Discovering the Short Stories of Charles Dickens

While Charles Dickens is primarily celebrated for his iconic novels, his short stories offer a fascinating glimpse into his literary prowess that often goes unnoticed. This collection features a selection of his lesser-known tales, showcasing the rich themes and supernatural elements that define his work.

Among the featured stories is "The Trial for Murder," where a spectral presence aids in bringing a murderer to justice, haunting the jury foreman during the trial. "The Signalman" follows a railway worker haunted by ominous premonitions of his own fatal accident. In "The Death of a Drunkard," Dickens poignantly captures the tragic decline of a neglectful father, culminating in his drowning in the Thames. "The Black Veil" tells the story of a mysterious woman seeking a doctor’s help regarding the death of her son, who has yet to be executed for murder, plunging her into despair.

Additionally, the collection includes a notable excerpt from "The Haunted Man," where Dickens himself confronts personal demons.

The volume also revisits Dickens's early work, "The Pickwick Papers," originally serialized, which features whimsical tales spun from the reports of Mr. Samuel Pickwick’s society. Among these are "The Whimsical Tale of Gabriel Grub," chronicling the transformation of a grumpy grave-digger after an encounter with goblins, and "A Madman and the Mysterious Stone," an intriguing narrative of an old manuscript linked to a deranged murderer.

Travel to the health spa of Bath with "The Bath Legend," or join Mr. Pickwick’s companion in a hilarious mishap. The collection further delves into the eerie with "Legal Ghosts and a Dreadful Revenge," depicting supernatural occurrences in London's historic legal inns, and "The Story of the Ghostly Mail Coach," where a curious man experiences a thrilling journey back in time among old coaches.

This compilation is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the rich tapestry of Dickens's storytelling beyond his well-known novels.

Book details:

Title: Bizarre Tales

Author: Charles Dickens

Condition: Fine

Binding: Paperback

Publisher: Dreamstairway

Publication Date: 2011