The Artful Dickens by John Mullan

From Pickwick to Scrooge, Copperfield to Twist, how did Dickens find the perfect names for his characters? 

What was Dickens's favourite way to kill off his characters? 

When is a Dickens character most likely to see a ghost? 

In thirteen entertaining and wonderfully insightful essays, John Mullan explores the literary machinations of Dickens's eccentric genius, from his delight in cliches to his rendering of smells and his outrageous use of coincidences. A treat for all lovers of Dickens, this vibrant compendium puts his audacity, originality and brilliance on full display. 

"A feast of Dickensian knowledge." - The Times