Master Humphrey's Clock by Charles Dickens

Author: Charles Dickens | Published: 1840 - 1841

Master Humphrey's Clock Synopsis

Master Humphrey's Clock is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in weekly installments from April 1840 to November 1841. The novel is a frame story in which the main character, Master Humphrey, gathers friends to share stories.

In London resides Master Humphrey, an old man who lives a solitary life. He treasures his collection of ancient writings, which he stores in an antique longcase clock nestled next to the fireplace. Master Humphrey decided to establish a small group named Master Humphrey's Clock, where members would recite their manuscripts to one another. The members of this society are Master Humphrey, a man with hearing difficulties, retired merchant Owen Miles, Jack Redburn, and Mr. Pickwick from The Pickwick Papers. The stories read aloud in Master Humphrey's Clock are a mix of humor, tragedy, and social commentary, full of Dickens's trademark wit and pathos.

About Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens is one of the most beloved and renowned authors in literary history. His writings are known for their social commentary, clever use of language, and timeless characters. Born in 1812 in Portsmouth, England, Dickens created some of the most famous works of literature ever written, including Oliver Twist (1838), A Christmas Carol (1843), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861).

Dickens was a passionate advocate for social reform during his lifetime and drew inspiration from his own experiences in his writing. He lived an impoverished childhood due to his father's debts, leading him to work at a blacking warehouse at 12 years old. This experience would later shape the themes of many of Dickens' novels which often featured stories about impoverished children struggling against oppressive class systems. Find out more about Charles Dickens at sevenov.com.