English Men of Letters

Dickens

At the close of a letter addressed by Dickens to his friend John Forster, but not to be found in the English editions of the Life, the writer adds to his praises of the biography of Goldsmith these memorable words: I desire no better for my fame, when my personal dustiness shall be past the control of my love of order, than such a biographer and such a critic. Dickens was a man of few close friendshipshis breast, he said, would not hold many peoplebut, of these friendships, that with Forster was one of the earliest, as it was one of the most enduring. To Dickens, at least, his future biographer must have been the embodiment of two qualities rarely combined in equal measurediscretion and candour. In literary matters his advice was taken almost as often as it was given, and nearly every proof-sheet of nearly every work of Dickens passed through his faithful helpmates hands. Nor were there many important decisions formed by Dickens concerning himself in the course of his manhood to which Forster was a stranger, though, unhappily, he more than once counselled in vain. On Mr. Forsters Life of Charles Dickens, together with the three volumes of Letters collected by Dickenss eldest daughter and his sister-in-lawhis dearest and best friendit is superfluous to state that the biographical portion of the following essay is mainly based. It may be superfluous, but it cannot be considered impertinent, if I add that the shortcomings of the Life have, in my opinion, been more frequently proclaimed than defined; and that its merits are those of its author as well as of its subject. My sincere thanks are due for various favours shown to me in connexion with the production of this little volume by Miss[Pg vi] Hogarth, Mr. Charles Dickens, Professor Henry Morley, Mr. Alexander Ireland, Mr. John Evans, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Britton. Mr. Evans has kindly enabled me to correct some inaccuracies in Mr. Forsters account of Dickenss early Chatham days on unimpeachable first-hand evidence. I also beg Captain and Mrs. Budden to accept my thanks for allowing me to see Gads Hill Place. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 36714
Author: Ward, Adolphus William
Release Date: Jul 12, 2011
Format: eBook
Language: English