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Charles Dickens

1 series 35 books in order 33 standalone books

Charles Dickens was an English novelist and social critic who lived from 1812 to 1870. He was the most popular English novelist of the Victorian era and one of the most popular novelists of all time. His works often focused on social reform, and he created some of literature's most iconic characters. His novels and short stories remain widely read, as they have never gone out of print.

Born
1812
Known for
Master Humphrey's Clock

Where to start with Charles Dickens

Begin with The Pickwick Papers, the first novel Dickens published in book form. It introduces his signature blend of humor, social observation, and memorable characters. After completing The Pickwick Papers, proceed in publication order through his later works. Continue with Barnaby Rudge, the first book in the Master Humphrey's Clock series, which follows the same chronological sequence as the original publication. Then move to standalone novels such as A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, and A Tale of Two Cities, all of which were published in sequence and represent key stages in his literary development. Read each work in the order they first appeared in print to follow the evolution of his style and themes.

Series by Charles Dickens

Master Humphrey's Clock

2 books in order · 1800–1840

  1. Cover of Barnaby Rudge

    Barnaby Rudge

    1800 · Charles Dickens

    Barnaby Rudge is a 1840 novel by Charles Dickens set during the Gordon Riots of 1780. The story begins with an unsolved double murder and involves…

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  2. Cover of The Old Curiosity Shop

    The Old Curiosity Shop

    1840 · Charles Dickens

    A weekly serial novel by Charles Dickens, published 1840-1841, telling the sensational bestselling story of Little Nell, a beautiful child thrown…

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Standalone books

  1. Cover of The mystery of Edwin Drood
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  2. Cover of The Signal-man
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  3. Cover of Doctor Marigold
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  4. Cover of Our Mutual Friend
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  5. Cover of Great Expectations
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  6. Cover of A Tale of Two Cities
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  8. Cover of Little Dorrit
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  9. Cover of Hard Times
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  10. Cover of Bleak House
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  11. Cover of A Child's History of England
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  12. Cover of David Copperfield or The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery (Which He Never Meant to Publish on Any Account)
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  13. Cover of David Copperfield
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  14. Cover of The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain
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  15. Cover of The Battle of Life
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  16. Cover of Pictures from Italy
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  17. Cover of The Cricket on the Hearth
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  18. Cover of The Chimes
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  19. Cover of Martin Chuzzlewit
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  20. Cover of A Christmas Carol
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  21. Cover of Master Humphrey's Clock
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  22. Cover of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby
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  24. Cover of Oliver Twist
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  25. Cover of Bentley's Miscellany
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  26. Cover of The Pickwick Papers
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  27. Cover of Dombey and Son
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  28. Cover of Sketches by Boz
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  29. Cover of American notes
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  30. Cover of The Life of Our Lord
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  31. Cover of A Christmas Tree
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  32. Cover of Holiday Romance
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  33. Cover of Trial for Murder
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Frequently asked questions

How many books has Charles Dickens written?

We list 35 books by Charles Dickens across 1 series, published between 1800–1870 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Charles Dickens's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “Barnaby Rudge.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Charles Dickens's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.