The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 2 (of 2)

"The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 2 (of 2)" by Charles Dickens is a novel written in the mid-19th century. This book follows the comedic and adventurous exploits of Mr. Samuel Pickwick and the members of the Pickwick Club as they journey through various encounters and misadventures in Victorian England. The narrative is characterized by its humor, vivid characters, and satirical observations of contemporary society. At the start of the second volume, the narrative introduces Gabriel Grub, a surly sexton who is initially portrayed as humorless and morose. On Christmas Eve, as he reluctantly digs a grave, he encounters a goblin who brings him into a fantastical realm filled with cheerful spirits and reflections on the joy of life. Following this whimsical encounter, the focus shifts to Mr. Pickwick and his friend Sam Weller, who engage in various comedic interactions with two medical students, showcasing the humorous dynamics of their relationships and setting the stage for more of their misadventures. This opening portion captures the essence of Dickens's storytelling with rich characterizations and light-hearted humor that invites readers into the whimsical world of the Pickwick Club. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English novelist, journalist, short story writer and social critic. He created some of literature's best-known fictional characters, and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read today.