You're Dead to Me Christmas with Charles Dickens (Radio Edit)
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Dec 15, 2023 Renowned Victorian author Charles Dickens discusses his Christmases, including his childhood, Christmas stories, and personal experiences. The podcast also explores Dickens' departure from supernatural elements in 'The Battle of Life' and the influence of his emotions on his writing. The episode features an introduction to Dr. Michael Mosley's Cold Therapy podcast and includes ad/sponsor segments.
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Childhood Debt And The Blacking Warehouse
- Charles Dickens was sent to work at Warren's Blacking Warehouse at about age 12 while his family lived in Marshalsea Debtors' Prison.
- He earned six shillings a week and that traumatic Christmas shaped his later social concerns.
Snowy Mini Ice Age Shaped Dickensian Imagery
- Dickens's early childhood coincided with a mini ice age that produced frozen Thames frost fairs and even an elephant on the ice.
- Those vivid cold, snowy images recur across his Christmas stories and helped shape their atmosphere.
Dickens's Homeborne Christmas Performances
- Dickens's daughter Mamie recalled that he abandoned work for a week at Christmas to perform magic, music and theatre with his children.
- He also took them to a toyshop on Christmas Eve and kept a cottage for unmarried guests.