Literary criticism, first published in 1872. This book focuses on Dickens' role as a performer -- a public reader of his own works, According to the author: "As the title-page of this volume indicates, no more is here attempted than a memorial of Charles Dickens in association with his Readings. It appeared desirable that something in the shape of an accurate record should be made of an episode in many respects so remarkable in the career of the most popular author of his generation."