Charles Dickens 200th Anniversary Collection Vol. 1 is an exquisite compilation of some of the greatest works by the legendary author. As a longtime fan of Dickens' writing, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to delve into this collection which includes classic novels such as Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, and A Tale of Two Cities.

One of the things that I appreciate most about Dickens' writing is his ability to create vivid and unforgettable characters. Whether it is the lovable orphan Oliver Twist or the villainous Miss Havisham, each character in this collection is fully fleshed out and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Additionally, Dickens' intricate plots and powerful social commentary make each story both engaging and thought-provoking.

While Dickens' writing style may be a bit dense for some readers, I found it to be rewarding to immerse myself in his detailed descriptions and richly developed settings. The language in this collection is undeniably beautiful, and I often found myself re-reading passages simply to savor the lyrical prose.

Overall, Charles Dickens 200th Anniversary Collection Vol. 1 is a must-have for any fan of classic literature. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of Dickens' work and serves as a fitting tribute to one of the most influential writers in literary history. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to explore the timeless stories of Charles Dickens.

Book Description:
The Charles Dickens 200th Anniversary Collection comprises short works - fiction, essays, poetry, letters, magazine articles and speeches - and each volume will be a pot pourri of all genres and periods of his writing. This first volume is released on Dickens' 200th birthday, February 7th 2012. Further volumes will follow during the anniversary year.

Volume 1 includes short stories including, amongst others, The Holly Tree, the first part of Holiday Romance and three pieces from Mugby Junction.

Some items requiring a little further explanation are Prince Bull, written as a fairy tale, but in reality a scathing attack on the Government's handling of supplies to the troops in the Crimean War; Old Lamps for New Ones in which Dickens makes clear his low opinion of the ethos of the Pre-Raphaelite school of painting; and Frauds on the Fairies, a polemic against George Cruikshank's bowdlerisation of fairy tales for moralistic purposes, with the interesting revelation that 'product placement' is by no means a new phenomenon. (Introduction by Ruth Golding)