Charles I

by Christopher Hibbert

Published 20 October 1972
When Charles Stuart was a young child, it seemed unlikely that he would survive, let alone become ruler of England and Scotland. Once shy and retiring, an awkward stutterer, he grew in stature and confidence under the guidance of the Duke of Buckingham; his marriage to Henrietta of Spain, originally planned to end the conflict between the two nations, became, after rocky beginnings, a true love match. Christopher Hibbert's biography re-creates the world of Charles I, his court, artistic patronage and family life, while tracing the course of events that led to his execution in 1649. Above all, Hibbert captures the elusive personality of the king that many consider to be a martyr.

This work presents a descripion of Charles Dickens's experiences between the age of four and twenty-four - the years which the author acknowledged as being the true source of his inspiration. Christopher Hibbert brings to life the age of the stage-coach and country inn, the gin shops, the fairs and the london underworld which shaped the life of Dickens as he progressed from love-sick youth to acclamation as the most brilliant writer of his generations.