Download Barnaby Rudge Audiobook | Charles Dickens Download Barnaby Rudge Audiobook Click for printable size audiobook cover 3.00 (2,509 ratings) (rate this audio book) Author: Charles Dickens Narrator: Simon Vance Publisher: Craig Black Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download Audio Length: 24 hours Regular Price: $34.95 Add to Cart — or — Publisher Description Dickens’ first historical novel is set in 1780s England at the time of the Gordon Riots. In a case of mistaken identity, Barnaby Rudge—a pale half-wit with long red hair who dresses all in green and carries a large raven on his back—is arrested as the leader of a mob of anti-Catholic rioters. He is condemned to death on the gallows, but an upright locksmith named Gabriel Varden comes to his aid. Set beneath the cloud of an unsolved murder, this classic tale of treachery and forbidden love is often overlooked by present-day readers. Nevertheless, Dickens provides another memorable cast of characters, including the dull-witted, tyrannical John Willet, Dennis the Hangman, and Hugh the savage ostler. Download and start listening now!

BK_BLAK_002631 Quotes & Awards “Reader [Simon Vance] is an absolute joy, making this long and complex work accessible and entertaining. [Vance] distinguishes with charm and consistency among the huge cast of characters…Clearly [Vance] enjoys reading this novel as much as we enjoy listening to it.” AudioFile “The challenge [Dickens] presents to the narrator, with his bounteous prose and talkative eccentrics, is met resourcefully by Britisher [Simon Vance], whose unflagging energy, imagination, and finesse rank this among the best of audio Dickens.” Library Journal Listener Opinions by Melodee | 2/10/2014 " This Dickens tale concerns the riots of 1780 in London. I think the author did an excellent job of building a fiction off of the facts. His characters were well developed, and the parts of the book that dealt with the actual riots were quite suspenseful. It is a very dramatic story, and worth a read both for historical information and for its merits as a good fiction. " by Alexander | 2/9/2014 " What fun.

Simon Tappertit was a hoot, as was the family he worked for. Some of the initial promise didn't quite hold up, both in characters and plot, I'd say. Barnaby was saved, but it was rather anti-climactic; Tappertit, Grip, and Scragg were each wonderful when they first came in, but, like Tappertit's legs, didn't get displayed to best advantage later on. But on the whole I enjoyed it very much. The Gordon Riots were remarkable-- glad to be introduced to them. " by Jay Pluck | 2/6/2014 " I keep thinking of this book and also its illustrations. " by Elaine | 1/31/2014 " I did not enjoy this novel nearly as much as Dickens' later darker novels, or even the earlier Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, or Nicholas Nickleby. If you are going to tackle Dickens, try those three first and then move on to Bleak House, Little Dorrit, and Our Mutual Friend. Much more interesting. " > Show All AJW | 1/29/2014 " I had never heard of this Dickens novel until now.

What a fantastic read! Not knowing anything about it meant I approached it with a fresh mind and no spoilers (unlike my experience reading 'Old Curiosity Shop' where I always knew about Little Nell). From the start I was gripped. Who was this mysterious murderous man who threatened people left, right & centre? Why was there this feud between two families? Is that a ghost or a real person in the churchyard? Who are the parents of this character? Will that smug so-and-so ever get their comeuppance? Characters that initially look evil turn out to be good and vice versa. I also love reading historical novels based on real events - in this case, the 1780 Gordon Riots in London. I was also impressed that Dickens attempted to use as a main character somebody with 'learning difficulties' (to use contemporary phrase) in a sympathetic way. Finally I love the way Dickens can coin a phrase or describe things in a vivid and original way. One example I remember is when a family climb into a carriage. Instead of mentioning the individuals, Dickens describes the noise the carriage makes and you work out who it is for yourself.

" Janice | 1/29/2014 " This is an historical fiction about a part of history (the Gordon Riots) I knew very little about. This one lost me a little in the middle but the first 1/3 and last 1/3 were hard for me to put down. " Alice | 1/28/2014 " It took me some time to get into this story, but I am glad I stuck with it. It picks up about halfway in, and then I could hardly put the book down. The vivid descriptions of the Gordon Riots are amazing -- worth the whole book by themselves, but I did come to care about the characters, as well, especially poor Barnaby. " Adrian Burke | 1/26/2014 " A plod and the women are awful. " Danica | 1/21/2014 " All time fave dickens, dark, true and dramatic, for those who love the grungy side of life! " Charles Matthews | 1/15/2014 " It's easy to see why Barnaby Rudge is one of Dickens's less popular novels.

It's overlong and overplotted, and it's awkwardly structured, falling too neatly into two halves. The first half centers on the frustrated love of Joe Willet for Dolly Varden, and the equally but differently frustrated love of Edward Chester and Emma Haredale, and on the murder of Emma's father. The second half focuses on the anti-Catholic Gordon riots of 1780. The two halves are knit together by the effects of the riots on the Willets, Vardens, Chesters and Haredales, and on the title character, the "idiot" Barnaby. But the characters -- especially Joe, Edward and Emma -- are such feeble stock figures, such conventionally drawn vessels of virtue, that it's hard to get emotionally involved with their fates. Moreover, even the "Dickensian" grotesques, such as Sim Tappertit (a name that elicits snickers from 12-year-old boys of all ages and sexes) and Miggs, are only fitfully amusing, and they quickly wear out their welcome. The one almost successful character in the novel is Hugh, the mysterious thug who may be the closest thing Dickens ever came to a tragic figure.

He enters the novel as an enigmatic and almost attractive figure -- a wild man of sorts -- and descends into villainy during the riots. But at the end, he attains a kind of tragic awareness, which he expresses in his speech before he goes to the gallows. Dolly Varden, who became the novel's most popular character, even to the extent of causing a fashion craze later in the nineteenth century, is one of Dickens's better ingenues -- which is, to be sure, not saying much, since the Dickensian ingenue is typified by the saintly Agnes of David Copperfield. But by using Dolly's flighty mother and the jealous Miggs as foils, Dickens gives her some substance, allowing her to make foolish mistakes while enhancing her attractiveness. The treatment of the riots shows Dickens's gift for the sensational, culminating in the orgiastic revel at the vintner's house, when the mob immolates itself in a fiery, drunken stupor, a fatal bacchanal of sorts.

But the vividness of the riot scenes contrasts too sharply with the insipidity of the novel's lovers, who settle down at the book's end into a complacent rural fertility, producing hordes of cherubic little Joes and Dollys. The chief flaw of the novel, however, is Barnaby himself, who resembles no mentally challenged person ever encountered in this world. He is a vehicle for pathos, a holy fool who goes astray, but he grows so annoying in this role that it's hard to care whether he's rescued from the gallows. And if you don't care about that, it's hard to care about anything that Dickens wants you to care about. Still, the novel is distinguished by Dickens's passion for justice and his contempt for hypocrisy. At its best moments, they give it a spine of conviction that keeps it from collapsing into a welter of melodrama. For American readers, the oddest thing about the novel may be its time frame: The action takes place between 1775 and 1780, when the American War for Independence was taking place.

Yet the only reference to this conflict, which surely must have preoccupied Britons even more than the Gordon riots, is in Joe's loss of an arm at the siege of Savannah, which takes place offstage from the novel's main action -- and in the chronicles of the Revolutionary War is for many people almost a footnote. Was Dickens, who was preparing for his trip to America while the novel was appearing, afraid of alienating American readers by bringing that conflict to the fore in his narrative? " eric | 1/13/2014 " I wanted to read Dickens, but I just found them too hard to get into. This is perfect for a first Dickens, it flows from the start, lovely descriptive writing, must visit the pub in Chigwell, (now an Indian Restaraunt). Something for everyone in this book, read it. " Jeri | 1/10/2014 " Interesting historical fiction about the 1780 Gordon Riots. Not Dickens' best historical fiction, but mildly amusing with some memorable characters. " Mikee | 1/6/2014 " What a wonderful book. Insightful, funny, sad, profane.

" Ayu Palar | 1/5/2014 " It's too draggy I can't finish it. Will leave it for a while. " eric | 1/1/2014 " I wanted to read Dickens, but I just found them too hard to get into. This is perfect for a first Dickens, it flows from the start, lovely descriptive writing, must visit the pub in Chigwell, (now an Indian Restaraunt). Something for everyone in this book, read it. " Marie Clunan | 12/7/2013 " going for a classic! " Stacy | 11/27/2013 " This book has everything - murder, romance, riots, humor, drama. I didn't know much about this book before reading it, so my expectations were low. I really enjoyed the characters and will remember some if them fondly. Am I the only one who liked Hugh, in spite if myself? " Misha Crews | 11/22/2013 " I enjoyed this book very much.

I didn't fall in love with it as much as with some of Dickens' other books, but like all his work it was full of tragedy, comedy and colorful characters. Definitely recommended. " Bruce | 11/19/2013 " This Dickens historical novel was an unexpected pleasure, and its tale of religious fanaticism in 1780 England is surprisingly apt for our time. Also interesting to see the model for Poe's "The Raven." The descriptions of the riots, with their attendant horrors and outrages, are unforgettable. " Akandwanaho Dominic | 11/15/2013 " Poor soul---Barnaby!!! " Darrenl | 10/31/2013 " A sometimes overlooked Dickens classic. The description of the Gordon riots is a remarkable piece of writing. " Janice | 9/27/2013 " This is an historical fiction about a part of history (the Gordon Riots) I knew very little about. This one lost me a little in the middle but the first 1/3 and last 1/3 were hard for me to put down.

" Christina Gimlin | 9/21/2013 " This was my last Dickens novel to read and I was sort of sad to let it go. It stands as strong as any of them. On to the Christmas stories, travel essays, and starting back again with Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. " Ange | 9/16/2013 " This was a BBC production of Dickens book. Subject and story were awful. Perhaps it was the acting. " Keith Rose | 8/29/2013 " interesting picture of gordon riots, with dickens usual grotesques " Bruce | 7/26/2013 " This Dickens historical novel was an unexpected pleasure, and its tale of religious fanaticism in 1780 England is surprisingly apt for our time. Also interesting to see the model for Poe's "The Raven." The descriptions of the riots, with their attendant horrors and outrages, are unforgettable. " Tom | 7/8/2013 " A very interesting but confusing book. Dickens introduces many characters in this story. But somehow they all get lost.

The plots are many and confusing and I am not sure of the story line, even after I read the book. " Keith Rose | 5/1/2013 " interesting picture of gordon riots, with dickens usual grotesques " Mick Grant | 4/13/2013 " Perhaps strangely Barnaby Rudge is not the real hero of this novel. A complex plot invoving murder and the social unrest of the Gordon Riots in 1780 London. His depiction of the mob running amok in a frenzy of sectarian hatred has a modern resonance. " Jason Reeser | 11/30/2012 " This is my favorite of all the Dickens books. I don't know why, but I read it in 9th grade, and it haunted me like no other book of its kind. I have reread it two times since, and I still feel this way. And it amazes me that no one ever mentions this book when talking about Dickens. That baffles me. " Perlie | 11/4/2012 " Very well written, but extremely disturbing. Read at the same time as Zola's Germinal.

Both deal with riots and unrest. " Julie | 3/16/2012 " So full of humor and wit. I'm reading it again and enjoying it more than the first time. How did Dickens gain such a wonderful command of the language to paint such detailed pictures. " Vickie | 1/16/2012 " A very long saga of war in England. The characters got rather confusing at times. " Lorie | 10/20/2011 " Excellent and timely. Dickens was a great storyteller. " Lili | 8/10/2011 " A little slow at times but still a good book. " Vickie | 4/27/2011 " A very long saga of war in England. The characters got rather confusing at times. " astrangerhere | 3/4/2011 " I should learn my lesson and read this one chapter at a time, like his readers did. Will try it with the next book. " Albert | 2/1/2011 " Not terribly interesting. Hard to feel anything for the protagonists.

Dickens was a master but not every book is a gem. " Andrew | 1/1/2011 " There has never been a riot committed to paper like Dickens manages here - the riots of '80! " Darrenl | 12/10/2010 " A sometimes overlooked Dickens classic. The description of the Gordon riots is a remarkable piece of writing. " Deanne | 11/19/2010 " Discovered an episode of English history of which I was ignorant, interesting story which kept me reading. " Lorie | 9/5/2010 Amazon.co.uk:Customer Reviews: Barnaby Rudge Customer Reviews 4.5 out of 5 stars 135 72 people found this helpful 5.0 out of 5 starsPossibly Dickens's least-known work. ByS. Hapgoodon 29 November 2003 "Barnaby Rudge" was the first commercial failure Dickens had. There were a number of reasons for this, mainly I suspect that it was published during a recession, but also because Dickens had by then made a big name for himself as an observer of his own times.

That is very much the image he still has today, Dickens is synonymous with the mid-19th century, so going back to the end of the 18th century wasn't perhaps commercially a good move. These days "Barnaby Rudge" has become overshadowed completely by Dickens's other historical novel, "A Tale Of Two Cities", not helped by the fact that both books cover more or less the same themes: the horrors of mob rule, a city plunged into anarchy, the storming of a prison, and what happens when innocent people get dragged into a cause that is being manipulated by people with dubious axes to grind, plus of course the perennial theme of love triumphing in the face of evil. Having said all that, "Barnaby Rudge" holds up strongly as a book in its own right. The anti-Catholic Gordon Riots are virtually unknown to us these days (I have to admit, somewhat shamefully, I had never heard of them before, it was quite an eye-opener to find that such a devestating thing had happened in London!), but its central core theme of people becoming divided and wrecking havoc and hatred on each other is as relevant now as ever.

Barnaby himself is a mentally-handicapped young man, and it is heartbreaking to see him allowing himself to be adopted by the cause in the belief that he will make his mother proud of him. It is also a delightful portrait of someone totally pure at heart caught up in a cynical, hate-filled world. I don't mean that to sound as though Dickens is preaching, (which would be off-putting to anyone just wanting a good read) because he isn't, nowhere does he allow that to happen. As you would expect with Dickens there is a whole cast of strong, eccentric characters: the vain, uptight spinster Miss Miggs who seems to delude herself that every man she meets is fatally smitten with her, the almost feral-like Hugh the ostler, Dennis the Hangman, enthusiastically keen to get a rope round everybody else's neck but not so keen to see it near his own, Gabriel Varden, the salt-of-the-earth locksmith and his insufferably neurotic wife, and the immensely slappable Sir John Chester. The younger characters pale by comparison, though I have a soft-spot for Joe Willett, bullied by his overbearing father so much he has to run away from home and join the army.

The central star-crossed love-story between Edward Chester (Protestant) and Emma Haredale (Catholic) virtually makes no impact at all, simply because the characters are so two-dimensional, and Dolly Varden is just a daft young flirt who realises, too late, that she's let a good bloke out of her grasp. Also much of the stuff surrounding Barnaby's mysterious father really doesn't make much impact at all. Rudge Snr simply doesn't come alive as a character. He's spent so long in the shadows that he seems to have become one! What makes this book worth reading are obviously the Riots themselves, and showing the devestation it has on the ordinary people caught up in it, and the comedy set around the 'Maypole Inn'. Most importantly though, the character of Barnaby himself, and his talking black crow, Grip. Here you get Dickens's love of humanity and his compassion worked to great effect. 9 people found this helpful 3.0 out of 5 starsVery disappointing ByHugh Sedonon 14 November 2011 I did not enjoy my limited exposure to Dickens at school.

Some fifty-odd years later, I decided to try again, commencing, rather oddly with hindsight, with his last, unfinished novel Edwin Drood. I liked this so much that I have since been working my way through his other books. Barnaby Rudge is my eleventh (plus three of the Christmas stories), and is the first that I have disliked. If this had been my first experience of Dickens in my old age, it is highly probable that I would not have persevered with his remaining works, and so would have missed out on some great books by probably the best English author of the 19th C. The first part of Barnaby Rudge, set in 1775, is typically Dickensian, with enjoyable narrative, characters and humour. Once the story moves to 1780, the time of the Gordon riots, it becomes disjointed, lacks continuity and, indeed, credibility. All sorts of unanswered questions arise: regarding Dennis, how did he find Hugh's hideout; why wasn't he arrested then (double agent?); what was his motivation. Again as regards Joe and Edward: how did they meet on the third night of the riots; and recognise each other; and find Mr.

Haredale; find the way into the resr of the Vintner's house (something that defeated the rioters); and find Emma and Dolly. Many more queries arise ad nauseum. The story is not helped by the lack of substance to the characters of Emma and Edward and the portrayal of Barnaby himself is not strong enough to hold the tale together. And Miggs and Sir John are simply unbelievable. Dicken's strengths are humour, sympathy for the poor and a keen observation of the hardships and depravities of his own time- definately not historical novels. Except for Tale of Two Cities, he wrote to these strengths thereafter. Format: Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase I've found this book very enjoyable. The story-line was intriguing and Dickens' unique descriptive style of story-telling was very good. His characters as usual were well portrayed; several sinister characters made my skin crawl every time they entered the story. I found the narrative in this book more difficult to follow than a lot of other Dickens' work hence the 4-star rating. But I feel as though I've gained a lot from reading this book; I'd never heard about the Gordon Riots and Dickens' insight into people's feelings is a real eye-opener.

His description of the riots is excellent. (If you're interested, you can look online under Sheesh Restaurant, Chigwell and you'll find the building which is reputed to have once been the pub on which Charles Dickens based the pub in the story, The Maypole.) 0Comment |Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse Please write at least one word You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later. Showing 0 of 0 comments Sort by: Format: Paperback A long but satisfying book. Set around the anti-catholic riots of 1780 led by Lord George Gordon, the story revolves around a group of people from a village not far from London. The first half of the book concerns an innkeeper and his son, a locksmith and his cocquettish daughter, a gentleman, who is not what he seems, and his son, and a local catholic and his neice in the big house. Part one revolves around the machinations of the older folk to keep the youngsters from getting romantically involved. It also introduces the usual Dickens connections between various characters. Barnaby Rudge is a simple minded youth whose mother is a widow.

Her late husband had something to do with the murder of the catholic guy's brother. There is also a thuggish servant, a scheming apprentice and a comedy cockney servant woman. She's almost Mrs Mopp from ITMA, ("Can I do you now, sir?"), except she's a bitter spinster. The second half of the book shows how they all became involved in the London riots, some by joining the rioters and some suffering at their hands. The description of the riots is brilliant, without over dramatising what happened. The story unfolds as Dickens' novels do with unseen connections and secrets revealed. All in all a good book and well worth the time 0Comment | One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse Please write at least one word You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later. Format: Paperback For someone whose favourite literary period is the 19th Century, I have a confession to make. I am 43 years old (young!) and Barnaby Rudge is the first Charles Dickens novel I have ever been able to finish.

I had previously made attempts on Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Great Expectations and Hard Times and never got passed more than a couple of chapters in any one of them. Perhaps it was due to having hitherto had many great expectations and more than a few hard times? Who knows?! When I saw that The Complete Works of Charles Dickens was available on Kindle for less that £2.00 I downloaded it and was then left with the decision as to which of his novels I should try first. I went for Barnaby Rudge as I liked the name. Simple as that. I knew nothing about the book, not even, as it transpired, the length of it. That's one of the negative points of reading a book on Kindle - particularly when it is part of a collection. It was only after reading it for a month or so that I decided to check out the length in paperback - 744 pages. For one who had decided to regularly read and post reviews I guess a novel of such length was not a good choice. But by that time, it was too late to stop reading, not least because I was absolutely in love with the book. So where to begin?

Barnaby Rudge was apparently scheduled to be Dickens' first published novel but due to various issues including a change of publisher it was originally published in weekly installments from February 1841 to November 1841 in a magazine he edited called Master Humphrey's Clock. By all accounts it is not renowned as being one of his best and there have only been two attempts to dramatise it - once in a 1915 silent movie and again in an early 1960's TV serialisation. To be honest, had I known of these facts before, I would still have chosen it to be the first of his novels I would read all the way through. I do love an underdog! For me, the novel felt like I was engaged in three different art forms. The first third is like wandering around an art gallery, taking in the scenes, observing a time where the world was slower, less intense. The second is like watching an action film - fast paced, frantic, disturbing and entirely enthralling. The final third is akin to watching a series of vignettes on stage - the resolution of each of the many plot strands. This one man audience applauded and left the theatre sighing and fulfilled.

The central theme of the novel is how people cope when faced with emotional conflict - whether that be thwarted love, a lusting for a higher station in life, a desire for money or a desire for power. The first third of the novel sets up the conflicts and the central third imposes the incredible anarchy initiated (somewhat unknowingly it must be said) by Lord Gordon's attempts to rail against the Papist Act of 1778. Each of the main characters are caught up in the riots and each is changed by the way they decide to react to them. As you would expect, there are heroes and villains, deceit, wonder and disaster. The description of the riots is absolutely stunning and I could not help but think of the riots in London last year. Over 200 years separates each event yet Charles Dickens' account far exceeds anything I read in any newspaper a year ago. I was moved, appalled and entirely dumbstruck by the connection. I defy anyone not to react in a similar way.

The structure of Barnaby Rudge reminded me of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (1862) - the extensive scenes depicting the Battle of Waterloo substituting the Gordon Riots; and the character of Miggs was very redolent of Miss Clack in The Moonstone (1868) by Wilkie Collins. Other than A Tale of Two Cities, Barnaby Rudge was the only novel Charles Dickens wrote that wasn't set in the 19th Century and there is a feeling of nostalgia in it that perhaps is hard to feel about his 19th Century novels. I have recently begun reading Nicholas Nickleby so I can certainly attest to the fact that his anger against the education system, capitalism and greed is certainly not depicted with any form of sentiment! So overall, having read Barnaby Rudge, I am full of awe, admiration, joy and humility. William Blake is my ultimate literary hero - Charles Dickens, even after having just read one of his novels (a largely forgotten one at that) is already running him a close second. 0Comment | 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes No Report abuse Please write at least one word You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later. Showing 0 of 0 comments Sort by: Format: Paperback | Verified Purchase Wordsworth Classics edition. WARNING: Do not read the list of principle characters as it tells you not only their role but also what happens to them during the story. I am slowly working my way through the Dickens novels in order, having never read them before, and I appreciate that I have yet to enter into Dickens' later period of "David Copperfield," "Bleak House" et al, but I found "Barnarby Rudge" a brilliant read; a good page turner and also educational about a period of history we never covered at school (and I went to a catholic school.) The story is divided into two parts, 1775 and then 1780. The second half dealing with the riots and how each character is affected by this moment in London's history. I felt I enjoyed the book more after a brief read up on the background of the Gordon riots. I think this is a very underrated; excellently written story.

There is one particular passage where Dickens describes the mob mentality which could have been written about the most recent London riots. This is a must read for anyone who wants to read classic literature. Don't be put off by the the fact that this is one of Dickens' least known books. 0Comment | 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse Please write at least one word You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later. Format: Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase Barnaby Rudge is possibly not Dickens at his very best, but it's still head and shoulders above most other books in existence. Unfortunately the contributor of this edition (D.L.?) immediately spoils the reading experience slightly by inserting a couple of sentences that discuss spellings in the novel. Ironically, even this brief note contains the spelling mistake "occured". I found myself hoping that our error-prone contributor hadn't made judgements or interfered with the novel in any way. But rest assured: all is well and I can recommend this edition. 0Comment | One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes No Report abuse Please write at least one word You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later. Format: Kindle Edition Where does one begin to review a Dickens novel of such magnitude? The entire tale is of a bygone era and the author so ridiculously verbose that most people will start this book and never finish it. Nevertheless, such is the quality of the writing, and the craft which brings the characters to life , that for those who do read to the end, there is the reward of permanently storing these characters in one's memory. Dickens takes around 200 pages merely setting the scene and then several hundred more to describe the anti- Catholic riots which - though short lived- turned London into a fiery bloodbath. The description of the wanton looting, arson and destruction is quite superb, as is the slow but compelling description of the reality of hanging. In some ways the story is a little silly, in that chance meetings occur which are hard to explain and yet are central to the survival of the central characters but one has to forgive Dickens this quirk of writing since his story telling is almost without peer.

Barnaby Rudge is a memorable and unique character in all of literature. His joy in simply living is beautifully depicted.The "hero" of the book is an honest, brave and loving man who is presented as a locksmith. Such is Dickens' love of now old fashioned virtue that one wonders whether any modern day author could base a book on such a strait forward character. I know of no other author who uses the English language to such effect, especially when one reflects on his prodigious output. Extraordinarily, I did notice one repeat phrase in this book- "Matching his action to the word", but only one repetition in such a tome is astonishing. Format: Paperback Definitely my favourite Dickens book. It's not as well known as say Nicholas Nickleby or Oliver Twist, and is one of only two historical novels that Dickens wrote (the other being A Tale of Two Cities), but it's always been, and remains, my favourite. The characters are tremendous - Joseph Willett and his cronies, Miss Miggs who is hilarious, and Hugh; and Barnaby himself. While there may be no standout villains or heroines as are in some other Dickens books, I think that's actually a good point in Barnaby Rudge's favour.

The story is well balanced between a gothic mystery, historical political and religious fervour, and characters who attempt to make sense of the times they live in. Sir John Chester and Mr Haredale are exellent foils (both flawed, yet both so sure they are right); and Hugh and Dennis, Lord George Gordon and Gashford are excellently written. I think this novel benefits from not having a simpering heroine or dashing hero to overpower the strengths of the other characters. I've read and re-read Dickens' books I don't know how many times; and Barnaby Rudge is still the one I remember most fondly. I'm glad I've read it again. Format: Paperback | Verified Purchase This is now my fourth Dickens-novel, and not to beat about the bush: each has made me more and more of a Dickens-enthusiast.

Intending to read Dickens' novels chronologically I should actually, after having finished The Pickwick Papers (Oxford World's Classics) , Oliver Twist (Oxford World's Classics) and Nicholas Nickleby (Wordsworth Classics) , have read The Old Curiosity Shop (Oxford World's Classics) first but somehow I got the proper order mixed up and read 'Barnaby Rudge' first. Be that as it may, 'Barnaby Rudge' perhaps even more than the previous three novels impressed me with the sheer power of Dickens writing. Actually, the story starts quite innocently, so to speak on a domestic scale with the tale of several families all of whom are loosely connected to each other: there's sir Haredale who - ever since his brother Reuben and his trusted secretary Barnaby Rudge were murdered 20 years before, a murder that has never been solved - has raised his niece Emma as his ward. Emma has fallen in love with Edward Chester, but Sir Haredale and Edward's father, Sir John Chester, are and have been for decades sworn enemies.

John Willet, a tenant of Sir Haredale and landlord of the Maypole Inn, has perpetual discussions with his adolescent son Joe (whom he still considers a young boy), whereas Joe himself has fallen in love with Dolly Varden, the daughter of the locksmith Gabriel Varden who is a regular customer of the Maypole Inn. Lastly, we are introduced to Barnaby Rudge's widow and her weak-minded son Barnaby, and the Maypole's ostler Hugh whose mother was hung at Tyburn when he was a mere infant. Bu then, after introducing these characters (and colourful characters they are too, Dickens never fails in that respect), the action moves on 5 years to the eve of the Gordon Riots in London in which all characters will find themselves sucked as into an apocalyptic vortex. Lord George Gordon - aided by his secretary Gashford - has appealed to all his followers to assemble in London to support him in his opposition to the proposed Catholic Relief Act. It is perhaps for the descriptions of the havoc wreaked by the London mob that this novel is most known, and they are indeed incredibly powerful scenes. But there is a lot more than that to 'Barnaby Rudge'.

As is pointed out in the excellent introduction by John Mee, a recurring theme in the novel is the difference between perception and reality. There are constant references to the eyes and eyesight, and virtually all characters are taken in by what they see and fail to discern the reality beneath the surface appearances of things: Sir Haredale fails to see the true love between his niece and Edward Chester, Gabriel Varden does not see the frustration at work inside his apprentice Sim Tappertit, Dolly Varden is blind to the merits of Joe Willet, while Joe's father is blind to the fact that his son has become a grown man and will no longer accept being treated as a boy, and Lord Gordon is duped by his scheming secretary Gashford, ... Also, 'Barnaby Rudge' is very interesting novel as Dickens' first attempt at a historical novel, a genre made respectable shortly before by Sir Walter Scott, and expressing Dickens' view on history and the lessons it has to teach us for the present and future (being written at a time of social unrest in England, just as the period it describes).

One can sense in Dickens' writing a very real fear of social unrest and the mindless fury of 'the mob', embodied by Hugh the ostler who seems, as he tirelessly whips up the mob's energy, a sort of primal force of nature purely bent on destruction. In these respects 'Barnaby Rudge' differs radically from Dickens' earlier novels, but in others it is out and out Dickensian: there is the familiar mix of humour and drama / tragedy, the unequalled capacity of Dickens to create unforgettable characters, and his ability to give each of these a voice of their own. All in all I immensely enjoyed 'Barnaby Rudge' as it contains aspects of Dickens by now familiar to me and powerfully introduces new ones. So now it's on to The Old Curiosity Shop (Oxford World's Classics) ! Format: Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase One of the few Dickens novels I haven't come to by way of a TV serialisation.

Barnaby Rudge is his first historical novel, written some 50 years after the rabble-rousing Gordon Riots of the 1780s, It has strong elements of a whodunnit, the story starts with recounting of the unsolved murder of a local Essex landowner some twenty years before, and the story follows the adventures and misadventures of those hearing this tale - culminating in the riots and their vengeful aftermath. As a story, it gets progressively more gripping, as the characters become central to the dramatic events. The villains are suitably villainous and get their just desserts - the romantic interest between the publican's son Joe and the flighty and silly (and ultimately repentant) Dolly Varden ends happily, and the strange simpleton eponymous Barnaby is rescued from suffering the fate of the riot's ringleaders. It may have been a comparative failure on publication, but Barnaby's pet raven Grip "reappears" in Edgar Allan Poe's classic, and I'm sure Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers retrod the mysterious killing plot at the heart of this novel. One for the completists and Dickens devotees, I think.

0Comment | One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse Please write at least one word You must purchase at least one item from Amazon to post a comment A problem occurred while submitting your comment. Please try again later. Barnaby Rudge - Wikipedia, Photos and Videos Barnaby Rudge NEXT GO TO RESULTS [51 .. 100] WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE Cover of the magazine Master Humphrey's Clock where the novel was serialized Author Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty Illustrator Serialised : February–November 1841; [1] as a book 1841 Publisher Media type Print ( serial , hardback, and paperback) Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty (commonly known as Barnaby Rudge) is a historical novel by British novelist Charles Dickens . Barnaby Rudge was one of two novels (the other was The Old Curiosity Shop ) that Dickens published in his short-lived (1840–1841) weekly serial Master Humphrey's Clock . Barnaby Rudge is largely set during the Gordon Riots of 1780.

Barnaby Rudge was the fifth of Dickens' novels to be published. It had originally been planned to appear as his first, but changes of publisher led to many delays, and it first appeared in serial form in the Clock from February to November 1841. It was Dickens' first historical novel. His only other is the much later A Tale of Two Cities , also set in revolutionary times. [2] It is one of his less popular novels [3] and has rarely been adapted for film or television. The last production was a 1960 BBC production ; prior to that, silent films were made in 1911 and 1915 . Contents Dolly Varden as painted by William Powell Frith , 1842 Gathered round the fire at the Maypole Inn, in the village of Chigwell , on an evening of foul weather in the year 1775, are John Willet, proprietor of the Maypole, and his three cronies. One of the three, Solomon Daisy, tells an ill-kempt stranger at the inn a well-known local tale of the murder of Reuben Haredale which had occurred 22 years ago that very day.

Reuben had been the owner of the Warren, a local estate which is now the residence of Geoffrey, the deceased Reuben's brother, and Geoffrey's niece, Reuben's daughter Emma Haredale. After the murder, Reuben's gardener and steward went missing and were suspects in the crime. A body was later found and identified as that of the steward, so the gardener was assumed to be the murderer. Joe Willet, son of the Maypole proprietor, quarrels with his father because John treats 20-year-old Joe as a child. Finally having had enough of this ill treatment, Joe leaves the Maypole and goes for a soldier, stopping to say goodbye to the woman he loves, Dolly Varden, daughter of London locksmith Gabriel Varden. Meanwhile, Edward Chester is in love with Emma Haredale. Both Edward's father, John Chester, and Emma's uncle, the Catholic Geoffrey Haredale – these two are sworn enemies – oppose the union after Sir John untruthfully convinces Geoffrey that Edward's intentions are dishonourable. Sir John intends to marry Edward to a woman with a rich inheritance, to support John's expensive lifestyle and to pay off his debtors.

Edward quarrels with his father and leaves home for the West Indies. Barnaby Rudge, a simpleton, [4] wanders in and out of the story with his pet raven, Grip. Barnaby's mother begins to receive visits from the ill-kempt stranger, whom she feels compelled to protect. She later gives up the annuity she had been receiving from Geoffrey Haredale and, without explanation, takes Barnaby and leaves the city hoping to escape the unwanted visitor. The story advances five years to a wintry evening in early 1780. On the 27th anniversary of Reuben Haredale's murder, Soloman Daisy, winding the bell tower clock, sees a ghost in the churchyard. He reports this hair-raising event to his friends at the Maypole, and John Willet decides that Geoffrey Haredale should hear the story. He departs in a winter storm taking Hugh, hostler of the Maypole, as a guide. On the way back to the Maypole, John and Hugh are met by three men seeking the way to London. Finding that London is still 13 miles off, the men seek refuge for the night.

Beds are prepared for them at the Maypole. Lord George Gordon head of the Protestant Association These visitors prove to be Lord George Gordon; his secretary, Gashford; and a servant, John Grueby. Lord George makes an impassioned speech full of anti-papist sentiment, arguing (among other things) that Catholics in the military would, given a chance, join forces with their co-religionists on the Continent and attack Britain. Next day the three depart for London, inciting anti-Catholic sentiment along the way and recruiting Protestant volunteers, from whom Ned Dennis, hangman of Tyburn, and Simon Tappertit, former apprentice to Gabriel Varden, are chosen as leaders. Hugh, finding a handbill left at the Maypole, joins the Protestant throng which Dickens describes as "sprinkled doubtless here and there with honest zealots, but composed for the most part of the very scum and refuse of London, whose growth was fostered by bad criminal laws, bad prison regulations, and the worst conceivable police." Barnaby and his mother have been living quietly in a country village, their whereabouts unknown despite Geoffrey Haredale's attempts to find them.

The mysterious stranger finds them and sends Stagg, the blind man, to attempt to get money from them. Barnaby and his mother then flee to London, hoping to again lose their pursuer. When Barnaby and his mother arrive at Westminster Bridge they see an unruly crowd heading for a meeting on the Surrey side of the river. Barnaby is duped into joining them, despite his mother's pleas. The rioters then march on Parliament, and burn several Catholic churches and the homes of Catholic families. A detachment led by Hugh and Dennis head for Chigwell, intent on exacting revenge on Geoffrey Haredale, leaving Barnaby to guard The Boot , the tavern they use as their headquarters. The mob loots the Maypole on their way to the Warren, which they burn to the ground. Emma Haredale and Dolly Varden (now Emma's companion) are taken captive by the rioters. Barnaby is taken prisoner by soldiers and held in Newgate, which the mob plans to storm. The mysterious stranger haunting Mrs. Rudge is captured by Haredale at the smoldering ruins of the Warren.

He turns out to be Barnaby Rudge Sr., the steward who had murdered Reuben Haredale and his gardener years earlier. It is revealed that he had switched clothes with the dead gardener to divert suspicion from himself. The rioters capture Gabriel Varden, with the help of his wife's maid Miggs, and attempt to have the locksmith help them break into Newgate to release prisoners. He refuses and is rescued by two men, one of whom has only one arm. The rioters then burn Newgate where Barnaby and his father are being held. All of the prisoners escape, but Barnaby, his father, and Hugh are betrayed by Dennis the hangman and captured by soldiers. Dennis has changed sides, believing he will obtain the bounty offered for them as well as numerous clients needing his special talents. With the military patrolling the streets, the rioters scatter and many are killed. The one-armed man turns out to be Joe Willet, who has returned from fighting against the American revolutionaries. Joe and Edward Chester turn out to be the rescuers of Gabriel Varden. The pair then rescue Dolly and Emma.

Hugh and Dennis five minutes before execution (Book illustration) Dennis is arrested and sentenced to die with Hugh and Barnaby. Hugh and Dennis are hanged. Barnaby, through the efforts of Gabriel Varden, is pardoned. Joe and Dolly are married and become proprietors of the rebuilt Maypole. Edward Chester and Emma are married and go to the West Indies. Miggs tries to get her position back at the Varden household, is rejected, and becomes a jailer at a women's prison. Simon Tappertit, his legs crushed in the riots, becomes a shoe-black. Gashford later commits suicide. Lord George Gordon is held in the Tower and is later judged to be innocent of inciting the riots. Sir John Chester, now a member of parliament, turns out to be the father of Hugh and is killed in a duel by Geoffrey Haredale. Haredale escapes to the continent where he ends his days in a monastery. Barnaby and his mother live out their years tending a farm at the Maypole Inn where Barnaby can work effectively due to his physical strength.

Characters[ edit ] The Rudges – Barnaby, a simple man, his loving mother Mary, and his companion Grip, the loquacious raven The Willets – Old John, the keeper of the Maypole Inn, and his kindly son Joe The Vardens – Gabriel, the locksmith, his manipulative wife Martha, and his beautiful daughter Dolly Varden The Chesters – the villainous Sir John, Esquire, M.P.

(Member of Parliament) and his innocent son Edward The Haredales – Mr Geoffrey Haredale, younger brother of the murdered Reuben, and his niece (Reuben's daughter) Emma Hugh – the sinister hostler of the Maypole Inn Lord George Gordon (a fictionalisation of the historical personality), his loyal servant John Grueby, and his obsequious and duplicitous secretary Mr Gashford Simon Tappertit – Gabriel Varden's apprentice, and Miggs, Mrs Varden's shrewish housemaid Ned Dennis – the hangman of Tyburn The mysterious stranger, ultimately revealed to be Barnaby Rudge, Sr, the steward and murderer of Reuben Haredale Stagg – the crafty blind man Solomon Daisy, 'Long' Phil Parkes, and Tom Cobb, Old John's three cronies Mr Langdale – the purple-faced old vintner Allusions and references in other works[ edit ] Grip the raven inspired Edgar Allan Poe to write his most famous poem, " The Raven ." [5] Poe had written a review of Barnaby Rudge for Graham's Magazine saying, among other things, that the raven should have served a more symbolic prophetic purpose.

Adaptations[ edit ] Thomas Higgie adapted it into a three-act play in 1854. Charles Selby and Charles Melville did the same in 1875. [6] The latter was produced at the English Opera House . [7] In 1915 Thomas Bentley directed Barnaby Rudge, "the biggest-budget British film of its day", but it is now lost. [8] The BBC made a 13 episode TV series in 1960 . Barnaby Rudge was re-invented as a stage play, The Locksmith of London, by Eileen Norris. It was staged in 2012 at the Kings Theatre, Southsea by Alchemy Theatre, where the Dickens Fellowship attended a performance during their annual conference. [9] BBC Radio 4 chose it for their Classic Serial in 2014, and cast an actor with Down's Syndrome , Daniel Laurie, in the title role.

[10] Barnaby Rudge Barnaby Rudge Cover of the magazine Master Humphrey’s Clock where the novel was serialized Author Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty Illustrator Serialised : February–November 1841; [1] as a book 1841 Publisher Media type Print ( serial , hardback, and paperback) Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty (commonly known as Barnaby Rudge) is a historical novel by British novelist Charles Dickens . Barnaby Rudge was one of two novels (the other was The Old Curiosity Shop ) that Dickens published in his short-lived (1840–1841) weekly serial Master Humphrey’s Clock . Barnaby Rudge is largely set during the Gordon Riots of 1780. Barnaby Rudge was the fifth of Dickens’ novels to be published. It had originally been planned to appear as his first, but changes of publisher led to many delays, and it first appeared in serial form in the Clock from February to November 1841. It was Dickens’ first historical novel.

His only other is the much later A Tale of Two Cities , also set in revolutionary times. [2] It is one of his less popular novels [3] and has rarely been adapted for film or television. The last production was a 1960 BBC production ; prior to that, silent films were made in 1911 and 1915 . Contents Dolly Varden as painted by William Powell Frith , 1842 Gathered round the fire at the Maypole Inn, in the village of Chigwell , on an evening of foul weather in the year 1775, are John Willet, proprietor of the Maypole, and his three cronies. One of the three, Solomon Daisy, tells an ill-kempt stranger at the inn a well-known local tale of the murder of Reuben Haredale which had occurred 22 years ago that very day. Reuben had been the owner of the Warren, a local estate which is now the residence of Geoffrey, the deceased Reuben’s brother, and Geoffrey’s niece, Reuben’s daughter Emma Haredale. After the murder, Reuben’s gardener and steward went missing and were suspects in the crime.

A body was later found and identified as that of the steward, so the gardener was assumed to be the murderer. Joe Willet, son of the Maypole proprietor, quarrels with his father because John treats 20-year-old Joe as a child. Finally having had enough of this ill treatment, Joe leaves the Maypole and goes for a soldier, stopping to say goodbye to the woman he loves, Dolly Varden, daughter of London locksmith Gabriel Varden. Meanwhile, Edward Chester is in love with Emma Haredale. Both Edward’s father, John Chester, and Emma’s uncle, the Catholic Geoffrey Haredale – these two are sworn enemies – oppose the union after Sir John untruthfully convinces Geoffrey that Edward’s intentions are dishonourable. Sir John intends to marry Edward to a woman with a rich inheritance, to support John’s expensive lifestyle and to pay off his debtors. Edward quarrels with his father and leaves home for the West Indies. Barnaby Rudge, a simpleton, [4] wanders in and out of the story with his pet raven, Grip. Barnaby’s mother begins to receive visits from the ill-kempt stranger, whom she feels compelled to protect.

She later gives up the annuity she had been receiving from Geoffrey Haredale and, without explanation, takes Barnaby and leaves the city hoping to escape the unwanted visitor. The story advances five years to a wintry evening in early 1780. On the 27th anniversary of Reuben Haredale’s murder, Soloman Daisy, winding the bell tower clock, sees a ghost in the churchyard. He reports this hair-raising event to his friends at the Maypole, and John Willet decides that Geoffrey Haredale should hear the story. He departs in a winter storm taking Hugh, hostler of the Maypole, as a guide. On the way back to the Maypole, John and Hugh are met by three men seeking the way to London. Finding that London is still 13 miles off, the men seek refuge for the night. Beds are prepared for them at the Maypole. Lord George Gordon head of the Protestant Association These visitors prove to be Lord George Gordon; his secretary, Gashford; and a servant, John Grueby.

Lord George makes an impassioned speech full of anti-papist sentiment, arguing (among other things) that Catholics in the military would, given a chance, join forces with their co-religionists on the Continent and attack Britain. Next day the three depart for London, inciting anti-Catholic sentiment along the way and recruiting Protestant volunteers, from whom Ned Dennis, hangman of Tyburn, and Simon Tappertit, former apprentice to Gabriel Varden, are chosen as leaders. Hugh, finding a handbill left at the Maypole, joins the Protestant throng which Dickens describes as “sprinkled doubtless here and there with honest zealots, but composed for the most part of the very scum and refuse of London, whose growth was fostered by bad criminal laws, bad prison regulations, and the worst conceivable police.” Barnaby and his mother have been living quietly in a country village, their whereabouts unknown despite Geoffrey Haredale’s attempts to find them. The mysterious stranger finds them and sends Stagg, the blind man, to attempt to get money from them. Barnaby and his mother then flee to London, hoping to again lose their pursuer.

When Barnaby and his mother arrive at Westminster Bridge they see an unruly crowd heading for a meeting on the Surrey side of the river. Barnaby is duped into joining them, despite his mother’s pleas. The rioters then march on Parliament, and burn several Catholic churches and the homes of Catholic families. A detachment led by Hugh and Dennis head for Chigwell, intent on exacting revenge on Geoffrey Haredale, leaving Barnaby to guard The Boot , the tavern they use as their headquarters. The mob loots the Maypole on their way to the Warren, which they burn to the ground. Emma Haredale and Dolly Varden (now Emma’s companion) are taken captive by the rioters. Barnaby is taken prisoner by soldiers and held in Newgate, which the mob plans to storm. The mysterious stranger haunting Mrs. Rudge is captured by Haredale at the smoldering ruins of the Warren. He turns out to be Barnaby Rudge Sr., the steward who had murdered Reuben Haredale and his gardener years earlier. It is revealed that he had switched clothes with the dead gardener to divert suspicion from himself.

The rioters capture Gabriel Varden, with the help of his wife’s maid Miggs, and attempt to have the locksmith help them break into Newgate to release prisoners. He refuses and is rescued by two men, one of whom has only one arm. The rioters then burn Newgate where Barnaby and his father are being held. All of the prisoners escape, but Barnaby, his father, and Hugh are betrayed by Dennis the hangman and captured by soldiers. Dennis has changed sides, believing he will obtain the bounty offered for them as well as numerous clients needing his special talents. With the military patrolling the streets, the rioters scatter and many are killed. The one-armed man turns out to be Joe Willet, who has returned from fighting against the American revolutionaries. Joe and Edward Chester turn out to be the rescuers of Gabriel Varden. The pair then rescue Dolly and Emma. Hugh and Dennis five minutes before execution (Book illustration) Dennis is arrested and sentenced to die with Hugh and Barnaby. Hugh and Dennis are hanged. Barnaby, through the efforts of Gabriel Varden, is pardoned. Joe and Dolly are married and become proprietors of the rebuilt Maypole.

Edward Chester and Emma are married and go to the West Indies. Miggs tries to get her position back at the Varden household, is rejected, and becomes a jailer at a women’s prison. Simon Tappertit, his legs crushed in the riots, becomes a shoe-black. Gashford later commits suicide. Lord George Gordon is held in the Tower and is later judged to be innocent of inciting the riots. Sir John Chester, now a member of parliament, turns out to be the father of Hugh and is killed in a duel by Geoffrey Haredale. Haredale escapes to the continent where he ends his days in a monastery. Barnaby and his mother live out their years tending a farm at the Maypole Inn where Barnaby can work effectively due to his physical strength. Characters The Rudges – Barnaby, a simple man, his loving mother Mary, and his companion Grip, the loquacious raven The Willets – Old John, the keeper of the Maypole Inn, and his kindly son Joe The Vardens – Gabriel, the locksmith, his manipulative wife Martha, and his beautiful daughter Dolly Varden The Chesters – the villainous Sir John, Esquire, M.P.

(Member of Parliament) and his innocent son Edward The Haredales – Mr Geoffrey Haredale, younger brother of the murdered Reuben, and his niece (Reuben’s daughter) Emma Hugh – the sinister hostler of the Maypole Inn Lord George Gordon (a fictionalisation of the historical personality), his loyal servant John Grueby, and his obsequious and duplicitous secretary Mr Gashford Simon Tappertit – Gabriel Varden’s apprentice, and Miggs, Mrs Varden’s shrewish housemaid Ned Dennis – the hangman of Tyburn The mysterious stranger, ultimately revealed to be Barnaby Rudge, Sr, the steward and murderer of Reuben Haredale Stagg – the crafty blind man Solomon Daisy, ‘Long’ Phil Parkes, and Tom Cobb, Old John’s three cronies Mr Langdale – the purple-faced old vintner Allusions and references in other works Grip the raven inspired Edgar Allan Poe to write his most famous poem, “ The Raven .” [5] Poe had written a review of Barnaby Rudge for Graham’s Magazine saying, among other things, that the raven should have served a more symbolic prophetic purpose.

Adaptations Thomas Higgie adapted it into a three-act play in 1854. Charles Selby and Charles Melville did the same in 1875. [6] The latter was produced at the English Opera House . [7] In 1915 Thomas Bentley directed Barnaby Rudge, “the biggest-budget British film of its day”, but it is now lost. [8] The BBC made a 13 episode TV series in 1960 . Barnaby Rudge was re-invented as a stage play, The Locksmith of London, by Eileen Norris. It was staged in 2012 at the Kings Theatre, Southsea by Alchemy Theatre, where the Dickens Fellowship attended a performance during their annual conference. [9] BBC Radio 4 chose it for their Classic Serial in 2014, and cast an actor with Down’s Syndrome , Daniel Laurie, in the title role.

[10] See also Barnaby Rudge : definition of Barnaby Rudge and synonyms of Barnaby Rudge (English) Print ( serial , hardback , and paperback ) Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty (commonly known as Barnaby Rudge) is a historical novel by British novelist Charles Dickens . Barnaby Rudge was one of two novels (the other was The Old Curiosity Shop ) that Dickens published in his short-lived (1840–1841) weekly serial Master Humphrey's Clock . Barnaby Rudge is set during the Gordon Riots of 1780. Barnaby Rudge was the fifth of Dickens' novels to be published. It had originally been planned to appear as his first, but changes of publisher led to many delays, and it first appeared in serial form in the Clock from February to November 1841. It was Dickens' first attempt at a historical novel (his only other being the much later A Tale of Two Cities , also set in revolutionary times).

[2] It is one of his less esteemed novels and has rarely been adapted for film or television (the last attempt was a 1960 BBC production ; prior to that, a silent film was made in 1915 ). Contents Dolly Varden as painted by William Powell Frith , 1842 Gathered round the fire at the Maypole Inn, in the village of Chigwell, on a foul weather evening in the year 1775 were John Willet, proprietor of the Maypole, and his three cronies. One of the three, Soloman Daisy, tells a stranger at the inn a well-known local tale of the murder of Reuben Haredale which had occurred 22 years ago that very day. Reuben had been owner of the Warren, an estate in the area, now the residence of the deceased Reuben's brother, Geoffrey, and his niece, Reuben's daughter Emma Haredale. After the murder, Reuben's gardener and steward were missing and suspects in the crime. The steward's body was later found, identified only by clothes and jewelry. The gardener was never found and was assumed to be the murderer.

Joe Willet, son of the Maypole proprietor, quarrels with his father because John treats 20-year-old Joe as a child. Finally having had enough of this ill treatment, Joe leaves the Maypole and goes for a soldier, stopping to say goodbye to the woman he loves, Dolly Varden, daughter of locksmith Gabriel Varden. Meanwhile, Edward Chester is in love with Emma Haredale. Both Edward's father, John Chester, and Emma's uncle, the Catholic Geoffrey Haredale, sworn enemies, oppose the union. Edward quarrels with his father and leaves home for the West Indies. Barnaby Rudge, a local idiot, wanders in and out of the story with his pet raven, Grip. Barnaby's mother begins to receive visits from a shadowy highwayman whom she feels compelled to protect. She later gives up the annuity she had been receiving from Geoffrey Haredale and, without explanation, takes Barnaby and leaves the City hoping to escape the unwanted visitor. The story advances five years to a wintry evening in early 1780.

On the 27th anniversary of Reuben Haredale's murder, Soloman Daisy, winding the bell tower clock, sees a ghost in the churchyard. He reports this hair-raising event to his friends at the Maypole and John Willet decides that Geoffrey Haredale should hear the story. He departs in a winter storm taking Hugh, hostler of the Maypole, as a guide. On the way back to the Maypole, John and Hugh are met by three men seeking the way to London and, finding it 13 miles off, seek refuge for the night. Beds are prepared for them at the Maypole. Lord George Gordon head of the Protestant Association These visitors prove to be Lord George Gordon; his secretary, Gashford; and a servant, John Grueby. Next day the 3 depart for London, inciting anti-Catholic sentiment along the way and recruiting Protestant volunteers from which Ned Dennis, hangman of Tyburn, and Simon Tappertit, former apprentice to Gabriel Varden, are chosen as leaders.

Hugh, finding a handbill left at the Maypole, joins the Protestant throng Dickens describes as "sprinkled doubtless here and there with honest zealots, but composed for the most part of the very scum and refuse of London, whose growth was fostered by bad criminal laws, bad prison regulations, and the worst conceivable police." Barnaby and his mother have been living quietly in a country village, their whereabouts unknown despite Geoffrey Haredale's attempts to find them. The mysterious stranger finds them and sends Stagg, the blind man, to attempt to get money from them. Barnaby and his mother then flee to London hoping to again lose their pursuer. When Barnaby and his mother arrive at Westminster Bridge they see a crowd of rioters heading for a meeting on the Surrey side of the river. Barnaby is duped by the rioters into joining them, despite his mother's pleas. The rioters then march on Parliament, and burn several Catholic churches and the homes of Catholic families. A detachment led by Hugh and Dennis head for Chigwell, leaving Barnaby to guard The Boot, the tavern they use as their headquarters, intent on exacting revenge on Geoffrey Haredale.

The mob loots the Maypole on their way to the Warren, which they burn to the ground. Emma Haredale and Dolly Varden are taken captive by the rioters. Barnaby is taken prisoner by soldiers and held in Newgate, which the mob plans to burn. The mysterious stranger haunting Mrs. Rudge is captured by Haredale at the smoldering ruins of the Warren where he had gone to join the mob. He turns out to be Barnaby Rudge Sr., murderer of Reuben Haredale and his gardener. He switched clothes with the dead gardener to throw suspicion off himself. The rioters capture Gabriel Varden, with the help of his wife's maid Miggs, and attempt to have the locksmith help them break into Newgate to release prisoners. He refuses and is rescued by two men, one of whom has only one arm. The rioters then burn Newgate where Barnaby and his father are being held. All of the prisoners escape, but Barnaby, his father, and Hugh are betrayed by Dennis the hangman and captured by soldiers. Dennis has changed sides, believing he will have a bounty of clients needing his special talents.

With the military patrolling the streets, the rioters scatter and many are killed. The one-armed man turns out to be Joe Willet, who has returned from fighting in the American Revolution and lost an arm. Joe, along with Edward Chester, turn out to be the rescuers of Gabriel Varden. The pair then rescue Dolly and Emma. Dennis is arrested and sentenced to die with Hugh and Barnaby. Hugh and Dennis are hanged. Barnaby, through the efforts of Gabriel Varden, is pardoned. Joe and Dolly are married and become proprietors of the rebuilt Maypole. Edward Chester and Emma are married and go to the West Indies. Miggs tries to get her position back at the Varden household, is rejected, and becomes a jailer at a women's prison. Simon Tappertit, his legs crushed in the riots, becomes a shoe-black. Gashford later commits suicide. Lord George Gordon is held in the Tower and is later judged innocent of inciting the riots. Sir John Chester, now a Member of Parliament, turns out to be the father of Hugh and is killed in a duel by Geoffrey Haredale. Haredale escapes to the continent.

Barnaby and his mother live out their years tending a farm at the Maypole Inn. Characters The Rudges – Barnaby, a simple man, his loving mother Mary, and his companion Grip the loquacious raven The Willets – Old John, the keeper of the Maypole Inn, and his kindly son Joe The Vardens – Gabriel, the locksmith, his overbearing wife Martha, and his beautiful daughter Dolly The Chesters – the villainous Sir John, Esquire, M.P.

( Member of Parliament ) and his innocent son Edward The Haredales – Mr Geoffrey Haredale, younger brother of the murdered Reuben, and his niece (Reuben's daughter) Emma Hugh – the sinister handyman of the Maypole Inn Lord George Gordon (a fictionalization of the historical personality), his loyal servant John Grueby, and his obsequious and conniving secretary Mr Gashford Simon Tappertit – Gabriel Varden's apprentice, and Miggs, Mrs Varden's shrewish lady's maid Ned Dennis – the hangman of Tyburn The mysterious stranger, ultimately revealed to be Barnaby Rudge Sr, the steward and murderer of Reuben Haredale Stagg – the crafty blind man Solomon Daisy, 'Long' Phil Parkes, and Tom Cobb, Old John's three cronies Mr Langdale – the purple-faced old vintner Allusions/references from other works Grip the raven inspired Edgar Allan Poe to write his most successful poem, " The Raven ." [3] Poe had written a review of Barnaby Rudge for Graham's Magazine saying, among other things, that the raven should have served a more symbolic prophetic purpose.

At the end of the fifth chapter, Grip makes a noise and someone says, "What was that – him tapping at the door?" The response is, "'Tis someone knocking softly at the shutter." [4] See also

Question: The Willets, The Vardens and The Chesters are all families that appear in which Charles Dickens novel?
Answer: BARNABY RUDGE