200 Years of Charles Dickens!

February 7, 2012 marks the 200th birth anniversary of Charles Dickens, an author dear to our heart at abcreads.  There are a number of ways for you to celebrate Dickens this year!  Here are a few suggestions:

• Masterpiece Classic: PBS is featuring new versions of Great Expectations & The Mystery of Edwin  Drood, both coming in April.  Can't wait until then?  The library has many Dickensian films to offer, from Oliver! to Bleak House.
• If one new version of Great Expectations weren't enough, check out the Mike Newell film, also due out this year, starring the likes of Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, & Sally Hawkins.
• The gifted biographer, Claire Tomalin, has put out Charles Dickens: A Life, this year.  For kids, there's A Boy Called Dickens, which got a starred review from Booklist.
• Unless you're heading to London next week, you'll probably miss the three course Mansion House Dinner at the Charles Dickens Museum (with Dickensian entertainment provided by Sir Patrick Stewart), but check out the museum's website for a video & more!
• The Dickens 2012 website is an international celebration of his life & work.  It also links to "What Would Dickens Write Today?", as envisioned by 8 contemporary UK writers, including A.S. Byatt & Denise Mina.
• The Morgan Library & Museum has an online exhibition called Charles Dickens at 200-catch it before it ends on February 12th!
• The Dickens Project is hosting The Dickens Universe in late July & early August.  I'm not sure what it's about, but don't forget your copy of Bleak House!
• Virtually visit Dickens' grave at Westminster Abbey.
• Read George Orwell's essay about Dickens! The late Christopher Hitchens' final essay was about Dickens.
• Dickensworld features a fascinating list of sadly UK-only events, including the Little Dodgers Dressing Up Club.
• & by all means, read his books!