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The Mudfog Papers - 1st Summer Read 2022 (hosted by Cozy_Pug)
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"Full Report of the Second Meeting of the Mudfog Association for the Advancement of Everything"
Day Seven Summary
Section D of the MA meeting covers Statistics -
Mr Kwakley presents statistical data demonstrating discrepancies in qualifications asserted by Members of Parliament. MPs are required to "possess a clear freehold estate of three hundred pounds per annum". Mr Kwakley compiled the actual amounts possessed by various MP's, which in fact was zero. Mr Kwakley states it is a common practice for men to provide new MPs with temporary qualifications "as a mere matter of form." He concludes from his statistical sample that it is unnecessary for MPs to possess any property as a qualification.
Section E covers Umbugology and Ditchwaterisics -
The secretary reads a paper whose author describes a remarkable one-eyed pony. The author noted that the pony winked his one eye and whisked his tail simultaneously. Mr QJ Snuffletoffle shares that he has heard of eye-winking and tail-whisking ponies, but does not know if these two actions occurred on the same pony. He doubts the existence of such a pony as the author described and suggests that perhaps the pony was sleeping with one eye open. The Section President states that he is not prepared to dismiss the possibility of a pony winking and whisking in unison. He is, however, ready to finish the meeting and proceed to dinner. The President observes that he has seen many odd ponies in his time but never has he "seen any more remarkable donkeys than the other gentlemen around him."
Professor John Ketch is then called on to display the skull of a Mr Greenacre and to share any observations he has. The members discuss what type of man Mr Greenacre was, based on his skull, and disagreements arise. Mr Blubb states that the skull suggests to him a man who was unusually destructive and who possessed a "remarkable development of the organ of carveativeness." As Sir Hookham Snivey begins to dissent, Professor Ketch suddenly cries out. The President attempts to call him to order, but Professor Ketch declares that this is the wrong skull and is not even a skull at all. It is a coconut that his "brother-in-law has been a-carvin’, to hornament his new baked tatur-stall wots a-comin’ down ’ere vile the ’sociation’s in the town." Professor Ketch takes the coconut and hands the gentlemen an actual skull. Although an invigorating discussion resumes, no conclusions are reached as the members are uncertain whether this skull had in fact belonged to Mr Greenacre, to another patient, or possibly to a monkey.
The correspondent notes that this concludes a week of "gigantic researches and sublime and noble triumphs". He shares Professor Woodensconce's clever comment upon seeing wines and meats laid out for the association's dinner: "this is the spread of science, and a glorious spread it is."
The End
Day Seven Summary
Section D of the MA meeting covers Statistics -
Mr Kwakley presents statistical data demonstrating discrepancies in qualifications asserted by Members of Parliament. MPs are required to "possess a clear freehold estate of three hundred pounds per annum". Mr Kwakley compiled the actual amounts possessed by various MP's, which in fact was zero. Mr Kwakley states it is a common practice for men to provide new MPs with temporary qualifications "as a mere matter of form." He concludes from his statistical sample that it is unnecessary for MPs to possess any property as a qualification.
Section E covers Umbugology and Ditchwaterisics -
The secretary reads a paper whose author describes a remarkable one-eyed pony. The author noted that the pony winked his one eye and whisked his tail simultaneously. Mr QJ Snuffletoffle shares that he has heard of eye-winking and tail-whisking ponies, but does not know if these two actions occurred on the same pony. He doubts the existence of such a pony as the author described and suggests that perhaps the pony was sleeping with one eye open. The Section President states that he is not prepared to dismiss the possibility of a pony winking and whisking in unison. He is, however, ready to finish the meeting and proceed to dinner. The President observes that he has seen many odd ponies in his time but never has he "seen any more remarkable donkeys than the other gentlemen around him."
Professor John Ketch is then called on to display the skull of a Mr Greenacre and to share any observations he has. The members discuss what type of man Mr Greenacre was, based on his skull, and disagreements arise. Mr Blubb states that the skull suggests to him a man who was unusually destructive and who possessed a "remarkable development of the organ of carveativeness." As Sir Hookham Snivey begins to dissent, Professor Ketch suddenly cries out. The President attempts to call him to order, but Professor Ketch declares that this is the wrong skull and is not even a skull at all. It is a coconut that his "brother-in-law has been a-carvin’, to hornament his new baked tatur-stall wots a-comin’ down ’ere vile the ’sociation’s in the town." Professor Ketch takes the coconut and hands the gentlemen an actual skull. Although an invigorating discussion resumes, no conclusions are reached as the members are uncertain whether this skull had in fact belonged to Mr Greenacre, to another patient, or possibly to a monkey.
The correspondent notes that this concludes a week of "gigantic researches and sublime and noble triumphs". He shares Professor Woodensconce's clever comment upon seeing wines and meats laid out for the association's dinner: "this is the spread of science, and a glorious spread it is."
The End
A Little More
Names - The first presenter in this section is given a name that questions his abilities - Mr Kwakley. A quack is one who claims knowledge and skill in a particular field, usually medicine but appropriate in this context as well. Messrs Dull and Dummy are self-explanatory.
Section D - Members of the House of Commons were required to have an annual income of at least 300£, as they were typically wealthy men already. In addition, Member of the House of Commons was an unpaid office.
Section E - Humbug means dishonesty, using lies or deceit to fool someone. Dickens has dropped the "h" added the suffix "-ology" to make this sound like a scientific field. Ditchwater, used in a slangy way, describes something as dull. This last section is filled with ridiculous suppositions and dubious research.
Professor John Ketch - We first came across him in the day three summary LINK HERE, and I mentioned Dickens' use of this name would be obvious later in the story. Today we see why John Ketch was an apt choice, as his contribution to the meeting is a skull. Adding to the (dark) humor is the fact that he first produces a coconut, then cannot verify if the actual skull is that of a human or an animal. Professor Ketch is unable to keep up with his skulls, and the real John Ketch was unable to behead properly.
Carveativeness - At first I thought this was an error and should have been "creativeness". After rereading and mulling it over, it occurred to me that this is a bit of wordplay on Dickens' part. The skull/coconut was thought to belong to a destructive man. If that implies a criminal, he could have been a criminal who stabbed his victims - hence, "carve-ativeness". That would also tie in with the bungled beheading in which the real John Ketch used his knife to complete the job. Carveativeness also refers to Professor Ketch's brother-in-law carving the coconut for his stall.
Satire - In the final sentence of this sketch, Dickens leaves the reader with a satirical summary view of scientific organization meetings. Professor Woodensconce makes it clear that the meeting was all about the food.
Names - The first presenter in this section is given a name that questions his abilities - Mr Kwakley. A quack is one who claims knowledge and skill in a particular field, usually medicine but appropriate in this context as well. Messrs Dull and Dummy are self-explanatory.
Section D - Members of the House of Commons were required to have an annual income of at least 300£, as they were typically wealthy men already. In addition, Member of the House of Commons was an unpaid office.
Section E - Humbug means dishonesty, using lies or deceit to fool someone. Dickens has dropped the "h" added the suffix "-ology" to make this sound like a scientific field. Ditchwater, used in a slangy way, describes something as dull. This last section is filled with ridiculous suppositions and dubious research.
Professor John Ketch - We first came across him in the day three summary LINK HERE, and I mentioned Dickens' use of this name would be obvious later in the story. Today we see why John Ketch was an apt choice, as his contribution to the meeting is a skull. Adding to the (dark) humor is the fact that he first produces a coconut, then cannot verify if the actual skull is that of a human or an animal. Professor Ketch is unable to keep up with his skulls, and the real John Ketch was unable to behead properly.
Carveativeness - At first I thought this was an error and should have been "creativeness". After rereading and mulling it over, it occurred to me that this is a bit of wordplay on Dickens' part. The skull/coconut was thought to belong to a destructive man. If that implies a criminal, he could have been a criminal who stabbed his victims - hence, "carve-ativeness". That would also tie in with the bungled beheading in which the real John Ketch used his knife to complete the job. Carveativeness also refers to Professor Ketch's brother-in-law carving the coconut for his stall.
Satire - In the final sentence of this sketch, Dickens leaves the reader with a satirical summary view of scientific organization meetings. Professor Woodensconce makes it clear that the meeting was all about the food.
Tomorrow is a free day for catching up or taking a break.
I have one more background post to share on Saturday, then Sunday and Monday will be allocated to the final selection in this group read, the "Familiar Epistle...".
I have one more background post to share on Saturday, then Sunday and Monday will be allocated to the final selection in this group read, the "Familiar Epistle...".
That last sentence sort of sets the tone for the proceedings. Dickens is poking fun throughout and questions the seriousness of the “findings” and presentations by each section. What they were really there for ….. the food! Ha! Well, I hope it was tasty! It
I'm afraid I fell behind last week, but I'm all caught up now. These stories are all so fun to read. They are just dripping with satire. I imagine it must have been great fun for Dickens to write them. He gets to make fun of so many people.I'm really enjoying the background info you give us, Cozy. I liked the Steam Punk article. We just read about how Inspector Bucket was the beginning of detective fiction, but now Dickens was a precursor to Steam Punk too. Wow, I'm impressed.
Lori isn't that a funny way to end the sketch? Lol!
Bridget I'm so glad you've enjoyed these stories, and the steampunk article!
Bridget I'm so glad you've enjoyed these stories, and the steampunk article!
Dickens - Publisher's Dream or Nightmare?
In the early years of his career, Dickens was quick to enter into agreements with publishers. At one time, he was contracted to three separate publishers for multiple books. John Macrone had compiled and published Sketches by Boz. Chapman and Hall were publishing The Pickwick Papers while Richard Bentley's publishing house would issue Oliver Twist.
The public loved Dickens' Sketches by Boz and The Pickwick Papers. Reviewers began comparing Dickens to beloved and respected English authors such as Tobias Smollett and Henry Fielding. Even Queen Victoria read and enjoyed Dickens' works. He did not doubt his abilities or his value. And therein lay the root of all disputes between Dickens and his publishers. Added to this was the need for complete control over anything to which his name was attached, making Dickens a potentially difficult (although profitable) author for his publishers.
From the beginning, Dickens was concerned about Richard Bentley's involvement with the Miscellany. As editor, Dickens wanted total editorial control over the content of the magazine. In January 1837 (when the first issue was released), Dickens wrote to Bentley saying, "I must beg you once again, not to allow anybody but myself to interfere with the Miscellany". Dickens tried to make it clear that he would not tolerate Bentley acting as a co-editor.
Although they had met previously, it was in mid-1837 when Dickens and John Forster's friendship truly developed. Forster also stepped into the role of Dickens' business advisor around this time. Publisher John Macrone planned to reissue Sketches by Boz in monthly parts at a time when The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist were already in monthly publication. Dickens felt this over-saturation of the market with his works would hurt his popularity. The scheme would also be highly profitable for Macrone while Dickens would not benefit at all. (According to biographer Michael Slater, Macrone had already made ten times as much money as Dickens did from Sketches by Boz.) Forster attempted to negotiate with Macrone on Dickens' behalf, but no agreement could be reached. Ultimately, at Dickens' request, Chapman and Hall purchased the copyright for Sketches by Boz from Macrone.
In March 1837 Dickens and Bentley negotiated a new contract that provided Dickens with bonuses tied to monthly sales in addition to his editor's salary. However, by August of that year, Dickens was again unhappy with what he considered to be inadequate compensation for rigorous work. Although Dickens had agreed to write two novels for Bentley, to be published apart from the Miscellany, Dickens now decided that Oliver Twist would count as one of those two novels - even though it was already being serialized within the magazine. Bentley, unhappy with this, initially refused to agree. Dickens threatened to stop writing Oliver Twist altogether and to resign as editor of the Miscellany. At this point, Bentley conceded to Dickens' terms, and a new contract was drawn up entirely in Dickens' favor.
In September 1838 Dickens was, with Forster's help, once again renegotiating his contract with Bentley. As before, Bentley met Dickens' demands. But by January 1839, Dickens' dissatisfaction with Bentley's editorial interference (and with the profit Bentley was realizing from Oliver Twist) reached a boiling point. Dickens wrote that his works were
"enriching everybody connected with them but myself, and that I, with such a popularity as I have acquired, am struggling in old toils, and wasting my energies in the very height and freshness of my fame, and the best part of my life, to fill the pockets of others".
Dickens stated his new terms to Bentley, who agreed - if Dickens would concede to Bentley's additional stipulations. Bentley's attitude angered Dickens so much that he responded to Bentley with this -
"...if you presume to address me again in the style of offensive impertinence which marks your last communication, I will from that moment abandon at once and for ever all conditions and agreements that may exist between us...."
Two days later, Dickens resigned his editorship of Bentley's Miscellany.
Although Dickens' time as editor of the Miscellany was mutually beneficial to himself and Bentley, it could not have been a long term endeavor. Their personalities, I believe, were too similar and too different on all the points that mattered. Dickens felt Bentley was primarily a businessman whose concern was his own profit and who had no basis for interfering in editorial matters. He referred to Bentley as "the Burlington Street Brigand" and quite unkindly compared him to Fagin in Oliver Twist. Bentley would later describe Dickens as impatient, imperious, and irritable.
Dickens' editorship of Bentley's Miscellany reached an abrupt and acrimonious end. The serialization of Oliver Twist continued in the magazine through its final installment in April 1839, and Dickens wrote one last piece which was published in the February 1839 issue. Entitled "Familiar Epistle from a Parent to a Child Aged Two Years and Two Months", this was Dickens' public announcement that he was leaving the magazine.
In the early years of his career, Dickens was quick to enter into agreements with publishers. At one time, he was contracted to three separate publishers for multiple books. John Macrone had compiled and published Sketches by Boz. Chapman and Hall were publishing The Pickwick Papers while Richard Bentley's publishing house would issue Oliver Twist.
The public loved Dickens' Sketches by Boz and The Pickwick Papers. Reviewers began comparing Dickens to beloved and respected English authors such as Tobias Smollett and Henry Fielding. Even Queen Victoria read and enjoyed Dickens' works. He did not doubt his abilities or his value. And therein lay the root of all disputes between Dickens and his publishers. Added to this was the need for complete control over anything to which his name was attached, making Dickens a potentially difficult (although profitable) author for his publishers.
From the beginning, Dickens was concerned about Richard Bentley's involvement with the Miscellany. As editor, Dickens wanted total editorial control over the content of the magazine. In January 1837 (when the first issue was released), Dickens wrote to Bentley saying, "I must beg you once again, not to allow anybody but myself to interfere with the Miscellany". Dickens tried to make it clear that he would not tolerate Bentley acting as a co-editor.
Although they had met previously, it was in mid-1837 when Dickens and John Forster's friendship truly developed. Forster also stepped into the role of Dickens' business advisor around this time. Publisher John Macrone planned to reissue Sketches by Boz in monthly parts at a time when The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist were already in monthly publication. Dickens felt this over-saturation of the market with his works would hurt his popularity. The scheme would also be highly profitable for Macrone while Dickens would not benefit at all. (According to biographer Michael Slater, Macrone had already made ten times as much money as Dickens did from Sketches by Boz.) Forster attempted to negotiate with Macrone on Dickens' behalf, but no agreement could be reached. Ultimately, at Dickens' request, Chapman and Hall purchased the copyright for Sketches by Boz from Macrone.
In March 1837 Dickens and Bentley negotiated a new contract that provided Dickens with bonuses tied to monthly sales in addition to his editor's salary. However, by August of that year, Dickens was again unhappy with what he considered to be inadequate compensation for rigorous work. Although Dickens had agreed to write two novels for Bentley, to be published apart from the Miscellany, Dickens now decided that Oliver Twist would count as one of those two novels - even though it was already being serialized within the magazine. Bentley, unhappy with this, initially refused to agree. Dickens threatened to stop writing Oliver Twist altogether and to resign as editor of the Miscellany. At this point, Bentley conceded to Dickens' terms, and a new contract was drawn up entirely in Dickens' favor.
In September 1838 Dickens was, with Forster's help, once again renegotiating his contract with Bentley. As before, Bentley met Dickens' demands. But by January 1839, Dickens' dissatisfaction with Bentley's editorial interference (and with the profit Bentley was realizing from Oliver Twist) reached a boiling point. Dickens wrote that his works were
"enriching everybody connected with them but myself, and that I, with such a popularity as I have acquired, am struggling in old toils, and wasting my energies in the very height and freshness of my fame, and the best part of my life, to fill the pockets of others".
Dickens stated his new terms to Bentley, who agreed - if Dickens would concede to Bentley's additional stipulations. Bentley's attitude angered Dickens so much that he responded to Bentley with this -
"...if you presume to address me again in the style of offensive impertinence which marks your last communication, I will from that moment abandon at once and for ever all conditions and agreements that may exist between us...."
Two days later, Dickens resigned his editorship of Bentley's Miscellany.
Although Dickens' time as editor of the Miscellany was mutually beneficial to himself and Bentley, it could not have been a long term endeavor. Their personalities, I believe, were too similar and too different on all the points that mattered. Dickens felt Bentley was primarily a businessman whose concern was his own profit and who had no basis for interfering in editorial matters. He referred to Bentley as "the Burlington Street Brigand" and quite unkindly compared him to Fagin in Oliver Twist. Bentley would later describe Dickens as impatient, imperious, and irritable.
Dickens' editorship of Bentley's Miscellany reached an abrupt and acrimonious end. The serialization of Oliver Twist continued in the magazine through its final installment in April 1839, and Dickens wrote one last piece which was published in the February 1839 issue. Entitled "Familiar Epistle from a Parent to a Child Aged Two Years and Two Months", this was Dickens' public announcement that he was leaving the magazine.
Mod
I always think that this was when Charles Dickens realised the value there could be in having a friend like John Forster. Charles Dickens was a hot-headed young man, and far too sure of himself to be able to negotiate and compromise with anyone. John Forster oddly was the same age, (2 months younger) but far more mature in temperament, and had bargaining skills. Time and time again, only he was able to convince Charles Dickens that what he wanted was impossible - but to get him an approximation which he would accept.
John Forster must have had remarkable people skills. No wonder he became his mentor in all things; and well able too, to advise Charles Dickens on literary matters, such as what his readers would accept. This largely came later though. As you say, at this point it was all about the business - at which Charles Dickens was impossible to work with unless he was at the helm.
Marvelous background on Dickens, Cozy. I had to laugh reading that Dickens threatened to just stop writing Oliver Twist. Ha! Opponent pinned--match over. No way any editor is going to risk the public rebellion that would follow not publishing the end of the story!In some ways Dickens seems unreasonable, but this so often happens to creative people, that they enrich others and are left with nothing for themselves. We've seen it time and again in the early music business. It is good that he got a business head at such an early age.
Jean yes, you're so right, Forster was the calming, rational influence Dickens needed at this time. In the excitement of his first successes with his Sketches by Boz, Dickens seems to have accepted any and all publication offers. He got himself in a bit of a mess, and Forster was just who he needed to sort things out.
Sara Dickens definitely knew how to hold his ground!
I'm always surprised that Dickens didn't seem to have a willingness to learn from older, experienced peers in the profession. From day one, Dickens directed how he wanted George Cruikshank to illustrate his works. Cruikshank was quite famous already and certainly knew his craft well. Bentley was older and had experience in printing and publishing, and Dickens had not edited a magazine before. I think it was reasonable for Bentley to want to keep an eye on things until the magazine was successful and profitable.
It's startling, too, how he responded to Bentley - "if you are impertinent to me again" - Dickens was so very imperious!
In his Dickens biography Michael Slater briefly mentions Forster's ability to untangle problems. I'll share this passage to flesh him out a bit more -
Above all, Dickens was grateful for Forster’s championship in his continued troubles with publishers. The grandly overbearing manner that many people–even, on some later occasions, Dickens himself–found objectionable, allied to Forster’s legal expertise, made him a formidable advocate. ‘He had a knack’, wrote Ainsworth, ‘of making people do what he liked, whether they liked it or not.’
Sara Dickens definitely knew how to hold his ground!
I'm always surprised that Dickens didn't seem to have a willingness to learn from older, experienced peers in the profession. From day one, Dickens directed how he wanted George Cruikshank to illustrate his works. Cruikshank was quite famous already and certainly knew his craft well. Bentley was older and had experience in printing and publishing, and Dickens had not edited a magazine before. I think it was reasonable for Bentley to want to keep an eye on things until the magazine was successful and profitable.
It's startling, too, how he responded to Bentley - "if you are impertinent to me again" - Dickens was so very imperious!
In his Dickens biography Michael Slater briefly mentions Forster's ability to untangle problems. I'll share this passage to flesh him out a bit more -
Above all, Dickens was grateful for Forster’s championship in his continued troubles with publishers. The grandly overbearing manner that many people–even, on some later occasions, Dickens himself–found objectionable, allied to Forster’s legal expertise, made him a formidable advocate. ‘He had a knack’, wrote Ainsworth, ‘of making people do what he liked, whether they liked it or not.’
"Familiar Epistle from a Parent to a Child Aged Two Years and Two Months"
Brief Summary
Dickens addresses his journal, Bentley's Miscellany, as though it is his child and he is the father. He describes how he raised the journal from its birth and will now pass it on to a trusted guardian. He places the handoff within the context of overall societal changes, specifically the changes wrought by the new railways.
Brief Summary
Dickens addresses his journal, Bentley's Miscellany, as though it is his child and he is the father. He describes how he raised the journal from its birth and will now pass it on to a trusted guardian. He places the handoff within the context of overall societal changes, specifically the changes wrought by the new railways.
A Little More
Aside from the final installments of Oliver Twist, the "Epistle" was Dickens' last piece for Bentley's Miscellany. It appeared in the February 1839 issue of the magazine and was written after Dickens resigned.
Personification - The strength of the piece is based on Dickens' personification of the magazine as his child. He describes staying up late at night working for it, choosing carefully the magazine's "food", and delighting in the magazine's "robust health, and unimpeded circulation".
Theme - The theme Dickens focuses on is change. Change permeates the world around us and even affects his relationship with his "child".
William Harrison Ainsworth - The new "guardian" of Dickens' "child" would be William Harrison Ainsworth. Dickens and Ainsworth became friends in 1835, and Ainsworth was a source of valuable publishing advice to Dickens. Ainsworth was also an author; his novel Rookwood, published in 1834, was an enormous success. Ainsworth, considered a "literary lion", moved in high literary circles in London. It was through Ainsworth that Dickens was introduced to John Forster. At Dickens' urging, Ainsworth took over the position of editor of Bentley's Miscellany.
William Harrison Ainsworth, portrait by Daniel Maclise
Post-Office Guard - Employed by the Post Office, the guard rode on the outside of the mail coaches and protected them from highwaymen. Guards were armed with a blunderbuss (a type of gun) and two pistols. Mail coaches were gradually made obsolete by the new railway system, and the guard Dickens describes is a relic of the old mail system.
The Last Word - Dickens makes two clear, and to him, important points in this "Epistle" -
"I reap no gain or profit by parting from you, nor will any conveyance of your property be required, for, in this respect, you have always been literally 'Bentley’s’ Miscellany', and never mine."
First, Dickens wants readers to understand that he receives no remuneration from and retains no financial interest in the Miscellany - his departure is a clean and complete break from the magazine. Second, he makes a pointed comment that, while possibly not understood by the readers, Richard Bentley would have immediately recognized and understood. Dickens' primary grievance was always Bentley's interference with his editorial duties. This cutting remark alludes to Bentley's unwillingness to cede complete editorial control to Dickens.
Aside from the final installments of Oliver Twist, the "Epistle" was Dickens' last piece for Bentley's Miscellany. It appeared in the February 1839 issue of the magazine and was written after Dickens resigned.
Personification - The strength of the piece is based on Dickens' personification of the magazine as his child. He describes staying up late at night working for it, choosing carefully the magazine's "food", and delighting in the magazine's "robust health, and unimpeded circulation".
Theme - The theme Dickens focuses on is change. Change permeates the world around us and even affects his relationship with his "child".
William Harrison Ainsworth - The new "guardian" of Dickens' "child" would be William Harrison Ainsworth. Dickens and Ainsworth became friends in 1835, and Ainsworth was a source of valuable publishing advice to Dickens. Ainsworth was also an author; his novel Rookwood, published in 1834, was an enormous success. Ainsworth, considered a "literary lion", moved in high literary circles in London. It was through Ainsworth that Dickens was introduced to John Forster. At Dickens' urging, Ainsworth took over the position of editor of Bentley's Miscellany.
William Harrison Ainsworth, portrait by Daniel Maclise
Post-Office Guard - Employed by the Post Office, the guard rode on the outside of the mail coaches and protected them from highwaymen. Guards were armed with a blunderbuss (a type of gun) and two pistols. Mail coaches were gradually made obsolete by the new railway system, and the guard Dickens describes is a relic of the old mail system.
The Last Word - Dickens makes two clear, and to him, important points in this "Epistle" -
"I reap no gain or profit by parting from you, nor will any conveyance of your property be required, for, in this respect, you have always been literally 'Bentley’s’ Miscellany', and never mine."
First, Dickens wants readers to understand that he receives no remuneration from and retains no financial interest in the Miscellany - his departure is a clean and complete break from the magazine. Second, he makes a pointed comment that, while possibly not understood by the readers, Richard Bentley would have immediately recognized and understood. Dickens' primary grievance was always Bentley's interference with his editorial duties. This cutting remark alludes to Bentley's unwillingness to cede complete editorial control to Dickens.
I didn’t get this when I read it, there was no explanation that it was about the journal so I was just confused. Thanks for the clarification, Cozy :)
Janelle wrote: "I didn’t get this when I read it, there was no explanation that it was about the journal so I was just confused.
Thanks for the clarification, Cozy :)"
Janelle I'm so glad my posts helped! I think this piece requires a bit of context.
Thanks for the clarification, Cozy :)"
Janelle I'm so glad my posts helped! I think this piece requires a bit of context.
This piece absolutely needs context Cozy, and many thanks for giving us that.
Sara wrote: "This piece absolutely needs context Cozy, and many thanks for giving us that."
You're very welcome, Sara!
If anyone would like clarification about anything in the "Epistle", post questions and I'll do my best to answer. :)
You're very welcome, Sara!
If anyone would like clarification about anything in the "Epistle", post questions and I'll do my best to answer. :)
Conclusion
Dickens' time as editor of Bentley's Miscellany was tempestuous and frustrating, but it served him well. He realized how much he enjoyed compiling and preparing a literary monthly. When Dickens came across good submissions, he delighted in assisting writers with talent, whipping their work into a form worthy of inclusion in his periodical. Dickens enjoyed his role as periodical editor so much that he continued it throughout his life. He would be the editor of three other magazines after leaving Bentley's and would still be the active editor of his periodical All the Year Round when he died.
While serving as editor of Bentley's Miscellany from late 1836 through early 1839, Dickens' life and career changed by leaps and bounds. He married and became a father, watched his beloved young sister-in-law die in his arms, and forged a lifelong and deep friendship with John Forster. Dickens saw his popularity explode as the public connected with his stories and characters, and the critics counted him among England's greatest authors.
His Sketches by Boz were collected and published in novel format. The Pickwick Papers was serialized then issued as a novel. The serialization of Oliver Twist was nearly complete when Dickens resigned from Bentley's, and his third novel, Nicholas Nickleby, was in serialization and would be completed in late 1839. With these successful novels, Dickens had laid a solid foundation for what he hoped to be - an author, a man of letters.
On his twenty-seventh birthday in February 1839, Dickens wrote an entry in his personal diary that best sums up this time of fantastic success -
"The end of a most prosperous and happy year, for which and all blessings I thank GOD with all my heart and soul."
Charles Dickens, 1839 portrait by Daniel Maclise
Dickens' time as editor of Bentley's Miscellany was tempestuous and frustrating, but it served him well. He realized how much he enjoyed compiling and preparing a literary monthly. When Dickens came across good submissions, he delighted in assisting writers with talent, whipping their work into a form worthy of inclusion in his periodical. Dickens enjoyed his role as periodical editor so much that he continued it throughout his life. He would be the editor of three other magazines after leaving Bentley's and would still be the active editor of his periodical All the Year Round when he died.
While serving as editor of Bentley's Miscellany from late 1836 through early 1839, Dickens' life and career changed by leaps and bounds. He married and became a father, watched his beloved young sister-in-law die in his arms, and forged a lifelong and deep friendship with John Forster. Dickens saw his popularity explode as the public connected with his stories and characters, and the critics counted him among England's greatest authors.
His Sketches by Boz were collected and published in novel format. The Pickwick Papers was serialized then issued as a novel. The serialization of Oliver Twist was nearly complete when Dickens resigned from Bentley's, and his third novel, Nicholas Nickleby, was in serialization and would be completed in late 1839. With these successful novels, Dickens had laid a solid foundation for what he hoped to be - an author, a man of letters.
On his twenty-seventh birthday in February 1839, Dickens wrote an entry in his personal diary that best sums up this time of fantastic success -
"The end of a most prosperous and happy year, for which and all blessings I thank GOD with all my heart and soul."
Charles Dickens, 1839 portrait by Daniel Maclise
From now through Thursday, feel free to comment on the selections we did not read from Mudfog and Other Sketches. Additional comments and discussion on the pieces we read and the years of Dickens' life we covered are also welcome.
Lovely summation, Cozy. Much of Dickens work in the periodicals is on par with his novels, I believe; and we certainly should be grateful for his continuation in editing and encouraging other writers. It is amazing how much of the literature of Victorian England has his stamp upon it.This was an amazing time of life for him, and if you consider all he was going through, it is mind-boggling what he was able to accomplish. Ah, youth and genius!
Thank you so much for the thorough and interesting way in which you have led us through this selection. A great deal of time and effort was spent in this and it is obvious with each and every post.
Cozy Pug, thank you for all the background material about Dickens' early years in publishing. Your research really showcased his energy and ability. It's hard to believe he was only twenty-four years old when he had so much responsibility. He often had to deal with older, experienced writers and publishers who might not want to listen to such a young man. I imagine it took a while for them to realize that they were working with a genius!
This last letter was a great way to end this section. Dickens ended his editorship here with Bentley’s but he definitely learned that this was something he flourished at and was meant for. I am also amazed by how much he accomplished in these few years. And I am glad nobody dampened his efforts to have such great influence with other writers and that his voice of the social issues he championed would be a common thread throughout all of his writing. All of your research and background info really enhanced the reading, so thanks very much for all of the time you spent doing it, Cozy!
I didn’t read Cozy’s context post until after I read the Epistle. I had no idea it was really about handing off Bentleys Miscellany to Ainsworth. I thought Ainsworth was maybe the head of a Boarding School. So, this little letter struck a chord with the parent in me. It was helped along by the fact that I have one son who graduated college last month and another who graduated high school this week. Like the letter, change is a big theme in my life this month. Now that I’ve read Cozy’s post (thank you so much for all of them btw) it strikes me how feelings towards works we create are very much like feelings for children we create. And I love that Dickens wrote about that idea.I also loved how Dickens said
“we have fallen upon strange times, and live in days of constant shiftings and changes”
Has there ever been an age, or a time wherein people did not think theirs was a time of great upheaval? The older I get the more I think it has always been so.
Sara I agree, there's a lot of Dickens treasures in his periodical writing. His energy was phenomenal - he accomplished so much in his life.
Connie that gets me, too - how young Dickens was when he took on the editor position. I like to imagine Cruikshank and Bentley, having a drink after work, grumbling and complaining about that upstart, know-it-all Dickens :D
Lori yes, Dickens really enjoyed editing periodicals. As long as he was in control lol!
Bridget congratulations to your sons! I'm so glad Dickens' "Epistle" resonated with you - perfect timing. I love the quote you shared, too. It certainly applies to our own time, and I think you're absolutely right that those who lived before us felt the same way.
Thank you, everyone, for your kind words - I'm glad you all enjoyed this! :)
Connie that gets me, too - how young Dickens was when he took on the editor position. I like to imagine Cruikshank and Bentley, having a drink after work, grumbling and complaining about that upstart, know-it-all Dickens :D
Lori yes, Dickens really enjoyed editing periodicals. As long as he was in control lol!
Bridget congratulations to your sons! I'm so glad Dickens' "Epistle" resonated with you - perfect timing. I love the quote you shared, too. It certainly applies to our own time, and I think you're absolutely right that those who lived before us felt the same way.
Thank you, everyone, for your kind words - I'm glad you all enjoyed this! :)
Mod
Tomorrow this will be moved to the "Novellas and Collaborative Pieces" folder ... technically it's neither but seems to fit best there :) It will remain open for extra comments, and will be a fantastic resource too! Thank you :)
I agree with Jean-thank you for leading such a wonderful discussion, Cozy Pug!
Jean thank you for your kind words! I had to look up "break a duck" lol, but I understand it now :D
Rosemarie thank you so much!
Rosemarie thank you so much!
Ann, I love how you label that a hiccup. Perfect description. Cozy_Pug, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to participate as much as I had hoped to in this read but my reading plans have gotten away from me over the past few weeks. Your summaries and extra information have been so well done. Hopefully some time I will get back to finish this reading and all of the comments.
Cozy, you have set a very high bar for conducting these summer reads! I'm not sure whether I should thank you or not. :o) , but I certainly did enjoy yours!
Agreed on how high you raised the bar, Cozy! Your love for Dickens is evident. Now if I can figure out how to insert an image…..
Ann I'm so glad you joined in! Lol Mudfrog, it's easy to read it that way :D
Sue that's ok, I'm glad you commented when you could :)
Sara lol, thank you - I just took a quick look at your read - detective fiction! I'm headed back over to check it out!
Lori I do love Dickens, just a little bit LOL! Wish I could help you out with the images - I figured out how to do it but not well enough to explain how :/
Jean oh I can absolutely imagine Dickens writing a character to say "broke your duck"! :D
Sue that's ok, I'm glad you commented when you could :)
Sara lol, thank you - I just took a quick look at your read - detective fiction! I'm headed back over to check it out!
Lori I do love Dickens, just a little bit LOL! Wish I could help you out with the images - I figured out how to do it but not well enough to explain how :/
Jean oh I can absolutely imagine Dickens writing a character to say "broke your duck"! :D
Cozy-Pug, this has been marvelous. I fell behind on my reading on and off, so didn't post much, but your background information has been priceless! My favorite insights you shared were about the Shakespeare Tree and Dickens and his publishers. These were so fun to read (I especially enjoyed the names), and were for me an illustration of just how much Dickens had going on in that head of his!
I owe Cozy Pug an apology. I was looking forward to this and when we started. I had read all the material not realizing we were to pace ourselves like we did with Bleak House. Then while on the first selection, I could not think of anything to add so I decided to wait till the end before commenting. I haven't the background in the Victorian period most of you have and while I enjoyed all of the information Cozy Pug shared and allreciate the work it entailed, I did not feel qualified to contrbute much. I shall try and find more to say as we continue but just want to say thanks Cozy Pug. I enjoyed your contributions and found you quite knowledgeable. Thank you for seventy-four pounders, sconces, and lions, literary and otherwise.
Dickensians!
Books mentioned in this topic
Mudfog and Other Sketches (other topics)Nicholas Nickleby (other topics)
Sketches by Boz (other topics)
Oliver Twist (other topics)
The Pickwick Papers (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Charles Dickens (other topics)Charles Dickens (other topics)
John Forster (other topics)
William Harrison Ainsworth (other topics)
John Forster (other topics)
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https://favershamlife.org/the-battle-...