- The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
The most prolific writer of the Victorian era and one of the most celebrated English authors of all time, Charles Dickens wrote his first full-scale novel, ‘’The Pickwick Papers’’ (1836-1837) at the tender age of twenty five. A novel which primarily encompasses the aspects of caricature, satire, comedy and burlesque, ‘’The Pickwick Papers’’ is fondly remembered for its satire on how cricket appeared to be an unskilled sport in the age in which it was written. The iconic match between Muggleton and Dingdey Dell continues to work its magic on the admirers of English literature. Amusingly, we have one instance in the text where Mr.Samuel Pickwick, the main protagonist states that he is keen to watch a game ‘’in which the impotent effects of unskilful people do not endanger human life’’ after TracyTupman suffers an arm injury owing to an accident. It points out the potential hazards faced by early 19th century batsmen on underprepared pitches. The match between Muggleton and Dingdey Dell doesn’t turn out to be a fascinating contest (and doesn’t go down to the wire) and at times seems rather dull.Mr. Jingle, a strolling actor and an engaging charlatan brings to the fore his bizarre anecdotes as he provides a running commentary on the game. In the end, Dingdey Dell is left with no other option but to submit to the ‘’superior prowess’’ of Muggleton. In 2012, Royal Mail released a set of stamps to celebrate Dickens’ 200th Birth Anniversary. A couple of those stamps depicted the famous match between Muggleton and Dingdey Dell.
