Words with Wings: Spurgeon meets Dickens

By Dave Swavely

What if...?

Considering the size and influence of the British Empire in the mid-19th Century, preacher Charles Spurgeon and novelist Charles Dickens were arguably the two most famous people in the world. They both lived their entire adult lives in London and commented occasionally on one another, but we have no record of them e

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Way With Words
• Release date: Aug 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218253400

Dave Swavely

DAVE SWAVELY is a published author of four nonfiction books including Decisions, Decisions and Who Are You to Judge? He lived in the beautiful Napa Valley for ten years and now resides in lovely Chester County, near Philadelphia. Silhouette was his first novel, and the sequel, Kaleidocide, was also published by Thomas Dunne Books.

Book preview

Swavely’s story is as lively and authentic as a piece of fiction can be. In just a few short lines, I felt as if I knew both the famous preacher and the famous author like brothers. This is the rare piece of non-history that feels like real history to the point of the reader feeling a part of history. How many times have we all thought, I wish I could have been a fly on the wall when...? With this story, you can be, and it's as glorious an experience as you thought it might be.

Wayne Thomas Batson, bestselling author of The Door Within Trilogy, The Myridian Constellation, and A Christian's Carol

For those who love both Dickens and Spurgeon and wonder if they ever met—they did, as surely as any of Dickens' characters live in the fiber of literary culture, and as sure as Spurgeon’s words make the ancient biblical stories come alive. This is a satisfying and touching account of two beloved world-changers.

Latayne Scott, award-winning author of A Conspiracy of Breath, The Mona Lisa Mirror Mystery, and over 25 other books

All good fiction is based upon the premise of What if…? Dave Swavely’s story not only has a great what if premise, but it makes you say to yourself, I wish… as in I wish this happened. After reading this, you’ll want to run to the bookshelf and spend time with both these men!

Thor Ramsey, comedian-turned-pastor and author of several books, including The Most Encouraging Book on Hell Ever

Really cool! Dave Swavely has done something special in pulling two great minds into the same room for our benefit. Personalities and worldviews bump up against each other, hinting at feelings and sentiments of an age not unlike our own.

Michael Guaglione, co-founder of Eye-Catcher Creative

This fictional but realistic conversation between the two celebrities is humorous, thought-provoking, and potentially life-changing. Seasoned author Dave Swavely keenly captures Spurgeon and Dickens in this page-turning narrative. An unexpected delight! 

Ray Rhodes, Jr., author of Yours, till Heaven; the Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon and Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon.

Words with Wings

Spurgeon meets Dickens

DAVE SWAVELY

Published by The Way With Words

1337 Greenhill Road, West Chester, PA, 19380

Copyright © 2023 Dave Swavely

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 979-8-218-23414-0

To my late friend Harry Reeder, who exhibited both Spurgeon’s holy gravitas and Dickens’ cheerful wit

Preface

Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) and Charles Dickens (1812-1870) are two of the greatest wordsmiths in the history of the English language. Spurgeon was one of the most influential preachers and Dickens one of the most popular authors.

We have no historical record of Spurgeon and Dickens ever meeting or even corresponding with one another, which is somewhat surprising because they both lived and worked in London and were two of the most famous men in the world at the time (if not the most famous, considering the size and reach of the British Empire). What’s even more surprising, however, is that there is no record of them ever criticizing one another,