“A Letter from the Spirit of Charles Dickens” by Ray Bernreuter*
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
I have been told that I 'read as well as an experienced actor would'. For some years before I read in public, I had given occasional pre-publication readings of my latest story or serial installment to my family or friends. After one of these in 1846 I mused that 'in these days of ‘lecturing’ and readings a great deal of money might possibly be made by one having readings of one's own books. My friend John Forster tried to discourage me. He felt that is was below my 'higher duties' as a great author. But I resolved that issue by Christmas of 1843 and did my first public reading. Two factors played upon my decision. I had to support 10 children, a wife, a few other relatives, several homes and my book revenue was not that large. I always worried about having enough money anyway since my childhood and my father's indiscretions with money. Oh yes! I had just recently moved back to Kent. Buying my Gads Hill country home had further depleted my finances.
Some people think I started the readings because of my deeply unhappy marriage. Well I was unsettled at the time and I did need some energetic outlet. My performances were both physically and emotionally draining while the adoration of my audiences was very gratifying. Moreover I was proud of what I had written and I could give it an enhanced interpretation by my own oral presentations of it.
In 1858 I read the Christmas Carol five or six times in London and the next year gave 40 performances throughout England. My first tour of America grossed more than 10,000 pounds. Back in England I added The Chimes and the Haunted Man to the over two hour program. The Carol took almost 90 minutes by itself.
I did not tour and write at the same time so while writing A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations I stayed near Gads Hill and in London. In 1867 after the Civil War had ended in America I made my long-contemplated return tour of America. It was grueling on me and I felt my health deteriorated rapidly while I was there. I cleared 30,000 pound for four months work though.
In October 1868 I developed the horrific monologue Sikes and Nancy and that was my most popular public reading followed by The Trial of Pickwick and then The Carol.
I am going to stop right there to recommend to you my readers that you can get an idea of my readings by attending Dickens Fellowship Book Club meetings. (Contact ckdickens@cogeco.ca for further information.)
SEE YOU THERE
Very faithfully yours
Charles Dickens
*RAYMOND BERNREUTER, a Dickens scholar since 1995, is one of the original founders of the Chatham Kent Dickens Fellowship. CK Dickens is a chapter of the international organization that promotes the works of Charles Dickens - both his literary works and his social aims as well.
In 2003, a small group of C-K citizens developed a new initiative whose mission is, "To promote artistic and economic development in Chatham-Kent through the writings of Charles Dickens". The group went on to establish a vision in which, "Chatham-Kent IS the Canadian Centre for the celebration of Charles Dickens, his works and his times." The group has been very active in pursuing its vision through sponsoring special events, working with students, collaborating with other arts organizations and securing membership in the International Dickens Fellowship headquartered in London, England. The Goal of CKDF is to establish a professional theatre company in Chatham-Kent, focused on the presentation of theatrical adaptations of Dickens works. This series of articles seeks to explore some interesting comparisons between the birthplace of this great writer and our own community. The articles will also help readers to have a clearer view of the author, his life and his times. Questions can be addressed by e-mail to: ckdickens@cogeco.ca
