Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens - Birth Bicentenary
According to the Royal Mail...born into near destitution in 1812, Charles Dickens’ life could hardly have had a less auspicious start. Yet perhaps because of these early difficulties, Dickens went on to become not just one of the greatest novelists in history, but also a philanthropist and tireless campaigner for the poor.
Along the way he wrote some of the finest works in English literature, including Great Expectations and David Copperfield; peopling them with fantastic creations such as the bitter Miss Havisham and the impecunious Mr Micawber, who was based largely on Dickens’ father. Originally published in monthly instalments, his novels were the soap operas of their day.'
The six stamps feature iconic characters from some of his most famous novels, including Mr Bumble from Oliver Twist, Mr Micawber from David Copperfield and Captain Cuttle from Dombey and Son. - original illustrations adapted from Character Sketches from Charles Dickens, by Joseph Clayton Clarke (otherwise known as Kyd) and originally published around 1890.
The four stamps in the Miniature Sheet are illustrations by Hablot Knight Brown, aka Phiz, taken from the original publications.
View
