Dickens and the 1830s [Paperback]

Kathryn Chittick examines the early career of Charles Dickens in light of the movements in literary criticism and the rise of the novel and Victorian literary canon.The 1830s were important, formative years in the career of Charles Dickens, and also for movements in literary criticism and the development of the Victorian novel. Kathryn Chittick examines the first nine years of Dickens career in this context.The 1830s were important, formative years in the career of Charles Dickens, and also for movements in literary criticism and the development of the Victorian novel. Kathryn Chittick examines the first nine years of Dickens career in this context.The 1830s were important, formative years in the career of Charles Dickens, and also for movements in literary criticism and the development of the Victorian novel. Kathryn Chittick examines the first nine years of Dickens' career in this context, bringing to light a wealth of detail concerning the journalistic origins of Victorian criticism and the political background to the literature of the period. Central to her argument in this fascinating book is an analysis of the rise of the Victorian literary canon and the values associated with it.Preface; Acknowledgements; Note on the text; 1. 18281833 the parliamentary reporter; 2. Literature in 1833; 3. 18331836 the sketch writer; 4. 18361837 the qualifications of a novelist: Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist; 5. 18371838 the editor of Bentley's Miscellany; 6. 1838 the writer of parts; 7. 18391840 the 'man of felling': Nicholas Nickleby and Master Humphrey's Clock; 8. 18391841 the historical novelist: Jack Sheppard and Barnaby Rudge; Conclusion; Notes; Further reading; Index.