The Great Charles Dickens Scandal

Author: Michael Slater
Publisher: Yale University Press
Category: Biography: Literary
Book Format: Paperback

A page-turning account of the scandal that almost ruined Dickens and how the story disappeared from history

Charles Dickens was regarded as the great proponent of hearth and home in Victorian Britain, but in 1858 this image was nearly shattered. With the breakup of his marriage that year, rumors of a scandalous relationship he may have conducted with the young actress Ellen Nelly Ternan flourished. For the remaining twelve years of his life, Dickens managed to contain the gossip. After his death, surviving family members did the same. But when the author's last living son died in 1934, there was no one to discourage rampant speculation. Dramatic revelations came from every corner-over Nelly's role as Dickens's mistress, their clandestine meetings, and even about his possibly fathering an illegitimate child by her.

This book presents the most complete account of the scandal and ensuing cover-up ever published. Drawing on the author's letters and other archival sources not previously available, Dickens scholar Michael Slater investigates what Dickens did or may have done, then traces the way the scandal was elaborated over succeeding generations. Slater shows how various writers concocted outlandish yet plausible theories while newspapers and book publishers vied for sensational revelations. With its tale of intrigue and a cast of well-known figures from Thackeray and Shaw to Orwell and Edmund Wilson, this engaging book will delight not only Dickens fans but also readers who appreciate tales of mystery, cover-up, and clever detection.

About Michael Slater
Michael Slater is emeritus professor of Victorian literature at Birkbeck College, University of London; past president of the International Dickens Fellowship and of the Dickens Society of America; and author of Charles Dickens. He lives in London.

(BK-9780300205282)

SKU BK-9780300205282
Barcode # 9780300205282
Brand Yale University Press
Artist / Author Michael Slater
Shipping Weight 0.2800kg
Shipping Width 0.130m
Shipping Height 0.020m
Shipping Length 0.200m
Assembled Length 13.300m
Assembled Height 20.300m
Assembled Width 1.900m
Type Paperback

Be The First To Review This Product!

Help other Augoods users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.

Write a product review

More From This Category