John Forsters original three-volume text is abridged & brought to life with the addition of illuminating extracts from Dickenss own work & from recent criticism, biography & fiction. It is also generously illustrated with materials including original artwork from the serial parts of Dickenss novels, rare photographs & portraits of Dickens & his circle, as well as specially commissioned images from the Charles Dickens Museum of the authors personal possessions & favoured locations.