On Poverty

Delve deep into the poignant narratives of 'On Poverty' by Charles Dickens, an essential addition to your literary collection. This captivating paperback features 120 pages of stirring prose that highlights the stark realities faced by the impoverished in 19th-century England. Dickens, renowned for his moral storytelling, uses this collection to provide an insightful look into the struggles of the working class, exemplified through iconic characters like the Cratchit family from 'A Christmas Carol' and little Joe from 'Bleak House'. The collection includes powerful articles such as 'A Poor Man and His Beer' and 'Walk in the Workhouse', drawn from Dickens' own explorations of London's most desolate areas. As an advocate for social reform, Dickens powerfully conveys the plight of the poor and his efforts in charitable work, including his establishment of a refuge for homeless women. This book serves not only as a glimpse into Dickens' compassionate heart but also as a crucial reminder of the importance of social consciousness. Perfect for readers interested in Victorian literature, social issues, or the legacy of Charles Dickens, 'On Poverty' resonates with contemporary themes and stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Dickens' message: we cannot turn a blind eye to the struggles of others. Add this significant work to your reading list and explore the depths of human empathy and societal responsibility.

Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Hesperus Press
Bind: paperback

Pages: 120
Publication Date: 29-03-2013

Dickens is famous for his moralising and the entreaties within his fiction to help the poor, and characters such as the Cratchit family, or little Joe in Bleak House have become iconic figures in our recollections of the nineteenth century's working class struggles.

This collection includes articles such as ‘A Poor man and his beer’ and ‘Walk in the Workhouse’ based directly upon Dickens' own involvement and experience of walking round the more derelict areas of London and England to meet the poor firsthand and report their plights to the reading population, as well as considering Dickens' own charitable work, such as his involvement in setting up a refuge for prostitutes, as defended in his article ‘A Home for Homeless Women’. In contrast to his personal nostalgia for the innocence of childhood, Dickens tirelessly argued against those who hearkened back to the good old days, instead flying the flag for evolution and development.