February 7—today’s Charles Dickens’ birthday! Today is the 200th anniversary of his birth, born February 7, 1812.
Since we don’t have time today to read a whole book by Dickens, please join me in a little guessing game. Can you name the novel from which the following quotes, or characters, appear?
“Bah, humbug!”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
“Barkis is willin”
Miss Havisham
The Artful Dodger
Pip
Below is a photo I took of the foyer entrance to Dickens’ home in London a few years ago. We had just completed the “Dickens Walking Tour” on a Sunday when London seemed deserted.
What stories about Dickens can you share?
(Answers to little quiz will appear on Dickens’ next birthday!)
When I’m in London, I like to walk. It’s how I see the city and how I get from place to place. I like the way it gives me a visceral feel for the neighborhoods and how they connect. I also like to think that I’m walking in Dickens’s footsteps. An insomniac, he walked all over London in the nighttime hours. I’m sure I’ve walked along the same streets he did. I only wish I had the same gift of characterization that he draws from his nocturnal perambulations!
I agree—walking is the best way to see any city. Thanks for your
interesting commentary.
Happy Dickens’ Birthday! Well, I had to go to Google, to get some help with the quizz … yes, I know; but happy days, they have decorated their Google letters with little drawings of Dickens characters! That, and your photo from his house in London, and the walking tour, plus the walking insights, all confirm to me — it’s time I planned a trip to London, and what better day to start. Barkis is willin! Thanks for the very fun words and visuals and sparks to the imagination.
Aren’t we having fun? Yes, I saw the Google letters . . . cute. Glad to hear
all the Dickens stuff has sparked thoughts of going to London.
Hi! I know that Pip and Miss Havisham are both from Great Expectations, which I’m reading right now! I’m almost halfway through, and I’m really enjoying it. Your blog is the best!
Good for you! Thanks for your comment—keep up the good work!
Katydid says: Now I know why I have not heard from you! Charles Dickens has taken over your life! And, I must acknowledge in a most clever way. I have not gone to Google yet but I did remember a couple of the quiz answers.
A little local news about Charles Dickens: Byer’s Choice is celebrating Dickens 200th birthday all this week at the Chalfont address culminating Sat. Feb 11th with a champagne toast and cake. They are also serving cake and tea everyday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m ( too late for that) . Also, every year at Christmas Dickens’ Great Grandson comes over from England to give readings and entertainment. There is a fee but the ambiance of the The Dickens’ village, the readings, and the holiday decorations is worth it. I may give it a whirl next season.
Love your blog,
Hi Katydid! Thanks for your commentary—-looks like a Dickens fan
is surely in our midst. Appreciate your support.
p.s. from katydid
The book, THE DRESS LODGER, by Sheri Holman that I keep submitting to the book group for inclusion on our “to read” book list is’ in my opinion’ Dickensian! The fact that the author is an American female and writes in a style quite like Dickens is reason enough to love this book. . I will keep putting it on the list. It is certainly heads above our current selection!.