The Wicked Wit of Charles Dickens: 161 Quotes, Excerpts, and Passages

“…there are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.”
–from Oliver Twist

It was not a bosom to repose upon, but it was a capital bosom to hang jewels upon.
–from Little Dorrit

I was always treated as if I had insisted on being born, in opposition to the dictates of reason, religion, and morality, and against the dissuading arguments of my best friends.
–from Great Expectations

…still his philanthropy was of that gunpowderous sort that the difference between it and animosity was hard to determine.
–from The Mystery of Edwin Drood

“I’m always ill after Shakespeare.”
–from Nicholas Nickelby

“Dumb as a drum with a hole in it, sir.”
–from The Pickwick Papers

From the complete works of one of the greatest classic writers comes this wonderful collection of humorous and pertinent anecdotes, sayings, and passages. THE WICKED WIT OF CHARLES DICKENS is a sampling of Dickens’ signature style, which combines biting wit and serious social commentary to great effect.
Charles Dickens is widely considered one of the greatest English novelists and was an influential spokesman for the conscience of nineteenth-century England. Deeply affected by the mixed fortunes of his early years, Dickens endeavored to expose and protest against the evils of Victorian society, using his novels and later his renown to publicize issues concerning the poor and downtrodden. His writings are just as relevant today as they were when they were written.
THE WICKED WIT OF CHARLES DICKENS begins with an introduction to Dickens’ life and works. The quotes within span such topics as Childhood and Adolescence; Dickens in Love; Prison, Politics, and the Law; Bumblings; Americans Can’t Bear to be Told Their Faults; and Papa, Potatoes, Poultry, Prunes, and Prisms: Nonsenses. At the end of the book is a list of Dickens’ works.
Containing lengthy extracts from scenes of great amusement, as well as pithy, witty remarks uttered by his unique characters, this book is a must for all Dickens admirers, and also for readers looking for an introduction to his life and works.Shelley Klein