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Dickens (Charles) Collection
mssDickens  
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Description
A collection of Charles Dickens letters, manuscripts, and ephemera.
Background
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a British writer during the Victorian era, perhaps the most celebrated writer of his time; he used his writing to entertain but to also expose the ills of Victorian society. Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England, and was forced by family circumstances to leave school at the age of 12 for three years. After some additional schooling, he began his writing career as a journalist; over the following decades, he was also a journal editor, publisher, critic, and a writer of novels, short stories, and articles. Dickens also gave many lectures and reading performances throughout England and America. He used his writings to campaign for social reform for children and education among other issues. In 1836, he married Catherine Thomson Hogarth; together they had 10 children. On June 8, 1870, Dickens had a second stroke at his home; he never regained consciousness and, the next day, he died at Gads Hill Place.
Extent
21 Linear Feet (18 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.