Charles Dickens (1812-1870), began his writing career as a journalist. When he published The Pickwick Papers in book form in 1836, the novel was an instant success. But, could he have guessed that two hundred years later he would still be one of the most popular writers of all time, with many of his novels, such as Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol, being adapted for stage, film and television?
Charles Dickens at 200 – Bicentennial Celebration
To mark the 200th anniversary of Dickens's birth, The Morgan Library & Museum presents Charles Dickens at 200. The Morgan has one of the world's largest collections of items relating to Charles Dickens, including manuscripts, novels and stories, letters, books, photographs, original illustrations, and caricatures. The exhibition features a broad range of items exploring the life and work of Britain's first literary superstar.
Charles Dickens at 200 is curated by Declan Kiely, the Robert H. Taylor Curator and Department Head of Literary and Historical Manuscripts at The Morgan Library & Museum. The display is underwritten by Fay and Geoffrey Elliott, and sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Charles Dickens at 200 – Highlights of the Exhibition
The exhibition showcases a manuscript of Our Mutual Friend, the only complete manuscript of a Dickens book to be held in the USA. The public will view a selection of pages allowing them to trace Dickens's creative process. His determination to see this story published was proven when, after surviving a train crash in 1865, he returned to the wreckage to rescue the manuscript of an instalment of the novel.
Also on view are the manuscripts of three of his five Christmas stories, including A Christmas Carol (1843). The Cricket on the Hearth (1845), and The Battle of Life (1846).
The installation includes many of Dickens's letters, (the Morgan collection holds more than 1500). The letters reveal interesting facts about Dickens's financial situation, his family and social life, his activities as a social reformer, his travels to Europe and the United States, as well as his relationships with the artists that illustrated his works.
Charles Dickens at 200 – Public Events
The Morgan Library & Museum is planning a broad range of public events including lectures, discussions and film screenings as well as a varied programme of family events. Charles Dickens at 200 will be on view from 23rd September 2011 to 12th February 2012. Further information about the exhibition and all public events can be obtained from The Morgan Library & Museum.
Source:
- The Morgan Library & Museum
Frances Spiegel - Frances Spiegel, B.A. Hons. (Open)., Dip.Eur.Hum., read Art History/European Modern History at the Open University.
