Charles Dickens As I Knew Him: The Story of the Reading Tours in Britain and North America 1866-1870

by George Dolby

The story of Dickens' reading tours in Great Britain and America, 1866-1870, by his longtime friend and manager. Book I consists of an account of the two English tours, 1866-1867. This includes Ireland and Scottland. Book II covers the American tour of 1867-1868, Boston, New York, New Haven, Niagara, Utica, Nantucket. Book II relates the "final farewell" tour in the United Kingdom, 1868-1870 just prior to his death.

466 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is any question about how popular Dickens was in America, or how exhausting this reading tour was, this is the book to read. George Dolby was the manager, frontman, organizer, trouble-shooter and jack-of-all-trades for Charles Dickens. Dolby was, as well, an ardent fan of Dickens and refers to Dickens throughout this book as "The Chief." If one wants to read an objective, critical analysis of the Dickens reading tour of 1867-1868 this is not the book for you. If, however, you want to experience the energy and freshness of George Dolby and can handle a bit of Dickensian boosterism, this is the book for you.

I found myself enjoying the energy and obvious respect Dolby had for Dickens. At times, I think Dolby over-states his role in the tour, but that can be easily forgiven. Dolby paints a picture of a Dickens who expended so much energy in the readings that he eventually wore himself down. Dickens was suffering from a severely painful leg and was fatiguing easily before he ventured to America. Nevertheless, he pushed on. Shortly after he began his readings he contracted influenza and this ailment dogged Dickens for the remainder of the four month tour. As the tour wound down, so did Dickens to the point where he had to be helped on and off the stage. Near the end of the reading tour Dickens was forced to cancel some planned social events. All in all, he read 76 times.

Dolby's book will reward its reader with a look at an America that was still recovering from the scars of the Civil War and finding itself emerging into a new era of expansion. Partly history, partly biography, part insightful and even partly gossip, this is a must read for all Dickensians.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Charles Dickens' writing most of my life. I didn't know much about his personal life and this probably wasn't the best source to find out that information because it offers exactly what it says: this is a book from Mr. Dolby's very biased perspective on a small period of time in Mr. Dickens' life. Not to say it is an inaccurate portrayal, but it is very limited in scope and many of the anecdotes included were in regards to administrative matters such as the amount of tickets sold and at what cost. Between conversion rates and this taking place 150 years ago, this made no sense to me. However, describing the lines for tickets and lengths people went to in order to obtain tickets to hear Dickens read was very relatable. My son got tired of me telling him that Dickens was the Victorian Taylor Swift! This was a very fascinating in depth look at the things Dickens did other than write so many classic books.

Thanks to NetGalley and Endeavour Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Jane Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dickens Story

The subject of this book does not seem very interesting, but the author tells the tale in such a lively and intimate way that the reader really enjoys it. He gives an up close picture of Dickens and tells the story in such an entertaining way that the reader is caught up in it. If you have any interest pin Dickens, you will enjoy this book.

[Joseph Hageman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and entertaining

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Dickens As I Knew Him

by George Dolby

Endeavour Press

You Are Auto-Approved

Albion Press
Biographies & Memoirs, History

Pub Date 14 Oct 2016

I am voluntarily reviewing Charles Dickens as I Knew Him through the publisher and Netgalley:

In this book we get a glimpse at the man behind the writings. Charles Dickens went to extraordinary measures to satisfy his fans, working hard on his writings and public readings.

The author talks of Charles Dickens Trip(s) to America where he would conduct readings of his writings to his fans.

George Dolby goes on to talk about the authors rapidly declining health during his stay in America.

Upon his return to England Charles Dickens decided to conduct a final farewell tour from 1968 to 1970.

I give Charles Dickens As I knew him five out of five stars.

Happy Reading!