On November 14, 1868 Charles Dickens organized a special reading to a select audience to get their opinion on whether or not Sikes and Nancy, the telling of the horrific murder of Nancy by Bill Sikes in Oliver Twist, should be added to his repertoire of public readings of his works. William Charles Kent (1823-1902), editor, journalist, and Dickens' friend, was among those chosen to witness this test reading. Here he gives an account of the event. Most in the audience, Kent among them, felt the reading was sensational and should be added. A few worried about possible hysteria in the audience and the reading's effect on Dickens' already frail health. Dickens read the account with such passion that his pulse soared during its performance. Dickens added Sikes and Nancy to his farewell reading tour of Britain.

This volume of Dickens' public readings includes "A Christmas Carol," "The Chimes," "The Story of Little Dombey," "The Poor Traveller," "Boots at the Holly-Tree Inn," "Mrs. Gamp," "Bardell and Pickwick," "David Copperfield," "Nicholas Nickleby at the Yorkshire School," "Mr. Bob Sawyer's Party," "Doctor Marigold," and "Sikes and Nancy."

It's 1977 and Jack Sheffield is appointed headmaster of a small village primary school in North Yorkshire. So begins Jack's eventful journey through the school year and his attempts to overcome the many problems that face him as a young and inexperienced headmaster. The many colourful chapters include Ruby the 20 stone caretaker with an acute spelling problem, a secretary who worships Margaret Thatcher, a villager who grows giant carrots, a barmaid/parent who requests sex lessons, and a five-year-old boy whose language is colourful in the extreme. And then there's also beautiful, bright Beth Henderson, who is irresistibly attractive to the young headmaster... Warm, funny and nostalgic, Teacher, Teacher is a delightful read that is guaranteed to make you feel better, whatever kind of day you've had.