The Joy of Dickens

Available for over a year

Johny Pitts explores the dazzling brilliance of Charles Dickens, a writer we often associate with Christmas. Even in his own lifetime Dickens was dismissed by some as a great showman and entertainer rather than an accomplished author, and today his biography can overshadow his novels. In this programme novelist Thomas Keneally, Professor John Mullan, and writer Armando Iannucci share their joy in his use of words and language, his literary inventiveness and modern techniques. Meanwhile, food historian Pen Vogler guides us through some of the delicious and celebratory meals in his novels. Producer: Nicola Holloway First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2020.