Reading Dickens Differently

A collection of original essays and innovative reading strategiesâ"provides examples of reading Dickens in creative and challenging ways

Reading Dickens Differently features contributions from many of the fieldâs leading scholars, offering creative ways of reading Dickens and enriching understanding of the most celebrated author of his time. A diverse range of innovative reading strategiesâ"archival, historical, textual, and digitalâ"representing new and exciting approaches to contemporary literary and cultural studies. This groundbreaking volume brings together literature, history, politics, painting, illustration, social media, video games, and other topics to reveal new opportunities to engage with the author's life and work. 

This unique book includes a re-evaluation of Dickensâ death and burial, new research data drawn from legal records and newspapers, assessments of well-known paintings and lesser-known illustrations, experimental readings of Dickensâ texts in digital form, and more. Much of the evidence presented has never been seen before, such as Dickens' funeral fee account from Westminster Abbey, Dickens' death certificate, and a telegram from Dickens' son asking for urgent assistance for his dying father. Revising and refreshing the critical strategies of traditional Dickens studies, this important volume: 

• Features new research data on aspects of Dickens's life
• Discusses a range of innovative reading strategies (including physiological novel theory) for clarifying aspects of Dickens' work
• Examines the presence of Dickens in popular media and technology, such as Assassinâs Creed video game and A Christmas Carol iPad app
• Features rare illustrations, including documents and images relating to Dickens's death and funeral
• Edited by world authorities on Dickens and his manuscripts

Authoritative, yet accessible, Reading Dickens Differently is a must-have book for Dickens specialists, instructors and students in Victorian fiction and Dickens courses, as well as general readers lookingfor innovative reading strategies of the author's work.