Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

Charles Dickens is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His books have never been out of print and the characters he created such as Ebeneezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist and David Copperfield are known around the world. Dickens championed the plight of the poor both in his writing and through philanthropy. He co-founded Urania Cottage in London with Angela Burdett-Coutts - a home for young women who were homeless and destitute. Dickens separated from his wife Catherine after 22 years of marriage due to his affair with a young actress named Ellen Ternan. Their relationship was kept secret from the public during his lifetime. 

 

"...I would not, on principle sanction any American Edition of

my books in which I their author have no right conceded to me

and from which I derive no advantage..." 

 

Written in 1860, Charles Dickens' letter to Sampson Low Publishers is addressed from the Office of his literary magazine 'All The Year Round'. In it, Dickens comments on the publication of his books in America with regard to the rights he believes he should have. It seems that Sampson Low wrote to Dickens to ask about publishing something of his in America. Dickens appears grateful to Low for contacting him and obviously trusts him to secure the publication rights for him.

During a tour of America in 1842 Dickens had made himself unpopular by arguing for American publishers to adopt international copyright law. It is apparent from his letter that 20 years later he still holds this view.

 

View Charles Dickens' letter [opens in a new window]

 

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