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'.

Transcript -- 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 Transcript -- The American Tour

Sign up to save your podcasts

Transcript -- The American Tour

Transcript -- The American Tour

More shows like Charles Dickens: Celebrity Author - Audio

History Extra podcast

Writing Poetry - Audio

Reading Political Philosophy: From Machiavelli to Mill - Audio

Bon départ: beginners' French - Audio

Beginners’ Chinese - Audio

Invention and innovation: an introduction - for iBooks

Learning how to learn - for iBooks

Women in Science - Audio

Wales: Culture and identity - Audio

Key skill assessment unit: working with others - for iBooks

Andante: beginners' Italian - Audio

Short History Of...