An exploration of Charles Dickens's early successes as a writer, and new beginnings.

Claire Tomalin's acclaimed biography of Britain's great novelist paints a vivid portrait of an extraordinarily complex man.

Tomalin describes the writer at work, and his extraordinary energy allowing him to write at an intense rate.

His personal life required almost as much energy, a husband, a father of ten and a man who enjoyed a busy social life, with evenings spent at the theatre among friends before returning home to write.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Read by Penelope Wilton.

Producer: Elizabeth Allard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2011. Show less