American Notes for General Circulation [Paperback]

Charles Dickens's lively and controversial two-volume account of his six-month visit to the United States in 1842.Charles Dickens (18121870) was a journalist before he became a novelist. His travel writings have all the energy and urgency of journalism, and these two controversial volumes, drawn from his experiences on a six-month tour of the United States between January and June 1842, are no exception.Charles Dickens (18121870) was a journalist before he became a novelist. His travel writings have all the energy and urgency of journalism, and these two controversial volumes, drawn from his experiences on a six-month tour of the United States between January and June 1842, are no exception.Charles Dickens (18121870) is best remembered today for the novels which offer a fantastic, even grotesque panorama of Victorian life, but he was a journalist before he became a novelist. His travel writings have all the energy and urgency of journalism, and these two volumes, drawn from his experiences on a six-month tour of America between January and June 1842, are no exception. Dickens was already hugely popular with the American reading public, and he was lionised wherever he went, but the American Notes, and the American scenes in Martin Chuzzlewit, caused great controversy and were felt by many to insult the people and institutions of the United States. Dickens's dedication of American Notes, to 'those friends of mine in America ... who, loving their country, can bear the truth when it is told good humouredly, and in a kind spirit' suggests that he was not surprised by this reaction.1. A night steamer on the Potomac river; 2. Some further account of the canal-boat; 3. From Pittsburg to Cincinnati in a western steam boat; 4. From Cincinnati to Louisville in another western steam boat; 5. A jaunt to the looking-glass prairie and back; 6. Return to Cincinnati; 7. In Canada; 8. The passage home; 9. Slavery; 10. Concluding remarks.