This novella, co-written with Wilkie Collins, follows the story of a sailor named Captain Jorgan who delivers a letter from a deceased friend to his family. The letter contains clues to a hidden fortune, leading to a mystery that involves love, greed, and adventure. Key Characters: Captain Jorgan, Alfred Raybrock, Kitty Raybrock, Mr. Tregarthen

A Message from the Sea Year: 1860

A series of loosely connected adventures of a group of friends in the titular club. The novel is a comic exploration of British society, full of humorous incidents and vivid characters. Key Characters: Samuel, Sam Weller, Mr. Jingle, Mr. Tupman, Mr. Snodgrass, Mr. Winkle

The Pickwick Papers Year: 1836-1837

This novella is narrated by a waiter who discovers a piece of left-behind luggage in his hotel. Inside, he finds various items that reveal the life and character of the owner, leading to a story that reflects on the lives of the middle class and their struggles. Key Characters: The Waiter (narrator), Mr. Traveller, The Unknown Owner of the Luggage

Somebody's Luggage Year: 1862

The novel explores the corruption of wealth in Victorian society. It begins with a dead body found in the Thames and follows multiple storylines, including that of John Harmon, who returns to claim his inheritance under a new identity. Key Characters: John Harmon, Bella Wilfer, Mr. Boffin, Mrs. Boffin, Eugene Wrayburn, Lizzie Hexam

Our Mutual Friend Year: 1864-1865

Centered around the interminable court case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce, the novel explores the devastating effects of legal bureaucracy. It also follows the life of Esther Summerson, an orphan, who unravels the mystery of her parentage. Key Characters: Esther Summerson, John Jarndyce, Lady Dedlock, Mr. Tulkinghorn, Richard Carstone, Ada Clare

Bleak House Year: 1852-1853

A sequel to "Mrs. Lirriper’s Lodgings," this novella continues the story of Mrs. Lirriper, focusing on the legacy she leaves behind for a young orphaned boy named Jemmy, whom she has taken under her care. The story is filled with warmth, humor, and the challenges of raising a child. Key Characters: Mrs. Lirriper, Jemmy, Major Jackman

Mrs. Lirriper’s Legacy Year: 1864

A travelogue chronicling Dickens' travels through Italy. It offers vivid descriptions of Italian cities, landscapes, and the people he encounters, with reflections on art and culture. Key Characters: N/A (Non-fiction)

Pictures from Italy Year: 1846

The title character narrates his life story, from his troubled childhood, through his career as a writer, to his eventual happiness. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters who influence his life, for better or worse. Key Characters: Uriah Heep, Mr. Micawber, Dora Spenlow, Agnes Wickfield, Betsey Trotwood

David Copperfield Year: 1849-1850

In this Christmas novella, the melancholy Mr. Redlaw, a chemistry teacher haunted by his past, is visited by a phantom who offers to erase all his painful memories. Redlaw accepts, but the loss of his memories leads to unintended consequences, affecting not only him but those around him. The story ultimately emphasises the importance of remembering and learning from the past. Key Characters: Mr. Redlaw, Milly Swidger, William Swidger, Philip Swidger, The Phantom

The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain Year: 1848

A miserly old man is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The visits reveal to him the consequences of his greed and lead to his transformation into a kinder, more generous person. Key Characters: Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future

A Christmas Carol Year: 1843