Written with intelligence and authority, these twenty-three essays provide an insight into the works of the literary genius of Charles Dickens. Chesterton greatly admired Dickens as a social prophet and a defender of the common man. Here, he focuses both on the style and ideology of Dickens and provides the critical insight into his work with his characteristic perceptive generosity. Chesterton is still regarded by many as one of the most accomplished and perceptive critics of Dickens. As much about his strongly held beliefs as about Dickens this volume is sure to inform and give pleasure to advocates of both writers.