I have to admit I have watched more Charles Dickens' stories than read them! Yet I have been eager to visit his house in London for years. He's famous for books such as Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers and Nicholas Nickleby but here are six things I didn't know about him!
1 Dickens was fascinated by travel. He travelled to Europe and North America and also encouraged his children to travel. Two of Dickens children went to Australia.
2 Dickens had a strict routine, writing without distraction from breakfast to lunch. Great inspiration for my currently undisciplined writing life.
3 Dickens' wife, Catherine, published a recipe book called 'What Shall We Have for Dinner?' Roast Lamb, Stewed Kidneys, Curry Rabbit, Ducklings, Orange Jelly, Custard, Cabinet Pudding.... I'm feeling ill just writing it!
4 Dickens had digestive problems - and no wonder with the recipes in his wife's book. He describes symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome - '...distension, flatulency, and disagreeable pains in the pit of the stomach and chest...'
5 Dickens was a social justice warrior. He experienced poverty in his childhood and his father spent time in debtors prison.
6 Dickens was an actor. He delighted in hosting amateur theatricals at his home. Later he performed his book readings on stage to great acclaim.
Most inspiring for me was reading excerpts of his great writing, and seeing his editing of his own work - no backspace button in those days.
I have most certainly put his books on my 'to read soon' list.
Commentaires