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.
Dickens's childhood memories of snowy weather and frozen River Thames greatly influenced his Christmas stories.
The success of A Christmas Carol established Dickens as the Christmas novelist and shaped his image as a champion for social reform and the spirit of Christmas.
Deep dives
Dickens's Childhood and Early Life
Charles Dickens, born in Portsmouth in 1812 to a poor family, had a childhood marked by frequent moves and financial struggles. His father, John Dickens, was a payroll clerk in the Royal Navy, and his mother, Elizabeth Dickens, cared for their eight children. Dickens recalls his childhood toys, which he found both fascinating and terrifying.
The Influence of Dickens's Early Christmases
Dickens's first eight Christmases were marked by snowy weather, as they occurred during a mini ice age. These memories had a lasting impact on Dickens, as many of his Christmas stories later featured extremely cold weather and snowy landscapes. He was particularly inspired by the frost fair on the frozen River Thames in 1814, which included festive activities and even an elephant crossing the river.
Dickens's Christmas Novels and their Success
Dickens became known as the Christmas novelist due to the success of his novella, A Christmas Carol, which was published in 1843. The book, depicting the transformation of the miserly Scrooge, quickly sold out and established Dickens as a leading writer. Inspired by this success, Dickens continued to write Christmas-themed stories, including The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, and The Battle of Life, which also gained popularity.
The Myth-Making Process and Legacy of Dickens
The image of Charles Dickens as the inventor of Christmas and a moral figure has been shaped by both his deliberate crafting of his own image and subsequent myth-making. Dickens's personal experiences, as well as the promotion of his work by friends and family, have contributed to the widely held perception of him as a champion for social reform and the spirit of Christmas. However, it is essential to approach the details revealed about Dickens's life with a critical eye, recognizing the influence of various parties on shaping his legacy.
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Emily Bell and Mike Wozniak to find out what Christmas was like with Charles Dickens.
We take a walk through the many Christmases of the renowned Victorian author. From elephants walking on ice to the family Christmas punch recipe, we take a closer look at the factors that may have influenced some of his most famous works and unpick what the phrase Dickensian has come to mean over the years.
Written by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow
Researcher: Jessica White
Project Management: Isla Matthews
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
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