Charles Dickens, How to Know Him

This intelligently thought-out biography on the life and works of Charles Dickens is more of a volume of literary criticism on the author. The book includes a well written and intimate look at Dickens' early years, a study of the evolution of his works and an insightful critique of the author as a world class artist. There is also a fascinating chapter on the impact his writing had on social reform in England at the end of the century.