This collection gathers speeches and writings delivered by Charles Dickens, the quintessential Victorian author, at various public events during the mid-19th century. Through his unique style and insights on society, Dickens's speeches showcase his role as a prominent figure in English literature. The main themes of this work include social commentary, personal anecdotes, and reflections on his literary career, offering readers an opportunity to explore the interaction between Dickens's narrative style and his views on society.
The opening section embarks on a journey through Dickens’s life and career, describing his challenging family background and his initial plans to pursue law before discovering his passion for writing. His rise from a journalist to a revered novelist reflects his desire to capture the realities of his time. Mentions of his iconic characters and works allow readers to see Dickens not only as a storyteller but also as a keen observer of human nature and society.

INTRODUCTION.
I. EDINBURGH, JUNE 25, 1841.
II. JANUARY, 1842.
III. FEBRUARY 1842.
IV. FEBRUARY 7, 1842.
V. NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 18, 1842.
VI. MANCHESTER, OCTOBER 5, 1843.
VII. LIVERPOOL, FEBRUARY 26, 1844.
VIII. BIRMINGHAM, FEBRUARY 28, 1844.
IX. GARDENERS AND GARDENING. LONDON, JUNE 14, 1852.
X. BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 6, 1853.
XI. LONDON, APRIL 30, 1853.
XII. LONDON, MAY 1, 1853.
XIII. BIRMINGHAM, DECEMBER 30, 1853.
XIV. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS. LONDON, DECEMBER 30, 1854.
XV. ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM.
XVI. SHEFFIELD, DECEMBER 22, 1855.
XVII. LONDON, FEBRUARY 9, 1858.
XVIII. EDINBURGH, MARCH, 26, 1858.
XIX. LONDON, MARCH 29, 1858.
XX. LONDON, APRIL 29, 1858.
XXI. LONDON, MAY 1, 1858.
XXII. LONDON, JULY 21, 1858.
XXIII. MANCHESTER, DECEMBER 3, 1858.
XXIV. COVENTRY, DECEMBER 4, 1858.
XXV. LONDON, MARCH 29, 1862.
XXVI. LONDON, MAY 20, 1862.
XXVII. LONDON, MAY 11, 1864.
XXVIII. LONDON, MAY 9, 1865.
XXIX. NEWSPAPER PRESS FUND. LONDON, MAY 20, 1865.
XXX. KNEBWORTH, JULY 29, 1865.
XXXI. LONDON, FEBRUARY 14, 1866.
XXXII. LONDON, MARCH 28, 1866.
XXXIII. LONDON, MAY 7, 1866.
XXXIV. LONDON, JUNE 5, 1867.
XXXV. LONDON, SEPTEMBER 17, 1867.
XXXVI. LONDON, NOVEMBER 2, 1867.
XXXVII. BOSTON, APRIL 8, 1868.
XXXVIII. NEW YORK, APRIL 18, 1863.
XXXIX. NEW YORK, APRIL 20, 1868.
XL. LIVERPOOL, APRIL 10, 1869.
THE OXFORD AND HARVARD BOAT RACE.
SYDENHAM, AUGUST 30, 1869.
XLII. BIRMINGHAM, SEPTEMBER 27, 1869.
XLIII. BIRMINGHAM, JANUARY 6, 1870.
XLIV. LONDON, APRIL 6, 1846.
XLV. LEEDS, DECEMBER 1, 1847.
XLVI. GLASGOW, DECEMBER 28, 1847.
XLVII. LONDON, APRIL 14, 1851.
XLVIII. THE ROYAL LITERARY FUND. LONDON, MARCH 12, 1856.
XLIX. LONDON, NOVEMBER 5, 1857.
L. LONDON, MAY 8, 1858.
LI. THE FAREWELL READING. ST. JAMES’S HALL, MARCH 15, 1870.
LII. THE NEWSVENDORS’ INSTITUTION. LONDON, APRIL 5, 1870.
LIII. MACREADY. LONDON, MARCH 1, 1851.
LIV. SANITARY REFORM. LONDON, MAY 10, 1851.
LV. GARDENING. LONDON, JUNE 9, 1851.
LVI. THE ROYAL ACADEMY DINNER. LONDON, MAY 2, 1870.
CHARLES DICKENS AS A LETTER-WRITER, AND AS A POET.
I.?AS A LETTER-WRITER.
II.?AS A POET.
CHARLES DICKENS’S READINGS. THE FIRST PUBLIC READING.
FOOTNOTES