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Sketches of Young Gentlemen
Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870), also known as "Boz", was the foremost English novelist of the Victorian era, as well as a vigorous social campaigner. Considered one of the English language's greatest writers, he was acclaimed for his rich storytelling and memorable characters, and achieved massive worldwide popularity in his lifetime. The popularity of his novels and short stories has meant that not one has ever gone out of print. Dickens wrote serialised novels, the usual format for fiction at the time, and each new part of his stories was eagerly anticipated by the reading public. Among his best-known works are Sketches by Boz (1836), The Pickwick Papers (1837), Oliver Twist (1838), Nicholas Nickleby (1839), Barnaby Rudge (1841), A Christmas Carol (1843), Martin Chuzzlewit (1844), David Copperfield (1850), Bleak House (1853), Little Dorrit (1857), A Tale of Two Cities (1859), Great Expectations (1861) and Our Mutual Friend (1865).
52 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1838
About the author
Charles Dickens
13.9k books29.3k followersCharles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.
Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.
Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.
On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.
(from Wikipedia)
Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.
Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.
On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 26, 2017
Another relatively early and short work by Charles Dickens – in which he outlines in a humorous and vaguely satirical way the various ‘types’ of young gentlemen in society. It is quite entertaining in its way and interesting as an early Dickens piece – but unfortunately little more.
December 31, 2022
As with all short stories I read by Mr. Dickens, this one also left me wondering: what did I just read? A collection of funny characters are described here, and it really transports you to a different time and age. Entertaining, a bit silly, but I expected nothing less.
August 21, 2022
3.5⭐
Sketches of Young Gentlemen (1838) was a joking response to Rev. Edward Caswell, or “QUIZ’s” recent effort Sketches of Young Ladies (1838), which is referenced throughout Dickens's rejoinder especially in the dedication. These sketches showcase Dicken's insightful comic portraits of characters albeit during the very staunchly imbued prim and proper etiquette of the Victorian era.
CONTENTS:
DEDICATION ✔
THE BASHFUL YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE OUT-AND-OUT YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.25⭐
THE VERY FRIENDLY YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3⭐
THE MILITARY YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.25⭐
THE POLITICAL YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3⭐
THE DOMESTIC YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.5⭐
THE CENSORIOUS YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE FUNNY YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE THEATRICAL YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.25⭐
THE POETICAL YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE THROWING-OFF YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE YOUNG LADIES' YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.5⭐
CONCLUSION 3.25⭐
Sketches of Young Gentlemen (1838) was a joking response to Rev. Edward Caswell, or “QUIZ’s” recent effort Sketches of Young Ladies (1838), which is referenced throughout Dickens's rejoinder especially in the dedication. These sketches showcase Dicken's insightful comic portraits of characters albeit during the very staunchly imbued prim and proper etiquette of the Victorian era.
CONTENTS:
DEDICATION ✔
THE BASHFUL YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE OUT-AND-OUT YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.25⭐
THE VERY FRIENDLY YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3⭐
THE MILITARY YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.25⭐
THE POLITICAL YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3⭐
THE DOMESTIC YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.5⭐
THE CENSORIOUS YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE FUNNY YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE THEATRICAL YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.25⭐
THE POETICAL YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE THROWING-OFF YOUNG GENTLEMAN 4⭐
THE YOUNG LADIES' YOUNG GENTLEMAN 3.5⭐
CONCLUSION 3.25⭐
August 24, 2021
You can always trust Dickens to come up with sound characters. Here are a bunch of character types that people in his days would recognise. There is something familiar too for teh 21st century readers. Are they stereotypes? A little perhaps. But that is possibly partly the point. Whilst each description makes you chuckle, Dickens writes with some fondness for these young men. The final chapter has a gently story arc in it.
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December 5, 2019Written when Dickens was in his mid 20's. One critic describes this period as full of "Humorous, sentimental, grotesque improvisations.
This is the time when Sketches by Boz and The Pickwick Papers, were popular, when elements of his mature style would just begin to foment.
I have found that what a person likes in Dickens tells you more about the person, than Dickens.
For me, I don't like Dickens when he tries to be funny. He is callow as a comic.
He is at his funniest when he is morally outraged and is spitting forth merciless invective, but that come with his latter work.
This is the time when Sketches by Boz and The Pickwick Papers, were popular, when elements of his mature style would just begin to foment.
I have found that what a person likes in Dickens tells you more about the person, than Dickens.
For me, I don't like Dickens when he tries to be funny. He is callow as a comic.
He is at his funniest when he is morally outraged and is spitting forth merciless invective, but that come with his latter work.
August 8, 2022
Entertaining listening 🎶🔰
Another will written British 🏰 relationship family adventure thriller short story by Charles Dickens about gentlemen 🚹 and how they act. This novella shows that men have not changed in the last century plus. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick different kind of read. Enjoy the adventure of reading all kinds of different types of novels 👍🔰 and books 📚. 2022
Another will written British 🏰 relationship family adventure thriller short story by Charles Dickens about gentlemen 🚹 and how they act. This novella shows that men have not changed in the last century plus. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick different kind of read. Enjoy the adventure of reading all kinds of different types of novels 👍🔰 and books 📚. 2022
March 3, 2019
Young Gentlemen and Young Couples in the version I read it. It's essentially collected articles by Dickens rather than an intentional book and although it's towards the beginning of Dickens' ride to fame and fortune, I would guess for most readers it's a stop very much closer to the end of the trip through his career. It's ok as long as you aren't expecting anything too much.
April 22, 2024
Written in response to "Sketches of Young Ladies" by Quiz, Dickens presents a satirical look at the different types of eligible young gentlemen. Entirely readable but dated for today's reader. None of this applies to today's world and is completely a product of its time. I didn't find it funny but as said readable.
March 13, 2021
This was a lot of fun—Dickens gives a little glimpse of his future brilliance, although I liked the Sketches of Young Ladies even better, and it was written by someone else. :)
April 19, 2023
Entertaining at times and I'm curious to see if the sketches will be visible in his later work.
February 7, 2012
Nonsuch Classics have been releasing a number of lesser known works from famous authors – its catalogue includes such names as Elizabeth Gaskell, John Galsworthy, Anthony Trollope, and a number of volumes from Charles Dickens: Sketches of Young Gentlemen and The Uncommerical Traveller being two.
This volume, Sketches of Young Gentlemen, is a collection of writings:
Sketches of Young Gentlemen
Sketches of Young Couples
Sunday under Three Heads
Bentley’s Miscellany “Extraordinary Gazette”
The Mudfrog Papers
The Pantomime of Life
Some Particulars Concerning a Lion
Mr Robert Bolton
Familiar Epistle from a Parent to a Child
The Lamplighter
To be Read at Dusk
Joseph Grimaldi
John Overs
These pieces have been released and collected in numerous forms over the years: The Mudfrog Papers was published as a book in 1880, containing the titular piece, as well as the four pieces that follow it in this collection. The other pieces are from various points in Dickens’s early career, and contain short stories, political commentary and introductions to others works, notably Joseph Grimaldi and John Overs.
The first two pieces herein are light whimsy: they remind me of those “Little Books of” that you get in book stores, and whose value is slight – they provide some cheap knowing laughs and a selection of cod philosophy. From Dickens they are very workmanlike, though they do contain a few choice moments of humour. I suspect Dickens used them as a mean to experiment with and learn his craft in. It was an evidently popular series, hence the sequel.
Sunday under Three Heads is an attack on a current piece of legislation – the plan to forbid any activity on the Sabbath. Sir Andrew Agnew’s proposed bill comes under stern attack by Dickens (writing as Timothy Sparks), and he destroys the bill so thoroughly, that I am sure parliament cannot have considered it seriously afterward. The portrait Dickens gives of a Sunday in London without activity is enough to terrify, and he is right to show how it is a law that affects the poor, not the rich. Dickens’s already noted activism is in evidence here.
The Mudfrog Papers – published in Bentley’s Miscellany, and for which we have an introduction in this volume – ran with Oliver Twist in that literary magazine (giving rise to the belief that these stories are a continuation of Oliver Twist: They are not.) Dickens’s relationship with Richard Bentley was fractious calling him a “Burlington Street Brigand”, and his association with that magazine soon ended. The Mudfrog Papers contain a short story “Public Life of Mr. Tulrumble–Once Mayor of Mudfog” which is comic and well done, with an air of inevitable disaster about it – and then the less successful fake minutes of The Mudfog Association for The Advancement of Everything which is at times humorous, times weak, and at times groan worthy.
The other short pieces that make up this collection from The Mudfrog Papers are nothing more than thoughts Dickens has written down, and there seems to be no intellectual depth or attempt at real humour here.
The two stories, The Lamplighter and To Be Read at Dusk, reveal Dickens’s increasing interest in the supernatural. They are both ghost stories, of a sort, and revel in macabre horror. They are, however, both rather undercooked and undramatic in structure – Dickens still relies upon the techniques used in Pickwick: introduce a set of characters and have them tell us another story. This distancing removes any dramatic tension from the tale. Their unsophistication is seen from a modern vantage point, however, and I suppose they may have been more successful in early nineteenth century England.
The final two pieces, as I have previously mentioned, are nothing more than introductions to others work: though Dickens did edit Joseph Grimaldi’s memoirs entirely. As it is, they are barely worth commenting upon.
Nonsuch’s presentation of these works is exemplary. Presented in small volumes, with clear type but devoid of notation (except for a brief and rather basic introduction), they should nevertheless be congratulated for taking the effort to bring these lesser known works into the public sphere.
This volume, Sketches of Young Gentlemen, is a collection of writings:
Sketches of Young Gentlemen
Sketches of Young Couples
Sunday under Three Heads
Bentley’s Miscellany “Extraordinary Gazette”
The Mudfrog Papers
The Pantomime of Life
Some Particulars Concerning a Lion
Mr Robert Bolton
Familiar Epistle from a Parent to a Child
The Lamplighter
To be Read at Dusk
Joseph Grimaldi
John Overs
These pieces have been released and collected in numerous forms over the years: The Mudfrog Papers was published as a book in 1880, containing the titular piece, as well as the four pieces that follow it in this collection. The other pieces are from various points in Dickens’s early career, and contain short stories, political commentary and introductions to others works, notably Joseph Grimaldi and John Overs.
The first two pieces herein are light whimsy: they remind me of those “Little Books of” that you get in book stores, and whose value is slight – they provide some cheap knowing laughs and a selection of cod philosophy. From Dickens they are very workmanlike, though they do contain a few choice moments of humour. I suspect Dickens used them as a mean to experiment with and learn his craft in. It was an evidently popular series, hence the sequel.
Sunday under Three Heads is an attack on a current piece of legislation – the plan to forbid any activity on the Sabbath. Sir Andrew Agnew’s proposed bill comes under stern attack by Dickens (writing as Timothy Sparks), and he destroys the bill so thoroughly, that I am sure parliament cannot have considered it seriously afterward. The portrait Dickens gives of a Sunday in London without activity is enough to terrify, and he is right to show how it is a law that affects the poor, not the rich. Dickens’s already noted activism is in evidence here.
The Mudfrog Papers – published in Bentley’s Miscellany, and for which we have an introduction in this volume – ran with Oliver Twist in that literary magazine (giving rise to the belief that these stories are a continuation of Oliver Twist: They are not.) Dickens’s relationship with Richard Bentley was fractious calling him a “Burlington Street Brigand”, and his association with that magazine soon ended. The Mudfrog Papers contain a short story “Public Life of Mr. Tulrumble–Once Mayor of Mudfog” which is comic and well done, with an air of inevitable disaster about it – and then the less successful fake minutes of The Mudfog Association for The Advancement of Everything which is at times humorous, times weak, and at times groan worthy.
The other short pieces that make up this collection from The Mudfrog Papers are nothing more than thoughts Dickens has written down, and there seems to be no intellectual depth or attempt at real humour here.
The two stories, The Lamplighter and To Be Read at Dusk, reveal Dickens’s increasing interest in the supernatural. They are both ghost stories, of a sort, and revel in macabre horror. They are, however, both rather undercooked and undramatic in structure – Dickens still relies upon the techniques used in Pickwick: introduce a set of characters and have them tell us another story. This distancing removes any dramatic tension from the tale. Their unsophistication is seen from a modern vantage point, however, and I suppose they may have been more successful in early nineteenth century England.
The final two pieces, as I have previously mentioned, are nothing more than introductions to others work: though Dickens did edit Joseph Grimaldi’s memoirs entirely. As it is, they are barely worth commenting upon.
Nonsuch’s presentation of these works is exemplary. Presented in small volumes, with clear type but devoid of notation (except for a brief and rather basic introduction), they should nevertheless be congratulated for taking the effort to bring these lesser known works into the public sphere.
September 16, 2012
This book offers a synopsis of the major types of young gentlemen in 19th century society. It features Dickens' excellent sense of humor, along with sarcasm in some cases. It is an excellent little short read, and really does summarize the types of gentlemen I have encountered in 19th century fiction.
May 21, 2015
Dickens creates a Buzzfeed sort of list on types of men in Britain in the 19th century in his tongue-in-cheek fashion. One really needs to have a decent background though about UK history to enjoy all the sarcasms and witty euphemisms.
April 27, 2013
The most amusing dating profile of Victorian young men and how to avoid them
March 3, 2017
Little vignettes of various people and places, like painting pictures with words.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews