The Most Popular Charles Dickens Book, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the book you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:32
In the literary world, the works of Charles Dickens continue to inspire and captivate readers across generations. By ranking his books based on reader popularity, new readers can easily find a starting point that promises an engaging experience, while long-time fans can debate and affirm their favorites through their votes.
This ever-changing list of rankings serves as a barometer for how different books resonate with contemporary audiences. It also brings fans together, forming a community that participates in celebrating Dickens’s enduring legacy. Your vote helps shape this community-driven honor to one of literature’s giants.
What Is the Most Popular Charles Dickens Book?
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122votes
A Tale of Two Cities
Charles DickensThis novel is widely considered to be one of Dickens' greatest works, with its intricate plot and vivid historical setting. It has sold over 200 million copies worldwide and has been adapted for film, television, and stage numerous times.A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel written by Charles Dickens. It is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The story follows the parallel lives of two men, Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, who are alike in appearance but completely different in character. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption amidst the chaos and violence of the revolution.- Publication Date: 1859
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Setting: London and Paris
- Time Period: Late 18th century (1775-1792)
- Main Characters: Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, Lucie Manette
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224votes
Chapman & Hall · Public domainGreat Expectations
Charles DickensThis coming-of-age story follows the life of an orphan named Pip, who dreams of becoming a gentleman. It explores themes of social class, love, and redemption, and has been adapted for film and television many times.Great Expectations is a classic novel written by Charles Dickens. It tells the story of Pip, an orphan who encounters various characters and experiences significant personal growth. The book explores themes of social class, identity, love, and ambition.- Publication Year: 1861
- Genre: Bildungsroman, Gothic
- Setting: 19th-century England
- Main Protagonist: Pip
- Narrative Point of View: First-person (Pip)
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39votes
Charles Dickens · Public domainOliver Twist
Charles DickensThis classic novel tells the story of an orphan boy who falls in with a gang of thieves in Victorian London. It was Dickens' second novel and remains one of his most popular works, with memorable characters like Fagin and the Artful Dodger.Oliver Twist is a classic novel written by Charles Dickens. It tells the story of a young orphan named Oliver, who endures a series of hardships and trials as he struggles to find his place in the harsh world of 19th-century London. The novel explores themes of poverty, crime, social injustice, and the inherent goodness and resilience of human nature.- Publication Year: 1838
- Genre: Social novel
- Setting: 19th-century London, England
- Main Character: Oliver Twist
- Themes: Poverty, crime, social injustice, morality
Oliver Twist in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Oliver
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415votes
David Copperfield
Charles DickensThis semi-autobiographical novel follows the life of David Copperfield, from his childhood to adulthood. It explores themes of family, love, and identity, and is considered a masterpiece of Victorian literature.David Copperfield is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Charles Dickens. It was first published as a serial between 1849 and 1850, and later released as a complete novel in 1850. The story follows the life of David Copperfield, a young boy who faces various challenges and adventures as he grows into adulthood in 19th-century England.- Publication Date: 1849-1850
- Genre: Autobiographical Fiction
- Settings: 19th-century England
- Narrative Style: First person
- Length: Approximately 865 pages in the first edition
David Copperfield in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most successful magician of all time
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person born in Nevada
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person in Las Vegas
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55votes
Bradbury & Evans · Public domainBleak House
Charles DickensThis novel is known for its complex plot and intricate character relationships. It explores the legal system in 19th century England and features memorable characters like the mysterious Lady Dedlock and the determined lawyer, Mr. Jarndyce.Bleak House is a novel written by Charles Dickens, published in 1852. It is considered one of Dickens' most complex and intricate works, combining elements of social criticism, legal drama, and romance. The story revolves around a long-running court case, Jarndyce and Jarndyce, which symbolizes the seemingly endless and futile pursuit of justice in the English legal system. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, providing a panoramic view of society at the time.- Publication Year: 1852
- Genre: Novel
- Setting: 19th-century London
- Themes: Social inequality, legal corruption, love and sacrifice
- Length: Approximately 800 pages
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69votes
Chapman & Hall · Public domainNicholas Nickleby
Charles DickensThis novel follows the adventures of a young man named Nicholas as he tries to make his way in the world. It is known for its colorful characters, including the villainous Wackford Squeers and the kindly Smike.Nicholas Nickleby is a novel written by Charles Dickens, first published as a serial from 1838 to 1839. The story follows the life of Nicholas Nickleby, a young man who becomes the sole provider for his family after the death of his father. It explores themes of social injustice, the exploitation of children, and the power of redemption.- Publication Year: 1838-1839
- Genre: Novel
- Serial Format: Released as a serial
- Protagonist: Nicholas Nickleby
- Themes: Social injustice, exploitation of children, redemption
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712votes
Chapman and Hall · Public domainThe Pickwick Papers
Charles DickensThis novel is a collection of humorous sketches and stories, centered around the adventures of the Pickwick Club. It was Dickens' first novel and established him as a popular writer.The Pickwick Papers is a novel written by Charles Dickens and published serially between 1836 and 1837. The book follows the adventures of Mr. Samuel Pickwick and his companions as they travel around England. It is one of Dickens' earliest works and is renowned for its humor, memorable characters, and social commentary.- Genre: Fiction
- Publication Year: 1836-1837
- Serial Format: Published in 20 monthly parts
- Number of Characters: Numerous, including Samuel Pickwick, Sam Weller, and Alfred Jingle
- Setting: Primarily in England
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85votes
Hard Times
Charles DickensThis novel explores the social and economic conditions of 19th century England, through the story of a factory owner and his workers. It is known for its critique of industrialization and its portrayal of the human cost of progress.Hard Times is a novel written by Charles Dickens, first published in 1854. It is set in the fictional town of Coketown and focuses on the social and economic issues of the Victorian era. The story explores the contrasting lives of the wealthy industrialist Thomas Gradgrind and his family, and the impoverished workers who struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of industrialization.- Publication Year: 1854
- Setting: Coketown
- Theme: Social and economic issues
- Protagonist: Thomas Gradgrind
- Genre: Novel
Hard Times in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Paramore song
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913votes
Hablot Knight Browne (Phiz) (scanner di Philip V. Allingham) · Public domainMartin Chuzzlewit
Charles DickensThis novel follows the life of the eponymous Martin Chuzzlewit, as he embarks on a journey to America and learns valuable lessons about life and love. It is known for its satirical portrayal of American society and its exploration of family dynamics.Martin Chuzzlewit is a novel written by Charles Dickens, first published in 1844. It satirizes the society and bureaucracy of 19th-century England through the story of the young and selfish protagonist, Martin Chuzzlewit, and his journey of self-discovery. The plot takes readers on a series of adventures and misadventures as Martin encounters various eccentric characters and explores themes of greed, family, love, and redemption.- Publication Date: 1844
- Genre: Satirical novel
- Setting: Mainly in England, with some scenes in America
- Length: Approximately 800 pages
- Themes: Greed, family, love, redemption
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103votes
Phiz · Public domainLittle Dorrit
Charles DickensThis novel explores the themes of poverty, debt, and social class, through the story of a young woman named Amy Dorrit. It is known for its intricate plot and its portrayal of the harsh realities of life in Victorian England.Little Dorrit is a novel written by Charles Dickens. It was first published in monthly installments between 1855 and 1857. The book explores themes of social class, wealth, and the prison system in Victorian England. The story revolves around the life of Amy Dorrit, known as Little Dorrit, who is born and raised in Marshalsea Prison, where her father is incarcerated for debt. It follows her journey as she navigates the complexities of society, experiences a reversal of fortune, and learns valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and forgiveness.- Publication Year: 1855-1857
- Genre: Historical fiction
- Setting: Victorian England
- Themes: Social class, wealth, prison system
- Protagonist: Amy Dorrit/Little Dorrit
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Ranking factors for popular book
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Sales and circulationAnalyzing the number of copies sold and circulated (including translations and adaptations) can be an indicator of the book's popularity.
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Critical reception and reviewsThe opinions of literary critics and readers expressed through reviews and ratings can provide insight into the book's quality and popularity.
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Cultural impactThe extent to which the book has influenced popular culture through adaptations, references, and derivative works can indicate its popularity.
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Awards and recognitionLiterary awards and honors received by the book can be an indicator of its popularity within the literary community.
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Historical context and relevanceThe significance of the book in its historical context, such as how it addresses social issues or contributes to the author's overall body of work, can contribute to its popularity.
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Accessibility and appealThe book's readability and ability to capture the interest of various age groups and demographics can also play a role in its popularity.
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LongevityTimelessness of the book, including how well it continues to be read and discussed over time, can signal its enduring popularity.
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Presence in academiaThe extent to which the book is studied and analyzed in academic settings, such as schools and universities, can be an indicator of its significance and popularity.
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Online presenceThe presence and discussion of the book on social media, blogs, and other online platforms can offer insights into its current popularity and interest.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Charles Dickens book. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or book is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1664 views
- 119 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each book once every 24 hours. The rank of each book is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular charles dickens book
Charles Dickens is considered as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. He produced some of the most memorable literary works in English literature, and his novels are still widely read and loved today. Dickens wrote a total of 15 novels during his lifetime, each one exploring different themes and issues that were relevant to the society of his time. Some of his most popular books include "Oliver Twist," "Great Expectations," and "A Tale of Two Cities."
Despite the popularity of his works, there is still debate among readers on which of his novels is the most beloved. Some argue that "David Copperfield" is his greatest masterpiece, while others believe that "Bleak House" or "A Christmas Carol" are his most memorable works. Whatever your opinion may be, one thing is certain - Charles Dickens' novels continue to captivate readers of all ages with their timeless themes and unforgettable characters.
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