The Pickwick Papers Author:Charles Dickens

First published serially from 1836 to 1837 under the pseudonym Boz and in book form in 1837. This first fictional work by Dickens was originally commissioned as a series of glorified captions for the work of caricaturist Robert Seymour. His witty, episodic accounts of the kindly, naive Samuel Pickwick and his friends in the Pickwick Club were instantly successful in their own right, however, and made Dickens a literary sensation. ~Once I started to read this novel, it became clear Dickens' style appealed to me. His descriptions are indirect in language that exercises word usage, some which are uncommon today but nevertheless, perfectly descriptive of his interesting characters. Mr. Pickwick's involvement in episodes are comical, truly character building and the imagery glues one to what follows. Dickens' style differs from modern writing where authors express opinions, whereas Dicken's creates new characters on every page and his writings are a delight to read. The description of social mores and values and the intriguing and convoluted situations is the mark of a genius. The opening chapters in particular make one want to continue to see what happens because he leaves enough of a thread of something to be completed that curiosity compels one to see what happens next.--Submitted by Ralph Cameron~