We look at how in 1867 Charles Dickens embarked on an exhausting 19 week tour of America as one of the world's first 'celebrity authors'.

The American Tour

Charles Dickens was not only the most famous writer of his day, but, during the second half of his career, also a prominent public figure known through his readings and speeches. He cultivated, and relished, a close relationship with the vast audiences who came to hear him, in towns and cities throughout Britain, and in the USA. His readings appealed to his own deep instinct in support of the development of the imagination of the people, and also acknowledged the common Victorian pastime of domestic literary recitation. As an actor he took on the visage and gestures as well as the voice of his characters; audiences were spellbound.

Share The American Tour

Sign up to save your podcasts

The American Tour

The American Tour

More shows like Charles Dickens: Celebrity Author - Audio

HistoryExtra podcast

Bon départ: beginners' French - Audio

Art history: early modern - for iPod/iPhone

Wales: Culture and identity - Audio

David Hume: 18th Century Philosopher - Audio

Writing Poetry - Audio

Philosophy and the Human Situation - Audio

Beginners’ Chinese - Audio

Space, Time and Consciousness - for iPod/iPhone

Andante: beginners' Italian - Audio

Bon départ: beginners’ French second edition - for iPod/iPhone