"Mr. Charles Dickens and the Jews": Tracing the Origin and Context of Two Statements

Abstract:This paper clarifies the origin and context of two frequently quoted statements concerning Dickens's attitude to Jews. They comprise the assertion that "Jews alone are excluded from the sympathising heart of Dickens," and the apparent response that his attitude to them was not "inimica." The first statement has been traced to an editorial in the 7 April 1854 issue of the short-lived London newspaper the Hebrew Observer. The second occurs in a previously uncollected letter from Dickens, reprinted on 12 April 1854 in the Hebrew Observer and the Jewish Chronicle. The statements appeared at a time when the Jewish community, pursuing emancipation, sought to present itself positively. The editorial comprises a disappointed account of Dickens's perceived past negativity towards Jews followed by a presumed (on the slimmest of evidence) change of heart. The letter replies to an invitation to attend a Jewish cultural event, Dickens's acceptance of which would have provided a welcome indication of support. Dickens's response was to deny that he was inimical towards Jews, and to decline the invitation.