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By the late 1860s, Charles Dickens had transcended the realm of mere literary fame to become a theatrical sensation with his public reading tours. These performances, hundreds of which he staged during the final decade of his life, showcased his extraordinary talent for vocal impersonation, bringing his beloved characters to vivid life and attracting enormous crowds. His star power was unparalleled in the Victorian era. One person lucky enough to witness Dickens in action was New York lawyer John William Sterling, and in his diary on 21st December 1867 he briefly described the experience.
The Diary Entry
Mr. Sweetser presented me with a ticket to Dickens reading… Dombey & Son and the Pickwick trial. He is an exceedingly foppish man, exquisitely dressed, with a triple gold chain, which takes a great deal of his attention. Diamonds, swallow tail, immense bosom, etc. etc. He has quite a husky voice and is a great mimic, screws his face and turns his body into all conceivable shapes…. The rush for seats continues unabated and the speculators are making great fortunes. Men have stood from 12 A.M. to 12 Noon in line about the ticket office. Our office boy reached there about 6 A.M. and there were then 350 ahead of him, and thus discouraged he left.
Further Reading
A number of Sterling’s diary entries can be found in the book, John William Sterling: A Biographical Sketch, published by Yale University Press in 1929. However, that title is very hard to locate. Instead, I’d recommend grabbing a copy of The Book of American Diaries, in which some have been reprinted.
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