In American Notes, Charles Dickens sets out on an eye-opening journey across the Atlantic in the early 19th century, capturing his impressions of a rapidly growing United States. Published in 1842, the book recounts his travels through the U.S. and Canada, blending lively storytelling with sharp social observations—something Dickens was especially known for.

The narrative begins with Dickens sailing from Liverpool to Boston. At first, he’s met with great excitement and curiosity from the American public, who eagerly welcome the famous author. But as he travels farther, his early enthusiasm turns into a more critical look at what he sees around him. He describes a country full of contrasts: breathtaking natural beauty alongside crowded, restless cities; lofty ideals of freedom and equality existing beside the harsh realities of slavery and social injustice.

Along the way, Dickens meets a wide range of people and experiences that reveal both the strengths and the flaws of American life. He writes powerfully about the horrors of slavery, the failures of the prison system, and the deep social divides that shape the nation. His words carry both disappointment and hope, serving as a call for fairness, empathy, and change.

Dickens Bio, Interview, Quotations, Catherine Dickens, Ellen Ternan, Dickens & Women, Secrets, In America, Death, Last Will, Chronology

Narrated by Emmy nominated actor Geoffrey Giuliano.