor Chancery Prisoner obtained his Release at last

Chapter 45 Descriptive of an affecting Interview between Mr. Samuel Weller and a Family Party. Mr. Pickwick makes a Tour of the diminutive World he inhabits, and resolves to mix with it, in Future, as little as possible

Chapter 46 Records a touching Act of delicate Feeling not unmixed with Pleasantry, achieved and performed by Messrs. Dodson and Fogg

Chapter 47 Is chiefly devoted to Matters of Business, and the temporal Advantage of Dodson and Fogg—Mr. Winkle reappears under extraordinary Circumstances—Mr. Pickwick’s Benevolence proves stronger than his Obstinacy

Chapter 48 Relates how Mr. Pickwick, with the Assistance of Samuel Weller, essayed to soften the Heart of Mr. Benjamin Allen, and to mollify the Wrath of Mr. Robert Sawyer

Chapter 49 Containing the Story of the Bagman’s Uncle

Chapter 50 How Mr. Pickwick sped upon his Mission, and how he was reinforced in the Outset by a most unexpected Auxiliary

Chapter 51 In which Mr. Pickwick encounters an old Acquaintance—To which fortunate Circumstance the Reader is mainly indebted for Matter of thrilling Interest herein set down, concerning two great Public Men of Might and Power

Chapter 52 Involving a serious Change in the Weller Family, and the untimely Downfall of Mr. Stiggins

Chapter 53 Comprising the final Exit of Mr. Jingle and Job Trotter, with a great Morning of business in Gray’s Inn Square—Concluding with a Double Knock at Mr. Perker’s Door

Chapter 54 Containing some Particulars relative to the Double Knock, and other Matters: among which certain interesting Disclosures relative to Mr. Snodgrass and a Young Lady are by no Means irrelevant to this History

Chapter 55 Mr. Solomon Pell, assisted by a Select Committee of Coachmen, arranges the affairs of the elder Mr. Weller

Chapter 56 An important Conference takes place between Mr. Pickwick and Samuel Weller, at which his Parent assists—An old Gentleman in a snuff–coloured Suit arrives unexpectedly

Chapter 57 In which the Pickwick Club is finally dissolved, and everything concluded to the Satisfaction of Everybody

The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby

Charles Dickens

Chapter 1 Introduces all the Rest

Chapter 2 Of Mr Ralph Nickleby, and his Establishments, and his Undertakings, and of a great Joint Stock Company of vast national Importance

Chapter 3 Mr Ralph Nickleby receives Sad Tidings of his Brother, but bears up nobly against the Intelligence communicated to him. The Reader is informed how he liked Nicholas, who is herein introduced, and how kindly he proposed to make his Fortune at once

Chapter 4 Nicholas and his Uncle (to secure the Fortune without loss of time) wait upon Mr Wackford Squeers, the Yorkshire Schoolmaster

Chapter 5 Nicholas starts for Yorkshire. Of his Leave-taking and his Fellow-Travellers, and what befell them on the Road

Chapter 6 In which the Occurrence of the Accident mentioned in the last Chapter, affords an Opportunity to a couple of Gentlemen to tell Stories against each other

Chapter 7 Mr and Mrs Squeers at Home

Chapter 8 Of the Internal Economy of Dotheboys Hall

Chapter 9 Of Miss Squeers, Mrs Squeers, Master Squeers, and Mr Squeers; and of various Matters and Persons connected no less with the Squeerses than Nicholas Nickleby

Chapter 10 How Mr Ralph Nickleby provided for his Niece and Sister-in-Law

Chapter 11 Newman Noggs inducts Mrs and Miss Nickleby into their New Dwelling in the City

Chapter 12 Whereby the Reader will be enabled to trace the further course of Miss Fanny Squeer's Love, and to ascertain whether it ran smooth or otherwise

Chapter 13 Nicholas varies the Monotony of Dothebys Hall by a most vigorous and remarkable proceeding, which leads to Consequences of some Importance

Chapter 14 Having the Misfortune to treat of none but Common People, is necessarily of a Mean and Vulgar Character

Chapter 15 Acquaints the Reader with the Cause and Origin of the Interruption described in the last Chapter, and with some other Matters necessary to be known

Chapter 16 Nicholas seeks to employ himself in a New Capacity, and being unsuccessful, accepts an engagement as Tutor in a Private Family

Chapter 17 Follows the Fortunes of Miss Nickleby

Chapter 18 Miss Knag, after doting on Kate Nickleby for three whole Days, makes up her Mind to hate her for evermore. The Causes which led Miss Knag to form this Resolution

Chapter 19 Descriptive of a Dinner at Mr Ralph Nickleby's, and of the Manner in which the Company entertained themselves, before Dinner, at Dinner, and after Dinner

Chapter 20 Wherein Nicholas at length encounters his Uncle, to whom he expresses his Sentiments with much Candour. His Resolution.

Chapter 21 Madam Mantalini finds herself in a Situation of some Difficulty, and Miss Nickleby finds herself in no Situation at all

Chapter 22 Nicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his Fortune. He encounters Mr Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest

Chapter 23 Treats of the Company of Mr Vincent Crummles, and of his Affairs, Domestic and Theatrical

Chapter 24 Of the Great Bespeak for Miss Snevellicci, and the first Appearance of Nicholas upon any Stage

Chapter 25 Concerning a young Lady from London, who joins the Company, and an elderly Admirer who follows in her Train; with an affecting Ceremony consequent on their Arrival

Chapter 26 Is fraught with some Danger to Miss Nickleby's Peace of Mind

Chapter 27 Mrs Nickleby becomes acquainted with Messrs Pyke and Pluck, whose Affection and Interest are beyond all Bounds

Chapter 28 Miss Nickleby, rendered desperate by the Persecution of Sir Mulberry Hawk, and the Complicated Difficulties and Distresses which surround her, appeals, as a last resource, to her Uncle for Protection

Chapter 29 Of the Proceedings of Nicholas, and certain Internal Divisions in the Company of Mr Vincent Crummles

Chapter 30 Festivities are held in honour of Nicholas, who suddenly withdraws himself from the Society of Mr Vincent Crummles and his Theatrical Companions

Chapter 31 Of Ralph Nickleby and Newman Noggs, and some wise Precautions, the success or failure of which will appear in the Sequel

Chapter 32 Relating chiefly to some remarkable Conversation, and some remarkable Proceedings to which it gives rise

Chapter 33 In which Mr Ralph Nickleby is relieved, by a very expeditious Process, from all Commerce with his Relations

Chapter 34 Wherein Mr Ralph Nickleby is visited by Persons with whom the Reader has been already made acquainted

Chapter 35 Smike becomes known to Mrs Nickleby and Kate. Nicholas also meets with new Acquaintances. Brighter Days seem to dawn upon the Family

Chapter 36 Private and confidential; relating to Family Matters. Showing how Mr Kenwigs underwent violent Agitation, and how Mrs Kenwigs was as well as could be expected

Chapter 37 Nicholas finds further Favour in the Eyes of the brothers Cheeryble and Mr Timothy Linkinwater. The brothers give a Banquet on a great Annual Occasion. Nicholas, on returning Home from it, receives a mysterious and important Disclosure from the Lips

Chapter 38 Comprises certain Particulars arising out of a Visit of Condolence, which may prove important hereafter. Smike unexpectedly encounters a very old Friend, who invites him to his House, and will take no Denial

Chapter 39 In which another old Friend encounters Smike, very opportunely and to some Purpose

Chapter 40 In which Nicholas falls in Love. He employs a Mediator, whose Proceedings are crowned with unexpected Success, excepting in one solitary Particular

Chapter 41 Containing some Romantic Passages between Mrs Nickleby and the Gentleman in the Small-clothes next Door

Chapter 42 Illustrative of the convivial Sentiment, that the best of Friends must sometimes part

Chapter 43 Officiates as a kind of Gentleman Usher, in bringing various People together

Chapter 44 Mr Ralph Nickleby cuts an old Acquaintance. It would also appear from the Contents hereof, that a Joke, even between Husband and Wife, may be sometimes carried too far

Chapter 45 Containing Matter of a surprising Kind

Chapter 46 Throws some Light upon Nicholas's Love; but whether for Good or Evil the Reader must determine

Chapter 47 Mr Ralph Nickleby has some confidential Intercourse with another old Friend. They concert between them a Project, which promises well for both

Chapter 48 Being for the Benefit of Mr Vincent Crummles, and positively his last Appearance on this Stage

Chapter 49 Chronicles the further Proceedings of the Nickleby Family, and the Sequel of the Adventure of the Gentleman in the Small-clothes

Chapter 50 Involves a serious Catastrophe

Chapter 51 The Project of Mr Ralph Nickleby and his Friend approaching a successful Issue, becomes unexpectedly known to another Party, not admitted into their Confidence

Chapter 52 Nicholas despairs of rescuing Madeline Bray, but plucks up his Spirits again, and determines to attempt it. Domestic Intelligence of the Kenwigses and Lillyvicks

Chapter 53 Containing the further Progress of the Plot contrived by Mr Ralph Nickleby and Mr Arthur Gride

Chapter 54 The Crisis of the Project and its Result

Chapter 55 Of Family Matters, Cares, Hopes, Disappointments, and Sorrows

Chapter 56 Ralph Nickleby, baffled by his Nephew in his late Design, hatches a Scheme of Retaliation which Accident suggests to him, and takes into his Counsels a tried Auxiliary

Chapter 57 How Ralph Nickleby's Auxiliary went about his Work, and how he prospered with it

Chapter 58 In which one Scene of this History is closed

Chapter 59 The Plots begin to fail, and Doubts and Dangers to disturb the Plotter

Chapter 60 The Dangers thicken, and the Worst is told

Chapter 61 Wherein Nicholas and his Sister forfeit the good Opinion of all worldly and prudent People

Chapter 62 Ralph makes one last Appointment--and keeps it

Chapter 63 The Brothers Cheeryble make various Declarations for themselves and others. Tim Linkinwater makes a Declaration for himself

Chapter 64 An old Acquaintance is recognised under melancholy Circumstances, and Dotheboys Hall breaks up for ever

Chapter 65 Conclusion

The Old Curiosity Shop

Charles Dickens

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Barnaby Rudge

Charles Dickens

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

Chapter 82

Martin Chuzzlewit

Charles Dickens

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Dombey and Son

Charles Dickens

Preface of 1848

Preface of 1868

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

David Copperfield

Charles Dickens

Preface to 1850 edition

Preface to the Charles Dickens edition

Chapter 1 I Am Born

Chapter 2 I Observe

Chapter 3 I Have a Change

Chapter 4 I Fall into Disgrace

Chapter 5 I Am Sent Away

Chapter 6 I Enlarge My Circle of Acquaintance

Chapter 7 My 'First Half' at Salem House

Chapter 8 My Holidays. Especially One Happy Afternoon

Chapter 9 I Have a Memorable Birthday

Chapter 10 I Become Neglected, and Am Provided For

Chapter 11 I Begin Life on My Own Account, and Don't Like It

Chapter 12 Liking Life on My Own Account No Better, I Form a Great Resolution

Chapter 13 The Sequel of My Resolution

Chapter 14 My Aunt Makes up Her Mind About Me

Chapter 15 I Make Another Beginning

Chapter 16 I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One

Chapter 17 Somebody Turns Up

Chapter 18 A Retrospect

Chapter 19 I Look About Me and Make a Discovery

Chapter 20 Steerforth's Home

Chapter 21 Little Em'ly

Chapter 22 Some Old Scenes, and Some New People

Chapter 23 I Corroborate Mr. Dick, and Choose a Profession

Chapter 24 My First Dissipation

Chapter 25 Good and Bad Angels

Chapter 26 I Fall into Captivity

Chapter 27 Tommy Traddles

Chapter 28 Mr. Micawber's Gauntlet

Chapter 29 I Visit Steerforth at His Home, Again

Chapter 30 A Loss

Chapter 31 A Greater Loss

Chapter 32 The Beginning of a Long Journey

Chapter 33 Blissful

Chapter 34 My Aunt Astonishes Me

Chapter 35 Depression

Chapter 36 Enthusiasm

Chapter 37 A Little Cold Water

Chapter 38 A Dissolution of Partnership

Chapter 39 Wickfield and Heep

Chapter 40 The Wanderer

Chapter 41 Dora's Aunts

Chapter 42 Mischief

Chapter 43 Another Retrospect

Chapter 44 Our Housekeeping

Chapter 45 Mr. Dick Fulfils My Aunt's Predictions

Chapter 46 Intelligence

Chapter 47 Martha

Chapter 48 Domestic

Chapter 49 I Am Involved in Mystery

Chapter 50 Mr. Peggotty's Dream Comes True

Chapter 51 The Beginning of a Longer Journey

Chapter 52 I Assist at an Explosion

Chapter 53 Another Retrospect

Chapter 54 Mr. Micawber's Transactions

Chapter 55 Tempest

Chapter 56 The New Wound, and the Old

Chapter 57 The Emigrants

Chapter 58 Absence

Chapter 59 Return

Chapter 60 Agnes

Chapter 61 I Am Shown Two Interesting Penitents

Chapter 62 A Light Shines on My Way

Chapter 63 A Visitor

Chapter 64 A Last Retrospect

Hard Times

Charles Dickens

Part 1 Sowing

Chapter 1 The One Thing Needful

Chapter 2 Murdering the Innocents

Chapter 3 A Loophole

Chapter 4 Mr. Bounderby

Chapter 5 The Keynote

Chapter 6 Sleary's Horsemanship

Chapter 7 Mrs. Sparsit

Chapter 8 Never Wonder

Chapter 9 Sissy's Progress

Chapter 10 Stephen Blackpool

Chapter 11 No Way Out

Chapter 12 The Old Woman

Chapter 13 Rachael

Chapter 14 The Great Manufacturer

Chapter 15 Father and Daughter

Chapter 16 Husband and Wife

Part 2 Reaping

Chapter 1 Effects in the Bank

Chapter 2 Mr. James Harthouse

Chapter 3 The Whelp

Chapter 4 Men and Brothers

Chapter 5 Men and Masters

Chapter 6 Fading Away

Chapter 7 Gunpowder

Chapter 8 Explosion

Chapter 9 Hearing the Last of It

Chapter 10 Mrs. Sparsit's Staircase

Chapter 11 Lower and Lower

Chapter 12 Down

Part 3 Garnering

Chapter 1 Another Thing Needful

Chapter 2 Very Ridiculous

Chapter 3 Very Decided

Chapter 4 Lost

Chapter 5 Found

Chapter 6 The Starlight

Chapter 7 Whelp-Hunting

Chapter 8 Philosophical

Chapter 9 Final

Bleak House

Charles Dickens

Preface

Chapter 1 In Chancery

Chapter 2 In Fashion

Chapter 3 A Progress

Chapter 4 Telescopic Philanthropy

Chapter 5 A Morning Adventure

Chapter 6 Quite at Home

Chapter 7 The Ghost's Walk

Chapter 8 Covering a Multitude of Sins

Chapter 9 Signs and Tokens

Chapter 10 The Law-Writer

Chapter 11 Our Dear Brother

Chapter 12 On the Watch

Chapter 13 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 14 Deportment

Chapter 15 Bell Yard

Chapter 16 Tom-all-Alone's

Chapter 17 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 18 Lady Dedlock

Chapter 19 Moving On

Chapter 20 A New Lodger

Chapter 21 The Smallweed Family

Chapter 22 Mr. Bucket

Chapter 23 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 24 An Appeal Case

Chapter 25 Mrs. Snagsby Sees It All

Chapter 26 Sharpshooters

Chapter 27 More Old Soldiers Than One

Chapter 28 The Ironmaster

Chapter 29 The Young Man

Chapter 30 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 31 Nurse and Patient

Chapter 32 The Appointed Time

Chapter 33 Interlopers

Chapter 34 A Turn of the Screw

Chapter 35 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 36 Chesney Wold

Chapter 37 Jarndyce and Jarndyce

Chapter 38 A Struggle

Chapter 39 Attorney and Client

Chapter 40 National and Domestic

Chapter 41 In Mr. Tulkinghorn's Room

Chapter 42 In Mr. Tulkinghorn's Chambers

Chapter 43 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 44 The Letter and the Answer

Chapter 45 In Trust

Chapter 46 Stop Him!

Chapter 47 Jo's Will

Chapter 48 Closing in

Chapter 49 Dutiful Friendship

Chapter 50 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 51 Enlightened

Chapter 52 Obstinacy

Chapter 53 The Track

Chapter 54 Springing a Mine

Chapter 55 Flight

Chapter 56 Pursuit

Chapter 57 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 58 A Wintry Day and Night

Chapter 59 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 60 Perspective

Chapter 61 A Discovery

Chapter 62 Another Discovery

Chapter 63 Steel and Iron

Chapter 64 Esther's Narrative

Chapter 65 Beginning the World

Chapter 66 Down in Lincolnshire

Chapter 67 The Close of Esther's Narrative

Little Dorrit

Charles Dickens

Preface

Part 1

Chapter 1 Sun and Shadow

Chapter 2 Fellow Travellers

Chapter 3 Home

Chapter 4 Mrs Flintwinch has a Dream

Chapter 5 Family Affairs

Chapter 6 The Father of the Marshalsea

Chapter 7 The Child of the Marshalsea

Chapter 8 The Lock

Chapter 9 Little Mother

Chapter 10 Containing the whole Science of Government

Chapter 11 Let Loose

Chapter 12 Bleeding Heart Yard

Chapter 13 Patriarchal

Chapter 14 Little Dorrit’s Party

Chapter 15 Mrs Flintwinch has another Dream

Chapter 16 Nobody’s Weakness

Chapter 17 Nobody’s Rival

Chapter 18 Little Dorrit’s Lover

Chapter 19 The Father of the Marshalsea in two or three Relations

Chapter 20 Moving in Society

Chapter 21 Mr Merdle’s Complaint

Chapter 22 A Puzzle

Chapter 23 Machinery in Motion

Chapter 24 Fortune-Telling

Chapter 25 Conspirators and Others

Chapter 26 Nobody’s State of Mind

Chapter 27 Five-and-Twenty

Chapter 28 Nobody’s Disappearance

Chapter 29 Mrs Flintwinch goes on Dreaming

Chapter 30 The Word of a Gentleman

Chapter 31 Spirit

Chapter 32 More Fortune-Telling

Chapter 33 Mrs Merdle’s Complaint

Chapter 34 A Shoal of Barnacles

Chapter 35 What was behind Mr Pancks on Little Dorrit’s Hand

Chapter 36 The Marshalsea becomes an Orphan

Part 2

Chapter 1 Fellow Travellers

Chapter 2 Mrs General

Chapter 3 On the Road

Chapter 4 A Letter from Little Dorrit

Chapter 5 Something Wrong Somewhere

Chapter 6 Something Right Somewhere

Chapter 7 Mostly, Prunes and Prism

Chapter 8 The Dowager Mrs Gowan is reminded that ‘It Never Does’

Chapter 9 Appearance and Disappearance

Chapter 10 The Dreams of Mrs Flintwinch thicken

Chapter 11 A Letter from Little Dorrit

Chapter 12 In which a Great Patriotic Conference is holden

Chapter 13 The Progress of an Epidemic

Chapter 14 Taking Advice

Chapter 15 No just Cause or Impediment why these Two Personsshould not be joined together

Chapter 16 Getting on

Chapter 17 Missing

Chapter 18 A Castle in the Air

Chapter 19 The Storming of the Castle in the Air

Chapter 20 Introduces the next

Chapter 21 The History of a Self-Tormentor

Chapter 22 Who passes by this Road so late?

Chapter 23 Mistress Affery makes a Conditional Promise,respecting her Dreams

Chapter 24 The Evening of a Long Day

Chapter 25 The Chief Butler Resigns the Seals of Office

Chapter 26 Reaping the Whirlwind

Chapter 27 The Pupil of the Marshalsea

Chapter 28 An Appearance in the Marshalsea

Chapter 29 A Plea in the Marshalsea

Chapter 30 Closing in

Chapter 31 Closed

Chapter 32 Going

Chapter 33 Going!

Chapter 34 Gone

A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens

Part 1 Recalled to Life

Chapter 1 The Period

Chapter 2 The Mail

Chapter 3 The Night Shadows

Chapter 4 The Preparation

Chapter 5 The Wine-shop

Chapter 6 The Shoemaker

Part 2 The Golden Thread

Chapter 1 Five Years Later

Chapter 2 A Sight

Chapter 3 A Disappointment

Chapter 4 Congratulatory

Chapter 5 The Jackal

Chapter 6 Hundreds of People

Chapter 7 Monseigneur in Town

Chapter 8 Monseigneur in the Country

Chapter 9 The Gorgon’s Head

Chapter 10 Two Promises

Chapter 11 A Companion Picture

Chapter 12 The Fellow of Delicacy

Chapter 13 The Fellow of No Delicacy

Chapter 14 The Honest Tradesman

Chapter 15 Knitting

Chapter 16 Still Knitting

Chapter 17 One Night

Chapter 18 Nine Days

Chapter 19 An Opinion

Chapter 20 A Plea

Chapter 21 Echoing Footsteps

Chapter 22 The Sea still Rises

Chapter 23 Fire Rises

Chapter 24 Drawn to the Loadstone Rock

Part 3 The Track of a Storm

Chapter 1 In Secret

Chapter 2 The Grindstone

Chapter 3 The Shadow

Chapter 4 Calm in Storm

Chapter 5 The Wood-sawyer

Chapter 6 Triumph

Chapter 7 A Knock at the Door

Chapter 8 A Hand at Cards

Chapter 9 The Game Made

Chapter 10 The Substance of the Shadow

Chapter 11 Dusk

Chapter 12 Darkness

Chapter 13 Fifty-two

Chapter 14 The Knitting Done

Chapter 15 The Footsteps Die Out For Ever

Great Expectations

Charles Dickens

Part 1

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Part 2

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Part 3

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Our Mutual Friend

Charles Dickens

Part 1 The Cup and the Lip

Chapter 1 On the Look Out

Chapter 2 The Man From Somewhere

Chapter 3 Another Man

Chapter 4 The R. Wilfer Family

Chapter 5 Boffin's Bower

Chapter 6 Cut Adrift

Chapter 7 Mr Wegg Looks After Himself

Chapter 8 Mr Boffin in Consultation

Chapter 9 Mr and Mrs Boffin in Consultation

Chapter 10 A Marriage Contract

Chapter 11 Podsnappery

Chapter 12 The Sweat of an Honest Man's Brow

Chapter 13 Tracking the Bird of Prey

Chapter 14 The Bird of Prey Brought Down

Chapter 15 Two New Servants

Chapter 16 Minders and Re-minders

Chapter 17 A Dismal Swamp

Part 2 Birds of a Feather

Chapter 1 Of an Educational Character

Chapter 2 Still Educational

Chapter 3 A Piece of Work

Chapter 4 Cupid Prompted

Chapter 5 Mercury Prompting

Chapter 6 A Riddle Without an Answer

Chapter 7 In Which a Friendly Move is Originated

Chapter 8 In Which an Innocent Elopement Occurs

Chapter 9 In Which the Orphan Makes His Will

Chapter 10 A Successor

Chapter 11 Some Affairs of the Heart

Chapter 12 More Birds of Prey

Chapter 13 A Solo and a Duett

Chapter 14 Strong of Purpose

Chapter 15 The Whole Case So Far

Chapter 16 An Anniversary Occasion

Part 3 A Long Lane

Chapter 1 Lodgers in Queer Street

Chapter 2 A Respected Friend in a New Aspect

Chapter 3 The Same Respected Friend in More Aspects than One

Chapter 4 A Happy Person of the Day

Chapter 5 The Golden Dustman Falls into Bad Company

Chapter 6 The Golden Dustman Falls into Worse Company

Chapter 7 The Friendly Move Takes Up a Strong Position

Chapter 8 The End of a Long Journey

Chapter 9 Somebody Becomes the Subject of a Prediction

Chapter 10 Scouts Out

Chapter 11 In The Dark

Chapter 12 Meaning Mischief

Chapter 13 Give a Dog a Bad Name, and Hang Him

Chapter 14 Mr Wegg Prepares a Grindstone for Mr Boffin's Nose

Chapter 15 The Golden Dustman at His Worst

Chapter 16 The Feast of the Three Hobgoblins

Chapter 17 A Social Chorus

Part 4 A Turning

Chapter 1 Setting Traps

Chapter 2 The Golden Dustman Rises a Little

Chapter 3 The Golden Dustman Sinks Again

Chapter 4 A Runaway Match

Chapter 5 Concerning the Mendicant's Bride

Chapter 6 A Cry for Help

Chapter 7 Better to be Abel than Cain

Chapter 8 A Few Grains of Pepper

Chapter 9 Two Places Vacated

Chapter 10 The Dolls' Dressmaker Discovers a Word

Chapter 11 Effect is given to the Dolls' Dressmaker's Discovery

Chapter 12 The Passing Shadow

Chapter 13 Showing How the Golden Dustman Helped to Scatter Dust

Chapter 14 Checkmate to the Friendly Move

Chapter 15 What was Caught in the Traps That Were Set

Chapter 16 Persons and Things in General

Chapter 17 The Voice of Society

Chapter 18 Postscript—In Lieu of Preface

Oliver Twist

Charles Dickens

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Charles Dickens

Chapter 1 The Dawn

Chapter 2 A Dean, and a Chapter also

Chapter 3 The Nun's House

Chapter 4 Mr. Sapsea

Chapter 5 Mr. Durdles and Friend

Chapter 6 Philanthropy in Minor Canon Corner

Chapter 7 More Confidences than one

Chapter 8 Daggers drawn

Chapter 9 Birds in the Bush

Chapter 10 Smoothing the Way

Chapter 11 A Picture and a Ring

Chapter 12 A Night with Durdles

Chapter 13 Both at their Best

Chapter 14 When shall these three meet again?

Chapter 15 Impeached

Chapter 16 Devoted

Chapter 17 Philanthropy, Professional and Unprofessional

Chapter 18 A Settler in Cloisterham

Chapter 19 Shadow on the Sun-dial

Chapter 20 A Flight

Chapter 21 A Recognition

Chapter 22 A gritty State of Things comes on

Chapter 23 The Dawn again

Table of Contents

The Pickwick Papers

Charles Dickens

Chapter 1 The Pickwickians

Chapter 2 The first Day’s Journey, and the first Evening’s Adventures; with their Consequences

Chapter 3 A new Acquaintance—The Stroller’s Tale—A disagreeable Interruption, and an unpleasant Encounter

Chapter 4 A Field Day and Bivouac—More new Friends—An Invitation to the Country

Chapter 5 A short one—Showing, among other Matters, how Mr. Pickwick undertook to drive, and Mr. Winkle to ride, and how they both did it

Chapter 6 An old–fashioned Card–party—The Clergyman’s verses—The Story of the Convict’s Return

Chapter 7 How Mr. Winkle, instead of shooting at the Pigeon and killing the Crow, shot at the Crow and wounded the Pigeon; how the Dingley Dell Cricket Club played All–Muggleton, and how All–Muggleton dined at the Dingley Dell Expense; with other interesting a

Chapter 8 Strongly illustrative of the Position, that the Course of True Love is not a Railway

Chapter 9 A Discovery and a Chase

Chapter 10 Clearing up all Doubts (if any existed) of the Disinterestedness of Mr. A. Jingle’s Character

Chapter 11 Involving another Journey, and an Antiquarian Discovery; Recording Mr. Pickwick’s Determination to be present at an Election; and containing a Manuscript of the old Clergyman’s

Chapter 12 Descriptive of a very important Proceeding on the Part of Mr. Pickwick; no less an Epoch in his Life, than in this History

Chapter 13 Some Account of Eatanswill; of the State of Parties therein; and of the Election of a Member to serve in Parliament for that ancient, loyal, and patriotic Borough

Chapter 14 Comprising a brief Description of the Company at the Peacock assembled; and a Tale told by a Bagman

Chapter 15 In which is given a faithful Portraiture of two distinguished Persons; and an accurate Description of a public Breakfast in their House and Grounds: which public Breakfast leads to the Recognition of an old Acquaintance, and the Commencement of anoth

Chapter 16 Too full of Adventure to be briefly described

Chapter 17 Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some Cases, acts as a Quickener to inventive Genius

Chapter 18 Briefly illustrative of two Points; first, the Power of Hysterics, and, secondly, the Force of Circumstances

Chapter 19 A pleasant Day with an unpleasant Termination

Chapter 20 Showing how Dodson and Fogg were Men of Business, and their Clerks Men of pleasure; and how an affecting Interview took place between Mr. Weller and his long–lost Parent; showing also what Choice Spirits assembled at the Magpie and Stump, and what a

Chapter 21 In which the old Man launches forth into his favourite Theme, and relates a Story about a queer Client

Chapter 22 Mr. Pickwick journeys to Ipswich and meets with a romantic Adventure with a middle–aged Lady in yellow Curl–papers

Chapter 23 In which Mr. Samuel Weller begins to devote his Energies to the Return Match between himself and Mr. Trotter

Chapter 24 Wherein Mr. Peter Magnus grows jealous, and the middle–aged Lady apprehensive, which brings the Pickwickians within the Grasp of the Law

Chapter 25 Showing, among a Variety of pleasant Matters, how majestic and impartial Mr. Nupkins was; and how Mr. Weller returned Mr. Job Trotter’s Shuttlecock as heavily as it came—With another Matter, which will be found in its Place

Chapter 26 Which contains a brief Account of the Progress of the Action of Bardell against Pickwick

Chapter 27 Samuel Weller makes a Pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his Mother–in–law

Chapter 28 A good–humoured Christmas Chapter, containing an Account of a Wedding, and some other Sports beside: which although in their Way even as good Customs as Marriage itself, are not quite so religiously kept up, in these degenerate Times

Chapter 29 The Story of the Goblins who stole a Sexton

Chapter 30 How the Pickwickians made and cultivated the Acquaintance of a Couple of nice young Men belonging to one of the liberal Professions; how they disported themselves on the Ice; and how their Visit came to a Conclusion

Chapter 31 Which is all about the Law, and sundry Great Authorities learned therein

Chapter 32 Describes, far more fully than the Court Newsman ever did, a Bachelor’s Party, given by Mr. Bob Sawyer at his Lodgings in the Borough

Chapter 33 Mr. Weller the elder delivers some Critical Sentiments respecting Literary Composition; and, assisted by his Son Samuel, pays a small Instalment of Retaliation to the Account of the Reverend Gentleman with the Red Nose

Chapter 34 Is wholly devoted to a full and faithful Report of the memorable Trial of Bardell against Pickwick

Chapter 35 In which Mr. Pickwick thinks he had better go to Bath; and goes accordingly

Chapter 36 The chief Features of which will be found to be an authentic Version of the Legend of Prince Bladud, and a most extraordinary Calamity that befell Mr. Winkle

Chapter 37 Honourably accounts for Mr. Weller’s Absence, by describing a Soiree to which he was invited and went; also relates how he was intrusted by Mr. Pickwick with a Private Mission of Delicacy and Importance

Chapter 38 How Mr. Winkle, when he stepped out of the Frying–pan, walked gently and comfortably into the Fire

Chapter 39 Mr. Samuel Weller, being intrusted with a Mission of Love, proceeds to execute it; with what Success will hereinafter appear

Chapter 40 Introduces Mr. Pickwick to a new and not uninteresting Scene in the great Drama of Life

Chapter 41 What befell Mr. Pickwick when he got into the Fleet; what Prisoners he saw there; and how he passed the Night

Chapter 42 Illustrative, like the preceding one, of the old Proverb, that Adversity brings a Man acquainted with strange Bedfellows—Likewise containing Mr. Pickwick’s extraordinary and startling Announcement to Mr. Samuel Weller

Chapter 43 Showing how Mr. Samuel Weller got into Difficulties

Chapter 44 Treats of divers little Matters which occurred in the Fleet, and of Mr. Winkle’s mysterious Behaviour; and shows how the poor Chancery Prisoner obtained his Release at last

Chapter 45 Descriptive of an affecting Interview between Mr. Samuel Weller and a Family Party. Mr. Pickwick makes a Tour of the diminutive World he inhabits, and resolves to mix with it, in Future, as little as possible

Chapter 46 Records a touching Act of delicate Feeling not unmixed with Pleasantry, achieved and performed by Messrs. Dodson and Fogg

Chapter 47 Is chiefly devoted to Matters of Business, and the temporal Advantage of Dodson and Fogg—Mr. Winkle reappears under extraordinary Circumstances—Mr. Pickwick’s Benevolence proves stronger than his Obstinacy

Chapter 48 Relates how Mr. Pickwick, with the Assistance of Samuel Weller, essayed to soften the Heart of Mr. Benjamin Allen, and to mollify the Wrath of Mr. Robert Sawyer

Chapter 49 Containing the Story of the Bagman’s Uncle

Chapter 50 How Mr. Pickwick sped upon his Mission, and how he was reinforced in the Outset by a most unexpected Auxiliary

Chapter 51 In which Mr. Pickwick encounters an old Acquaintance—To which fortunate Circumstance the Reader is mainly indebted for Matter of thrilling Interest herein set down, concerning two great Public Men of Might and Power

Chapter 52 Involving a serious Change in the Weller Family, and the untimely Downfall of Mr. Stiggins

Chapter 53 Comprising the final Exit of Mr. Jingle and Job Trotter, with a great Morning of business in Gray’s Inn Square—Concluding with a Double Knock at Mr. Perker’s Door

Chapter 54 Containing some Particulars relative to the Double Knock, and other Matters: among which certain interesting Disclosures relative to Mr. Snodgrass and a Young Lady are by no Means irrelevant to this History

Chapter 55 Mr. Solomon Pell, assisted by a Select Committee of Coachmen, arranges the affairs of the elder Mr. Weller

Chapter 56 An important Conference takes place between Mr. Pickwick and Samuel Weller, at which his Parent assists—An old Gentleman in a snuff–coloured Suit arrives unexpectedly

Chapter 57 In which the Pickwick Club is finally dissolved, and everything concluded to the Satisfaction of Everybody

The Pickwick Papers

Charles Dickens

Published: 1832

Categorie(s): Fiction

Chapter 1

The Pickwickians

The first ray of light which illumines the gloom, and converts into a dazzling brilliancy that obscurity in which the earlier history of the public career of the immortal Pickwick would appear to be involved, is derived from the perusal of the following entry in the Transactions of the Pickwick Club, which the editor of these papers feels the highest pleasure in laying before his readers, as a proof of the careful attention, indefatigable assiduity, and nice discrimination, with which his search among the multifarious documents confided to him has been conducted.

‘May 12, 1827. Joseph Smiggers, Esq., P.V.P.M.P.C. [Perpetual Vice–President—Member Pickwick Club], presiding. The following resolutions unanimously agreed to:—

‘That this Association has heard read, with feelings of unmingled satisfaction, and unqualified approval, the paper communicated by Samuel Pickwick, Esq., G.C.M.P.C. [General Chairman—Member Pickwick Club], entitled Speculations on the Source of the Hampstead Ponds, with some Observations on the Theory of Tittlebats; and that this Association does hereby return its warmest thanks to the said Samuel Pickwick, Esq., G.C.M.P.C., for the same.

‘That while this Association is deeply sensible of the advantages which must accrue to the cause of science, from the production to which they have just adverted—no less than from the unwearied researches of Samuel Pickwick, Esq., G.C.M.P.C., in Hornsey, Highgate, Brixton, and Camberwell—they cannot but entertain a lively sense of the inestimable benefits which must inevitably result from carrying the speculations of that learned man into a wider field, from extending his travels, and, consequently, enlarging his sphere of observation, to the advancement of knowledge, and the diffusion of learning.

‘That, with the view just mentioned, this Association has taken into its serious consideration a proposal, emanating from the aforesaid, Samuel Pickwick, Esq., G.C.M.P.C., and three other Pickwickians hereinafter named, for forming a new branch of United Pickwickians, under the title of The Corresponding Society of the Pickwick Club.

‘That the said proposal has received the sanction and approval of this Association. ‘That the Corresponding Society of the Pickwick Club is therefore hereby constituted; and that Samuel Pickwick, Esq., G.C.M.P.C., Tracy Tupman, Esq., M.P.C., Augustus Snodgrass, Esq., M.P.C., and Nathaniel Winkle, Esq., M.P.C., are hereby nominated and appointed members of the same; and that they be requested to forward, from time to time, authenticated accounts of their journeys and investigations, of their observations of character and manners, and of the whole of their adventures, together with all tales and papers to which local scenery or associations may give rise, to the Pickwick Club, stationed in London.

‘That this Association cordially recognises the principle of every member of the Corresponding Society defraying his own travelling expenses; and that it sees no objection whatever to the members of the said society pursuing their inquiries for any length of time they please, upon the same terms.

‘That the members of the aforesaid Corresponding Society be, and are hereby informed, that their proposal to pay the postage of their letters, and the carriage of their parcels, has been deliberated upon by this Association: that this Association considers such proposal worthy of the great minds from which it emanated, and that it hereby signifies its perfect acquiescence therein.’

A casual observer, adds the secretary, to whose notes we are indebted for the following account—a casual observer might possibly have remarked nothing extraordinary in the bald head, and circular spectacles, which were intently turned towards his (the secretary’s) face, during the reading of the above resolutions: to those who knew that the gigantic brain of Pickwick was working beneath that forehead, and that the beaming eyes of Pickwick were twinkling behind those glasses, the sight was indeed an interesting one. There sat the man who had traced to their source the mighty ponds of Hampstead, and agitated the scientific world with his Theory of Tittlebats, as calm and unmoved as the deep waters of the one on a frosty day, or as a solitary specimen of the other in the inmost recesses of an earthen jar. And how much more interesting did the spectacle become, when, starting into full life and animation, as a simultaneous call for ‘Pickwick’ burst from his followers, that illustrious man slowly mounted into the Windsor chair, on which he had been previously seated, and addressed the club himself had founded. What a study for an artist did that exciting scene present! The eloquent Pickwick, with one hand gracefully concealed behind his coat tails, and the other waving in air to assist his glowing declamation; his elevated position revealing those tights and gaiters, which, had they clothed an ordinary man, might have passed without observation, but which, when Pickwick clothed them—if we may use the expression—inspired involuntary awe and respect; surrounded by the men who had volunteered to share the perils of his travels, and who were destined to participate in the glories of his discoveries. On his right sat Mr. Tracy Tupman—the too susceptible Tupman, who to the wisdom and experience of maturer years superadded the enthusiasm and ardour of a boy in the most interesting and pardonable of human weaknesses—love. Time and feeding had expanded that once romantic form; the black silk waistcoat had become more and more developed; inch by inch had the gold watch–chain beneath it disappeared from within the range of Tupman’s vision; and gradually had the capacious chin encroached upon the borders of the white cravat: but the soul of Tupman had known no change—admiration of the fair sex was still its ruling passion. On the left of his great leader sat the poetic Snodgrass, and near him again the sporting Winkle; the former poetically enveloped in a mysterious blue cloak with a canine–skin collar, and the latter communicating additional lustre to a new green shooting–coat, plaid neckerchief, and closely–fitted drabs.

Mr. Pickwick’s oration upon this occasion, together with the debate thereon, is entered on the Transactions of the Club. Both bear a strong affinity to the discussions of other celebrated bodies; and, as it is always interesting to trace a resemblance between the proceedings of great men, we transfer the entry to these pages.

‘Mr. Pickwick observed (says the secretary) that fame was dear to the heart of every man. Poetic fame was dear to the heart of his friend Snodgrass; the fame of conquest was equally dear to his friend Tupman; and the desire of earning fame in the sports of the field, the air, and the water was uppermost in the breast of his friend Winkle. He (Mr. Pickwick) would not deny that he was influenced by human passions and human feelings (cheers)—possibly by human weaknesses (loud cries of No); but this he would say, that if ever the fire of self–importance broke out in his bosom, the desire to benefit the human race in preference effectually quenched it. The praise of mankind was his swing; philanthropy was his insurance office. (Vehement cheering.) He had felt some pride—he acknowledged it freely, and let his enemies make the most of it—he had felt some pride when he presented his Tittlebatian Theory to the world; it might be celebrated or it might not. (A cry of It is, and great cheering.) He would take the assertion of that honourable Pickwickian whose voice he had just heard—it was celebrated; but if the fame of that treatise were to extend to the farthest confines of the known world, the pride with which he should reflect on the authorship of that production would be as nothing compared with the pride with which he looked around him, on this, the proudest moment of his existence. (Cheers.) He was a humble individual. (No, no.) Still he could not but feel that they had selected him for a service of great honour, and of some danger. Travelling was in a troubled state, and the minds of coachmen were unsettled. Let them look abroad and contemplate the scenes which were enacting around them. Stage–coaches were upsetting in all directions, horses were bolting, boats were overturning, and boilers were bursting. (Cheers—a voice No.) No! (Cheers.) Let that honourable Pickwickian who cried No so loudly come forward and deny it, if he could. (Cheers.) Who was it that cried No? (Enthusiastic cheering.) Was it some vain and disappointed man—he would not say haberdasher (loud cheers)—who, jealous of the praise which had been—perhaps undeservedly—bestowed on his (Mr. Pickwick’s) researches, and smarting under the censure which had been heaped upon his own feeble attempts at rivalry, now took this vile and calumnious mode of—

‘Mr. Blotton (of Aldgate) rose to order. Did the honourable Pickwickian allude to him? (Cries of Order, Chair, Yes, No, Go on, Leave off, etc.)

‘Mr. Pickwick would not put up to be put down by clamour. He had alluded to the honourable gentleman. (Great excitement.)

‘Mr. Blotton would only say then, that he repelled the hon. gent.‘s false and scurrilous accusation, with profound contempt. (Great cheering.) The hon. gent. was a humbug. (Immense confusion, and loud cries of Chair, and Order.)

‘Mr. A. Snodgrass rose to order. He threw himself upon the chair. (Hear.) He wished to know whether this disgraceful contest between two members of that club should be allowed to continue. (Hear, hear.)

‘The chairman was quite sure the hon. Pickwickian would withdraw the expression he had just made use of.

‘Mr. Blotton, with all possible respect for the chair, was quite sure he would not.

‘The chairman felt it his imperative duty to demand of the honourable gentleman, whether he had used the expression which had just escaped him in a common sense.

‘Mr. Blotton had no hesitation in saying that he had not—he had used the word in its Pickwickian sense. (Hear, hear.) He was bound to acknowledge that, personally, he entertained the highest regard and esteem for the honourable gentleman; he had merely considered him a humbug in a Pickwickian point of view. (Hear, hear.)

‘Mr. Pickwick felt much gratified by the fair, candid, and full explanation of his honourable friend. He begged it to be at once understood, that his own observations had been merely intended to bear a Pickwickian construction. (Cheers.)’

Here the entry terminates, as we have no doubt the debate did also, after arriving at such a highly satisfactory and intelligible point. We have no official statement of the facts which the reader will find recorded in the next chapter, but they have been carefully collated from letters and other ms. authorities, so unquestionably genuine as to justify their narration in a connected form.

Chapter 2

The first Day’s Journey, and the first Evening’s Adventures; with their Consequences

That punctual servant of all work, the sun, had just risen, and begun to strike a light on the morning of the thirteenth of May, one thousand eight hundred and twenty–seven, when Mr. Samuel Pickwick burst like another sun from his slumbers, threw open his chamber window, and looked out upon the world beneath. Goswell Street was at his feet, Goswell Street was on his right hand—as far as the eye could reach, Goswell Street extended on his left; and the opposite side of Goswell Street was over the way. ‘Such,’ thought Mr. Pickwick, ‘are the narrow views of those philosophers who, content with examining the things that lie before them, look not to the truths which are hidden beyond. As well might I be content to gaze on Goswell Street for ever, without one effort to penetrate to the hidden countries which on every side surround it.’ And having given vent to this beautiful reflection, Mr. Pickwick proceeded to put himself into his clothes, and his clothes into his portmanteau. Great men are seldom over scrupulous in the arrangement of their attire; the operation of shaving, dressing, and coffee–imbibing was soon performed; and, in another hour, Mr. Pickwick, with his portmanteau in his hand, his telescope in his greatcoat pocket, and his note–book in his waistcoat, ready for the reception of any discoveries worthy of being noted down, had arrived at the coach–stand in St. Martin’s–le–Grand. ‘Cab!’ said Mr. Pickwick.

‘Here you are, sir,’ shouted a strange specimen of the human race, in a sackcloth coat, and apron of the same, who, with a brass label and number round his neck, looked as if he were catalogued in some collection of rarities. This was the waterman. ‘Here you are, sir. Now, then, fust cab!’ And the first cab having been fetched from the public–house, where he had been smoking his first pipe, Mr. Pickwick and his portmanteau were thrown into the vehicle.

‘Golden Cross,’ said Mr. Pickwick.

‘Only a bob’s vorth, Tommy,’ cried the driver sulkily, for the information of his friend the waterman, as the cab drove off.

‘How old is that horse, my friend?’ inquired Mr. Pickwick, rubbing his nose with the shilling he had reserved for the fare.

‘Forty–two,’ replied the driver, eyeing him askant.

‘What!’ ejaculated Mr. Pickwick, laying his hand upon his note–book. The driver reiterated his former statement. Mr. Pickwick looked very hard at the man’s face, but his features were immovable, so he noted down the fact forthwith. ‘And how long do you keep him out at a time?‘inquired Mr. Pickwick, searching for further information.

‘Two or three veeks,’ replied the man.

‘Weeks!’ said Mr. Pickwick in astonishment, and out came the note–book again.

‘He lives at Pentonwil when he’s at home,’ observed the driver coolly, ‘but we seldom takes him home, on account of his weakness.’

‘On account of his weakness!’ reiterated the perplexed Mr. Pickwick.

‘He always falls down when he’s took out o’ the cab,’ continued the driver, ‘but when he’s in it, we bears him up werry tight, and takes him in werry short, so as he can’t werry well fall down; and we’ve got a pair o’ precious large wheels on, so ven he does move, they run after him, and he must go on—he can’t help it.’

Mr. Pickwick entered every word of this statement in his note–book, with the view of communicating it to the club, as a singular instance of the tenacity of life in horses under trying circumstances. The entry was scarcely completed when they reached the Golden Cross. Down jumped the driver, and out got Mr. Pickwick. Mr. Tupman, Mr. Snodgrass, and Mr. Winkle, who had been anxiously waiting the arrival of their illustrious leader, crowded to welcome him.

‘Here’s your fare,’ said Mr. Pickwick, holding out the shilling to the driver.

What was the learned man’s astonishment, when that unaccountable person flung the money on the pavement, and requested in figurative terms to be allowed the pleasure of fighting him (Mr. Pickwick) for the amount!

‘You are mad,’ said Mr. Snodgrass.

‘Or drunk,’ said Mr. Winkle.

‘Or both,’ said Mr. Tupman.

‘Come on!’ said the cab–driver, sparring away like clockwork. ‘Come on—all four on you.’

‘Here’s a lark!’ shouted half a dozen hackney coachmen. ‘Go to vork, Sam!—and they crowded with great glee round the party.

‘What’s the row, Sam?’ inquired one gentleman in black calico sleeves.

‘Row!’ replied the cabman, ‘what did he want my number for?’ ‘I didn’t want your number,’ said the astonished Mr. Pickwick.

‘What did you take it for, then?’ inquired the cabman.

‘I didn’t take it,’ said Mr. Pickwick indignantly.

‘Would anybody believe,’ continued the cab–driver, appealing to the crowd, ‘would anybody believe as an informer’ud go about in a man’s cab, not only takin’ down his number, but ev’ry word he says into the bargain’ (a light flashed upon Mr. Pickwick—it was the note–book).

‘Did he though?’ inquired another cabman.

‘Yes, did he,’ replied the first; ‘and then arter aggerawatin’ me to assault him, gets three witnesses here to prove it. But I’ll give it him, if I’ve six months for it. Come on!’ and the cabman dashed his hat upon the ground, with a reckless disregard of his own private property, and knocked Mr. Pickwick’s spectacles off, and followed up the attack with a blow on Mr. Pickwick’s nose, and another on Mr. Pickwick’s chest, and a third in Mr. Snodgrass’s eye, and a fourth, by way of variety, in Mr. Tupman’s waistcoat, and then danced into the road, and then back again to the pavement, and finally dashed the whole temporary supply of breath out of Mr. Winkle’s body; and all in half a dozen seconds.

‘Where’s an officer?’ said Mr. Snodgrass.

‘Put ’em under the pump,’ suggested a hot–pieman.

‘You shall smart for this,’ gasped Mr. Pickwick.

‘Informers!’ shouted the crowd.

‘Come on,’ cried the cabman, who had been sparring without cessation the whole time.

The mob hitherto had been passive spectators of the scene, but as the intelligence of the Pickwickians being informers was spread among them, they began to canvass with considerable vivacity the propriety of enforcing the heated pastry–vendor’s proposition: and there is no saying what acts of personal aggression they might have committed, had not the affray been unexpectedly terminated by the interposition of a new–comer.

‘What’s the fun?’ said a rather tall, thin, young man, in a green coat, emerging suddenly from the coach–yard.

‘informers!’ shouted the crowd again.

‘We are not,’ roared Mr. Pickwick, in a tone which, to any dispassionate listener, carried conviction with it. ‘Ain’t you, though—ain’t you?’ said the young man, appealing to Mr. Pickwick, and making his way through the crowd by the infallible process of elbowing the countenances of its component members.

That learned man in a few hurried words explained the real state of the case.

‘Come along, then,’ said he of the green coat, lugging Mr. Pickwick after him by main force, and talking the whole way. Here, No. 924, take your fare, and take yourself off—respectable gentleman—know him well—none of your nonsense—this way, sir—where’s your friends?—all a mistake, I see—never mind—accidents will happen—best regulated families—never say die—down upon your luck—Pull him up—Put that in his pipe—like the flavour—damned rascals.’ And with a lengthened string of similar broken sentences, delivered with extraordinary volubility, the stranger led the way to the traveller’s waiting–room, whither he was closely followed by Mr. Pickwick and his disciples.

‘Here, waiter!’ shouted the stranger, ringing the bell with tremendous violence, ‘glasses round—brandy–and–water, hot and strong, and sweet, and plenty,—eye damaged, Sir? Waiter! raw beef–steak for the gentleman’s eye—nothing like raw beef–steak for a bruise, sir; cold lamp–post very good, but lamp–post inconvenient—damned odd standing in the open street half an hour, with your eye against a lamp–post—eh,—very good—ha! ha!’ And the stranger, without stopping to take