As we near the 2012 bi-centenary of Dickens's birth, this lovingly abridged and lavishly illustrated edition of Foster's influential three-volume biography is the perfect way for fans to celebrate. Long out of print, it is now finally accessible to a new generation of Dickens enthusiasts, who will delight in the host of supplemental texts and images, including extracts from the author's own work and from recent criticism. The rich selection of images ranges from original artwork to rare photographs and portraits of Dickens and his circle, along with specially commissioned pictures from the Charles Dickens Museum.