Barnaby Rudge was Dickens's first historical novel, the second and only other being A Tale of Two Cities of 1I859. Originally intended for publication as a single volume, circumstances forced Dickens to produce it serially between February and November of 1841 in Master Humphrey's Clock, the weekly miscellany he had started the previous year. It was not immediately as popular as its predecessors,yet it comprises some magnificent writing and is significant in terms of Dickens's artistic development. A new discipline is felt through-out Barnaby Rudge, and Dickens displays mastery in the integration of fiction and historical fact. He introduces characters from all social strata, successfully relating even his most extreme eccentrics to real historical figures and events in the story. Focusing on individuals who are swept into the collective action of the mob,Dickens exposes its power and its horror.

Dickens's first historical novel is set against the infamous 'No Popery' riots that were instigated by Lord George Gordon in 1780, and terrorised London for days. Prejudice, intolerance, misplaced religious and nationalistic fervour, together with the villains who would exploit these for political ends, are Dickens's targets. His vivid account of the riots at the heart of the novel is interwoven with the mysterious tale of a long unsolved murder, and a romance that combines forbidden love, passion, treachery and heroism.

A typically rich cast of comic characters, from the snivelling Miss Miggs and the posturing Simon Tappertit to the half-witted Barnaby Rudge of the title, ensures high entertainment.

The Maypole

An unsociable stranger

A rough parting

Succouring the wounded

It's a poor heart that never rejoices

Mr Tappertit's jealousy

Edward Chester relates his adventures

Barnaby's dream

The secret society of'Prentice Knights

Miggs in the sanctity of her chamber

The best apartment at the Maypole

Hugh

The Maypole's state couch

The Warren

Mr Haredale interrupts the lovers

Mr Chester takes his ease in his inn

The watch crying the hour

Barnaby greets his mother

Barnaby and Grip

Lighting the noble captain

Reading the love letter

Hugh accosts Dolly Varden

Hugh calls on his patron

Purifying the atmosphere

A painful interview

Old John asleep in his cosy bar

Mr Chester making an impression

Miss Haredale on the bridge

Old John restrains his son

Joe bias Dolly goodbye

Mr Chester's Diplomacy

Solomon frightened by a ghost

OM John's bodyguard

Distinguished guests at the Maypole

Another protestant

A no-Popery dance

Mr Tappertit finds an old friend

Mr Tappertit's harangue

Thelocksmith dressing for parade

Mr Haredale's lonely watch

A chance meeting in Westminster Hall

Mr Haredale defies the mob

The Rudges' peaceful home

Stagg' s demand

Grip ' s performance

Barnaby is enrolled

Lord George brings news of the debate

The rioters' head-quarters

The rioters with their spoils

The secretary's watch

A raid on the bar

Old John at a disadvantage

The murderer arrested

Barnaby taken prisoner

Barnaby in Newgate

The ladies' escort

Dolly in Hugh's arms

The murderer's confession

Father and son

The locksmith undaunted

The hangman's badinage

The rioters at work

To the rescue

The rabble's orgy

Carrying off the prisoners

You are Wenus, you know

A joyful meeting

Lord George Gordon in the Tower

The hangman in difficulties

Intruding upon the privacy of a gentleman

In the condemned cell

Hugh's curse

Dolly embraces Joe

Mr Haredale bestows his niece's hand

Migg' s short-lived joy

Sir John Chester's end