Charles Dickens is renowned as one of the best writers of the Victorian era, and his after-dinner speeches were very much in demand during his lifetime. Dickens spoke on public occasions as a literature representative, and in sympathy with humanitarian movements. He even delivered a speech at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London on Wednesday, 27th June 1855. On one occasion, Dickens became critical of the administrative costs of running a charity and certainly didn't hold back in saying so. "I say openly, and plainly, that this fund is pompously and unnaturally administered at great expense, instead of being quietly administered at small expense."

Can you imagine enjoying a meal in the 19th century and suddenly Charles Dickens stands up to deliver a speech? This collection of speeches from Charles Dickens allows readers to experience that moment for themselves. Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.