It is a travelogue, written in 1846. Illuminating account of a journey undertaken by Charles Dickens and his family through Italy in 1844.Dickens was much impressed by the colourful customs and personages that he encountered. He presents the country like a magic-lantern show, as vivid images ceaselessly appear before his and his readers' eyes. Avoiding preconceptions and stereotypes, he portrays a nation of great contrasts between grandiose buildings and squalid poverty, and between past and present, as he observes everyday life besides ancient monuments. Combining thrilling travelogue with piercing social commentary, the book is a revealing depiction of an exciting journey. In reading about his travels through Italy, we also gain insight into the character of Charles Dickens: his reaction to the Carnival, to the great works of art that he viewed. Though not a biography, Pictures from Italy offers a view into the mind and personality of Charles Dickens.
About the Author
Charles John Huffam Dickens (7 February 1812 -9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognized him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are still widely read today. Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed readings extensively. He was an indefatigable letter writer and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.He was regarded as the literary colossus of his age.
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