Claire Tomalin's book on Charles Dickens

[John Hughes]

Dear Tom,

Knowing your love for and great interest in all things Dickensian, I wonder if you have come across the recently released tome by Claire Tomalin, "Charles Dickens: A Life"?

I'm considering putting in on my list to Father Christmas this year thus would be interested to know if indeed you have read it, and - if so - your opinion of the work. I understand Waterstones* have a "special edition", which includes letters by Dickens.

And, I if may be bold enough to ask a "supplementary", are there any other recently released books, of any genre, that you would recommend be found under the best Christmas trees this year?

As ever, my thanks for your indulgence.
All good wishes,
John

* Other bookshops and retailers are available!

[Tom Baker]

Dear John,

I have not read Claire Tomalin's latest though I recall enjoying her book about Ellen Ternan and Dickens. But I do recommend The Violent Effigy, by John Carey and Michael Slater's Dickens' Women. I also intend to see Simon Callow do A Christmas Carol at The Arts Theatre London. I can also heartily recommend The Holy Bible. I forget who wrote it but it's still in print: an absolute hoot, honestly. Some of it might seem a bit far fetched but I was gripped. Some very funny bits too. It starts with a man and a women in a garden and naturally ends with Revelations but I'd recommend it to almost anyone. I don't know why the BBC have not done it, perfect Sunday night viewing in my opinion.

Happy Christmas from Tom