Category: Dickens Universe
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Attending the Dickens Universe was nothing short of life-changing for me.
For a community college undergraduate, participating in the Dickens Universe’s welcoming and intellectually vibrant community fostered a deep sense of belonging while the collaborative study of ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’ strengthened a passion for English and literature.
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“Dickens and Soundscape: The Old Curiosity Shop“
Please join the Dickens Project for the rescheduled Dickens Universe talk by John Jordan, Dickens Project Co-Founder and Co-Director. Delve into the sounds of The Old Curiosity Shop on Sunday, December 7, from 1:00-2:30 PM (Pacific time).
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The 45th Dickens Universe
The 45th annual Dickens Universe was held at John R. Lewis College/College 10 at the University of California at Santa Cruz, July 20-26. The book this year was The Old Curiosity Shop. There were 172 people registered; 26 of those attended virtually. The week started out with questions about narrators and protagonists. Teresa Mangum of the…
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The Profound and Lasting Effect of Dickens’s ‘Carol’
For Don Peri, a childhood comic introduced an enduring love for A Christmas Carol, leading to decades of rereading and reflection. The story has inspired holiday traditions, from decorating and gift giving to writing heartfelt letters to his family.
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Arboretum Tour
The “garden was bright with flowers in full bloom, which shed a sweet odour all around, and had a charming and elegant appearance. Everything within the house and without, seemed to be the perfection of neatness and order.”
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The Curiosity Gala
Join us for The Curiosity Gala on July 25, 2025, as we celebrate the 45th Annual Dickens Universe Conference! This enchanting evening invites community members to don their finest Victorian attire and enjoy a night of lively entertainment! This event is open to the public.
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The 2024 Dickens Universe in Review
The 2024 Dickens Universe, held July 21–27 at UC Santa Cruz, brought together about 185 in-person participants and 30 via Zoom for its 44th annual gathering, this year devoted to Great Expectations. The week combined lectures, seminars, and group discussions with Victorian teas, performances, and evening events.
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Dickens Universe 2024: A Spirited Celebration of Great Expectations
This summer, Charles Dickens readers converged on campus for the 43rd annual Dickens Universe, where a shared familiarity with Great Expectations added a sense of kinship and intimacy.
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A “Reunion” of Dickens and Shakespeare
A renewed collaboration between The Dickens Project and Shakespeare Santa Cruz, including a summer offer!
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An Oral History of the Universe
An ongoing project about the creation and continuation of our cornerstone conference. A story of community.
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Meet One of Our First-Time Speakers: Elaine Auyoung
In this profile piece, Dr. Auyoung, associate professor of English at the University of Minnesota, discusses her recent work and relationship to Dickens. She will be giving a lecture at this year’s Universe titled “Learning to Feel Ashamed of Home”.
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“I have been bent and broken, but—I hope—into a better shape.”
After missing last summer’s Dickens Universe, the Project’s Assistant Director, Courtney Mahaney, is overjoyed to return this year–now with a new gait!