Dickensians! discussion
This topic is about
Pears' centenary edition of Charles Dickens' Christmas books
Novellas and Collaborative Works
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The Battle of Life (hosted by Petra)
Lee wrote: "I have a question which I didn't find answered going back through all the posts.Did Dickens publish this all at once, or was it part of a serial?
I would be interested in how many copies sold at..."
Lee, I believe this was published all at once, on January 1, 1846. There's very little information on this novella.
Wikipedia lists all of Dickens' works and mentions those that were serialized. If their research is correct, this novella was published in its entirety on January 1, 1846
I haven't found any information on how many copies were originally sold; just that this was not one of his popular books.
Lee wrote: "Petra I am having trouble finding your links showing where each reading begins and ends. Can you put a link together with each summary....."Reading stops at" . . . ". I looked over your Summary 10 & did not find a link..."Lee, the links to each day's reading can be found in this thread, in Posts 4 (Part the First), 5 (Part the Second and 6 (Part the Third).
I had forgotten to put in the "reading stops at" for Part the Second Summary 10 but have corrected that now, thanks to Shirley mentioning it. Sorry about that.
Summary 10's "read to" starts: "There was a frosty rime upon the trees....."
Hope that helps.
Lee wrote: "I like how " . . . the sun's slanting rays pierced mortally the sullen bank of cloud that lingered in its flight. . . " The use of the word "mortally" here is especially apt.."It's writing like this that makes me love Dickens.
His words can be read again and again, with a new interpretation or realization each time. His wording is precise, humorous (at times) and conjurs up visions in the mind that are exquisite. The man was very observant and knowing of human nature.
Lee wrote: "for Petra's message 293: "I feel that Dickens sometimes leaves out some details, which leaves us unsure about the characters.".You make a brave, good point here (as my cat climbs upon my left sho..."
LOL....thank you?!
I don't mean to belittle Dickens in any way. Perhaps it's a tribute to his writing skills that I want to know about these characters that he hasn't quite fleshed out to my satisfaction. LOL... I want to know more about them, which is a tribute to Dickens. He's brought these people to life for me.
The descriptions at the beginning of Part 3 have a fairy tale quality about them with the sunshine, rainbow, birdsong, and flowers. The inn is picturesque and welcoming. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the Britains, and Marion's situation. It's such a contrast to the cold, stormy night at the end of Part 2.I also have been enjoying all the illustrations that you have been posting, Petra.
Lee wrote: "My last comment and I will be quiet.The artist E.A. Abbey is a genius! His work is as fine as any painting I might see in a museum.
Here he is:
https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=......"
Abbey's works are very detailed, I agree, Lee.
In this latest illustration, he captured the character's lament and confusion perfection.
The Doctor is in anguish, as is Alfred. Grace has fainted. The guests are in confusion and running around the garden. It's a wonderful drawing of a chaotic and heartbreaking scene.
Connie wrote: "The descriptions at the beginning of Part 3 have a fairy tale quality about them with the sunshine, rainbow, birdsong, and flowers. The inn is picturesque and welcoming. I'm looking forward to find..."Connie, thank you. I'm enjoying all the illustrations as well.
The beginning of this section is very idyllic. Part the First starts out with a horrific battle scene. Part the Second with the downfall of Michael Warden. Part the Third starts with, as you say, a fairy tale beginning of ideal circumstances.
I'm very curious to find out what is going to happen next. .....and find out how Britain got to be the landlord of this Inn. Very curious, indeed.
Part the Third Summary 2:A chaise cart comes along the road. Seated in the is a plump woman with bare arms folded over a blanket on her knees. Packages and parcels surround her. She bounced in the cart as it approached the inn, where it stopped. Alighting heavily on solid feet is Clemency Newcome, Britain’s wife!
They greet each other warmly, comfortably, happily. She gathers her eleven packages and inquires about the children as they move indoors to the bar, where they kiss. She goes over the list of errands she’s just completed. Bills paid, merchandise ordered, banking accomplished.
Little Clemency had been ill, but Dr. Heathfield won’t charge for his services in her care. The Doctor considers Britain’s family as his, too.
Clemency gives the receipts to Benjamin for safe keeping and hands him an official announcement to be posted in the Inn. It’s a notification for an upcoming auction of the property of Michael Warden, Esquire. Everything is for sale: the mansion & it’s contents, as well as offices and shrubberies. Michael Warden intends to remain living abroad.
Clemency shakes her head at this news. She heard, just this morning, that better news had arrived to Dr. Heathfield’s house than that. This new news will bring heavy hearts to the Doctor’s household. Clemency pondered this for awhile, then went to look after the children.
Mine Host of "The Nutmeg Grater" - Benjamin Britain and Clemency by Felix O.C. Darley, 1888
Britain and Clemency Reading the Bill by Charles Green, 1912
I've added another illustration by Charles Edmond Brock to Post 203 . It's of Clemency when she goes into the study to give the Doctor a letter.
You can find the illustration HERE
Sorry about this. I just found the illustration and wanted to put it into the right place within the story. I hope you enjoy it.
I was very happy reading about Clemency being little Britain's wife, as I was rooting for them during their conversations.Does this make Clemency Great Brittain :)
I'm very courious and a little scared about Marion's father, how has all this affected his life views, this tragedy surely makes him lean more towards cynicism.
Omar, LOL.....Great Britain! I was thrilled, too, to find out that Clemency was Britain's wife, and that they have three children! That is so wonderful. I'm really happy for them.
I wonder if it was common for the wife to run around doing the errands while the landlord stayed home to run the business. Clemency did the shopping, but also the banking and the selling of a horse. I wonder how common it was for a woman to do the family banking and selling of animals in this time.
If Michael intends to remain abroad, does that mean that the rebuilding of his fortune did not work out? Is he still poor? How is he doing on the Continent? How is Marion coping?
What "better news" has the Doctor received that this bill will dispell?
Dickens has left us with a number of mysteries.
Clemency's high energy and good humor reminds me of Clara Peggotty, the housekeeper in "David Copperfield." I am surprised that Clemency is out selling a horse, but maybe she would drive a harder bargain than her husband.
Oh, dear Peggotty! And she was a real person from Dickens’s past, wasn’t she? Great comparison!!
Connie wrote: "Clemency's high energy and good humor reminds me of Clara Peggotty, the housekeeper in "David Copperfield." I am surprised that Clemency is out selling a horse, but maybe she would drive a harder b..."I agree this is a great comparison, and another faithful servant of the family who (view spoiler)!
I love this glimpse of the Britains--very heartwarming.
I was actually a little concerned for Clemency (the character) amd thought maybe she would only the the butt of all the jokes similar to (view spoiler), and was a little bummed out as I felt little Brittain underestimated her in previous chapters.I'm happy to see Dicken's has made the character grow in every way!
Connie, Lee and Kathleen, the comparison is a really great one! I agree. The two characters are alike.Dickens started writing David Copperfield in 1849 for serial production and it was published in book form in 1850.
That means that Clemency is the original character. As Lee said, I believe she was based on a person Dickens knew. Perhaps Jean can confirm that.
Omar, I also got the feeling that Britain felt above Clemency in the early sections. I thought that may be because his status in the household was higher than hers, but wasn't sure about that. Now that they are married, it puts them on equal ground (I hope). Clemency seems happy, which is a good sign that he adores her.
Part the Third Summary 3:Britain was fond of his wife and was amused by her. But he gave her no credit for his success. He didn’t see how she kept the home together and, with her cheery attitude, kept them all happy and successful. The quiet ones are unassuming and sometimes overlooked. Britain thought of Clemency as a token of his own good heart. He thought of her as a pillar of virtue, which was its own reward.
She soon returned to say that his two sons were playing in the coach house and his daughter was sleeping and sat down to tea.
Clemency had been reminded of the past by the announcement as it was Michael Warden who was the cause of her losing her last job. After Marion had left that night, Clemency told her father what she knew about the incident. The Doctor had been so angry and grief stricken that he had tossed Clemency out of the house. But Clemency was never mad at him, knowing his grief, and the Doctor soon felt badly for his action. The doctor often sought out her company now, in order to talk with her because he knew that Marion had liked Clemency as a friend.
She sees a stranger standing in the door behind Britain. He’s dressed in mourning clothes. He had been quietly waiting at the door, not interrupting their conversation and listening in.
"Guessed half aloud 'milk and water,' 'monthly warning,' 'mice and walnuts' — and couldn't approach her meaning." by Fred Barnard, 1878
Benjamin Britain Taking Tea by Charles Green, 1912
"A gentleman attired in mourning, and cloaked and booted like a rider on horseback, who stood at the bar-door." by E.A. Abbey, 1876
A Gentleman Attired in Mourning by Charles Green, 1912
Ooh. The mourning attire has me worried. I loved the description of the Britain's tea, and the way Clem settled down exhausted and then jumped back up to serve her husband. How realistic is that? :-)
Mod
Mod
Petra is quite right, it was published all at once, on 19th December 1846. Charles Dickens wrote it in Switzerland. None of the proofs survive, but Daniel Maclise, John Leech, Stanfield, and Doyle had all contributed and made the first illustrations. Interestingly Charles Dickens was horrified at ONE of the illustration by John Leech, (who you will remember had illustrated A Christmas Carol) but did not tell his "kind-hearted friend" There is a reason for his horror ... which I suspect we may be able to deduce by the end!
Lee - "I would be interested in how many copies sold at first"
It had a difficult "birth". Charles Dickens first had the idea on 22nd June 1846, writing to John Forster about "an odd shadowy undefined idea ... that I could connect a great battlefield somehow with my little Christmas story". By 18th July he had decided on the title, but on 20th September he confessed that he had cancelled the first scene which "I have never done before", saying a week later that he was "sick, giddy and and capriciously despondent that there may be NO CHRISTMAS BOOK!"
Charles Dickens was aware that he needed to get on with writing Dombey and Son, and said that he "really do[es]n't know what this story is worth".
Basically he thought it should be longer, like a novel. He was also working on The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849 (he used to dictate this in the afternoons) which may go some way to explaining all the religious imagery.
Anyway, when it was published, reviews were generally hostile but nevertheless it sold 23,000 copies on the first day! I think we can all see why Charles Dickens was so popular, even if the critics disliked this new novella. Each Christmas book has been different!
John Forster made sure there was a good review by "The Examiner", and had curbed a little of the writing excesses too.
Thank you, Jean. Leading a Christmas group read is a wonderful way to ring out the old year and bring in the new. I'm grateful for this group, who are always enthusiastic and fully immersed in the story. It's wonderful to read everyone's contribution. Every comment adds to our enjoyment. Thanks for the information on the number of copies sold and the background details on the writing process. Dickens was usually juggling a number of writing projects. I don't know where he found the time to accomplish so much.
I've never heard of his book The Life of Our Lord: Written for His Children During the Years 1846 to 1849.
Kathleen, I loved that description of Britain at tea, too, and was thrilled to find the illustration of him drinking his tea. That made me laugh. Charles Green was also amused by this scene, as his illustration shows.
I'm a bit upset at Britain for his demeaning thoughts of Clemency. The whole "virtue is it's own reward" attitude is annoying. Clemency runs that home , the children and a good portion of the business and (perhaps) the garden he so much enjoys. Yet he doesn't see her contribution as meaningful or as a part of "his" success. I thought better of him, really. Much as she's happy, this is sad for her situation. I hope Dickens changes Britain's attitude.
Mod
Ahhh, that's interesting. I guess they wanted/needed more royalties? LOL! Or perhaps they just want to share all of his works to those of us who love reading his words. Once famous, our lives can be taken out of our hands. If I recall, his burial didn't go the way he wanted either. That's a shame, I think, since his rest is eternal. He should get the send off he wanted.
The backstory on Clemency's immediate fate after the scene from seven years ago seemed harsh. The doctor's regrets and the "all turned out well anyway," did not offset her treatment satisfactorily for me. As Petra pointed out about Britain's behavior, there are a several moments in this story that have me wondering at Dickens reasoning. Perhaps he didn't have time to smooth out some of the rough spots.
Sam, I agree that the Doctor's reaction in the past was excessive and unfair to Clemency. She's taking quite a beating from the important men in her life. She's taking it with cheer and she doesn't seem to see that she's being belittled. Perhaps that was the times? Dickens is being unfair to Clemency. As you say, perhaps this story is too short to iron out the rough edges.
I felt contrived, on one hand I begrudged, the Doctor and Brittain's treatment of Clemency (he creates 2 infuriating guys), but at the same time this makes Clemency a resilient woman, if this was Dicken's intent I wish he would have found another way to do it.
Omar, I agree. Dickens has created other resilient, capable, appreciated women. Why would he create a wonderful character such as Clemency and make her such an unappreciated, used person? I do hope that Britain comes around and learns to appreciate Clemency fully.
Petra, I do want to thank you for leading such a great discussion, writing great daily summaries and finding and posting so many amazing illustrations, sometimes with different viewpoints. I have thoroughly enjoyed this group read!I am amazed that so many artists chose to illustrate this little-known and little-appreciated novella. I would love to know the backstory on that, if there is one.
I agree with everyone on how badly Clemency was treated in this story: Dickens for his early description of her as almost a lumbering simpleton (when we first meet her), to Britain for not appreciating her and thinking he did her a great favor by marrying her, to Dr. Jeddler for throwing her out and later assuaging his guilt by visiting her. But I do love how Dickens has elevated Clemency into such an accomplished business woman, innkeeper, wife and mother. And for all his faults, Britain does love Clemency and does appreciate her in an underhanded way.
I do wonder who this new visitor is. It has been six years since Marion ran away (and Snitchey and Craggs said they could restore Michael Warden's fortune in 6-7 years). Were they successful and Warden is cashing out (to possibly pay off more debts in Europe), or did they fail? It is so hard not to read ahead. I am truly exerting a great deal of self-control. LOL
Mod
Four were there in the original! I expect this set a precedent, although my Pears edition just has the ones by Charles Green. He illustrated a couple of other Christmas books later too, as we've seen in Petra's leads.
Thank you, Jean! I really have enjoyed Charles Green’s illustrations. His portrayals are so lifelike.
Shirley, thank you. I'm so glad you're enjoying this group read as much as I am. I love hearing everyone's contributions and thoughts. It really gives me a better understanding of the depth of this story.I agree and am also amazed at the number of illustrations for a story that is so little known. I'm so glad that these illustrators saw something of value in this story and gave us such great artwork.
I think my favorite so far is Harry Furniss' illustration of Michael Warden leaving the lawyer's offices. It's full of action and there's a look of determination and going forward in Michael's leaving.
To continue.....Six years is a long time and so much can happen. I also wonder why Michael is selling off all his goods and property in England. It's likely that he got into debt again on the Continent. If so, I fear for Marion.
Also, in this time, how much did Snitchey & Cragg manage to recoup of Michael's fortunes? Just how much is he currently selling?
I do hope that you are correct in thinking that Britain appreciates Clemency in an underhanded way. There may be hope that he openly appreciates her one day, too. Fingers crossed. She deserves it.
Yes.....the mysterious stranger.......it's just like Dickens to throw in a new character at this point in the story. It's very intriguing and, yes, mysterious.
Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "I am amazed that so many artists chose to illustrate this little-known and little-appreciated novella. I would love to know the backstory on that, if there is one.I was wondering exactly the same thing. So very many artists flocked to this small Christmas story. My guess is that anything done by Dickens at this point was a tremendous attraction to all artists wishing to have their work widely distributed.
The artist that I mentioned way back in message 307 was about E.A. Abbey. He was actually born in the US, but later moved permanently to England where he is buried.
After doing sketches for important writers of the Victorian age, he would become an internationally famous oil painter. His oil paintings (first attempted by him in 1980) are displayed in museums all over the world, including the Tate in London, the Met in NYC and the National Gallery in London.
The particular sketches for Charles Dickens were done in 1875, five years after the author's death. I don't know if any of the other illustrators of this story would later become famous artists.
Lee, thank you for that information on E.A. Abbey. I did not know that he was such a known artist. I just had a look at some of his paintings. They are very detailed and life-like. They are incredible paintings!
Part the Third Summary 4:The stranger enters and says that the announcement sheet had drawn him in. He asks for a glass of ale to drink quietly as they finish their tea. He is a muscular fellow, tanned with dark hair and a moustached. He looks at the announcement again and asks about Dr. Jeddler. He’d heard the story of his daughter through hearsay and some connections of his.
Clemency tells him that the Doctor had been very broken hearted when his daughter left. He’d gone grey and gotten old quickly. However, he started visiting his estranged sister again, and this did him good, and was again happy. After a couple of years had passed, he began to talk of Marion again and to praise her and the World again. He never stopped saying how beautiful and good she was.
During that same time, Grace had married. The story went that she and Alfred spent so much time together, lamenting Marion’s loss, talking of her goodness and spending time together that they had fallen in love and gotten married. Their wedding day is Marion’s birthday, which is tomorrow.
The stranger asks whether Grace & Alfred are happy together. Clemency confirms that they are. No couple could ever be happier, except for the sorrow of losing Marion.
Despite positive happenings, there is a somber tone to this third part. I keep waiting for the mood to rise toward a happy ending but am not sure we are going to get it.
Sam, the stranger seems very interested in the Doctor and his family. Like you, I wonder what else may be coming. There is a mysterious mood occurring.Clemency is watching the stranger very closely, probably because of all his questions about the Doctor.
I was really happy to see that Grace and Alfred got married. I've been hoping that would happen.I find myself having lots of sympathy for Marion. I feel like her family had all these expectations of her, and never stopped to really "see" her, or ask her what she wanted. They just assumed. They did it with love, but still how awful to feel unseen by the people who love you most. Like you are just a beloved doll or something. She had to do something drastic - like runaway with Warden - because no one listened to her. I hope her life isn't in shambles now.
Petra wrote: "MN wrote: "What a contrast between Mr Britain as husband, and Snitchey and Craggs in that role!"In what way, MN? I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Britain does seem to be happy. I'm not sure ..."
Perhaps this response is a little superfluous in the light of the text that follows and the subsequent discussion of it here, but my thoughts on the way Dickens introduces Britain’s changed marital status were prompted by the change in Britain’s demeanour.
When we meet him, Britain is infected with Dr Jeddler’s cynicism. Then he summarises his ‘forlorn ... general condition’ in the statements: ‘I don’t care for anything. I don’t make out anything. I don’t believe anything. And I don’t want anything.’
In Part 3, he positively exudes satisfaction with his situation - with the welcoming and well-cared-for aspects of his inn. As we are told that ‘Mr Britain’s better half seemed so very much his better half, that his own moiety of himself was utterly cast away and helpless without her’, I concluded that his wife was essential to the transformation in his outlook.
The motto associated with the nutmeg grater suggests concord within the marriage, and, because the Britains’ home is the inn, concord also over their means of livelihood. Little room, then for the kind of backbiting remarks about marriage being subordinate to work, or husbands being first and foremost married to their work, that Mrs Snitchey and Mrs Craggs indulge in. (They would be known as ‘a right pair of nippy sweeties’ in my locale.)
MN, I love your observations and how you place the hints that Dickens leaves us together to make a complete story. It hadn't occurred to me that the change of attitude around him was what has given Britain a new outlook on life. With the Doctor, it was all doom & gloom. With his wife, it's cheer, harmony and blessings each day.
That's lovely. Thank you for this insight.
I had a laugh at "a right pair of nippy sweeties". That describes the Mrs's Snitchey and Cragg so well. I've never heard this saying. It's very apt.
Dickensians!
Books mentioned in this topic
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Authors mentioned in this topic
John Leech (other topics)Charles Dickens (other topics)
John Forster (other topics)
Charles Dickens (other topics)
John Leech (other topics)
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The artist E.A. Abbey is a genius! His work is as fine as any painting I might see in a museum.
Here he is:
https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=...