An exploration of how the work of Charles Dickens was received in America.

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

Tomalin has created a vivid and evocative portrait of one of the nation's best loved writers.

The characters Dickens created are instantly recognisable, from David Copperfield, to Mr Micawber and Nicholas Nickleby.

His literary output was phenomenal.

He was also the father of ten, and a supporter of various social causes, all evident in his novels.

He was also a deeply complex man and a dark side accompanied his genius.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Read by Penelope Wilton.

Producer: Elizabeth Allard

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