In reading 'American Notes' and Dickens's letters from America, Mr. Wilkins was struck by two things: the almost bitter severity of his criticism of the American newspapers and his views on the subject of international copyright. To the end of satisfying himself of the justice of these opinions, he collected extracts from the press of almost every city visited by the distinguished novelist. But the task so specifically begun was soon seen to have a much broader significance. If Americans and Englishmen were interested through the 'American Notes' to get a glimpse of the United States, it is safe to say that they would be still more interested through the popular press of this country to obtain a glimpse of that familiar and beloved personality, Charles Dickens. The book allows those who saw and spoke with Mr. Dickens to speak for themselves, and is crowded with intimate and verbatim conversations.
Оглавление
William Glyde Wilkins. Charles Dickens in America
CONTENTS:
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY
CHAPTER II. BOSTON
CHAPTER III. THE BOSTON DINNER
CHAPTER IV. WORCESTER — HARTFORD — NEW HAVEN
CHAPTER V. NEW YORK
CHAPTER VI. THE DINNER AT THE CITY HOTEL, NEW YORK
CHAPTER VII. PHILADELPHIA
CHAPTER VIII. WASHINGTON
CHAPTER IX. RICHMOND, BALTIMORE AND HARRISBURG
CHAPTER X. PITTSBURGH, CINCINNATI, LOUISVILLE AND CAIRO
CHAPTER XI. ST. LOUIS AND THE PRAIRIE
CHAPTER XII. THE RETURN TRIP — ST. LOUIS TO NEW YORK
CHAPTER XIII. INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT
CHAPTER XIV. THE PRESS DINNER AT DELMONICO'S
APPENDIX
Отрывок из книги
Charles Dickens in America
WILLIAM GLYDE WILKINS
.....
"We are requested to state that Charles Dickens will be at the Tremont Theatre this evening. The desire to see this popular young author will, no doubt, attract a large audience. We had an hour's conversation with him last evening, and found him one of the most frank, sociable, noble-hearted gentlemen we ever met with, perfectly free from any haughtiness or apparent self-importance. In fact, he is just such a person as we had supposed him to be, judging from his writings, which have acquired a popularity unprecedented in this country. His lady, too, is most beautiful and accomplished, and appears worthy to be the partner of her distinguished husband."
The New York Tribune, commenting on this notice, perhaps from a feeling of jealousy, due to the fact that Dickens had landed at Boston, rather than at the "Commercial Emporium," said in their issue of January 26 —
