About Dickens Library Online

The Dickens Library Online project is the first ever attempt to digitally reconstruct the personal lifetime library of one of the most influential figures of the Victorian era. It is based at the University of Buckingham, UK, and originates in a doctoral project of the Department of English. We have relied on a large number of various sources such as editions of the Gad’s Hill library sale catalogue from 1878, manuscript catalogues, dealer’s valuations, and numerous other sources that have never before been brought together in one place. As a result, we have been able to 'recreate' in virtual space the collection of books Dickens is known to have had in his collection, and are able to display their exact locations on the library shelves at Gad's Hill. See Sources.

Although, at present, this beta-site version will seem rather basic, there are several further developments already planned to improve both its shape and content. So we hope, subject to sources and funding, to improve the website considerably in the future. If you have any ideas or would like to offer to help in any way, please get in touch using the Contact link.