Charles Dickens A to Z draws upon a vast array of letters, bibliography, criticism, correspondence, reviews, and the texts themselves to portray his life and literary career. Over 2,500 extensively cross-referenced entries include:

Detailed synopses of all his major and most minor works and an overview of the critical reception to each Descriptions of all characters, both fictional and factual, and all settings within his work Dickens's family, friends, acquaintances, professional contemporaries, and critics Places important to his life and work Social issues in Victorian England 50 photographs, many of them by Dickens's contemporaries.