Bleak House is Charles Dickens's novel of London fog, a generations-long lawsuit, and a web of secrets. Esther Summerson narrates part of the story, while Lady Dedlock's hidden past and Inspector Bucket's pursuit drive the mystery. It is worth listening for its vast social panorama, satire of the courts, and memorable voices.
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Cover of the original edition (Project Gutenberg, public domain).
Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
BLEAK HOUSE by Charles Dickens CONTENTS Preface I. In Chancery II. In Fashion III. A Progress IV. Telescopic Philanthropy V. A Morning Adventure VI. Quite at Home VII. The Ghost’s Walk VIII. Covering a Multitude of Sins IX. Signs and Tokens
X. The Law-Writer XI. Our Dear Brother XII. On the Watch XIII. Esther’s Narrative XIV. Deportment XV. Bell Yard XVI. Tom-all-Alone’s XVII. Esther’s Narrative XVIII. Lady Dedlock XIX. Moving On XX. A New Lodger XXI. The Smallweed Family XXII. Mr. Bucket XXIII. Esther’s Narrative XXIV. An Appeal Case XXV. Mrs. Snagsby Sees It All XXVI. Sharpshooters XXVII. More Old Soldiers Than One XXVIII. The Ironmaster XXIX. The Young Man XXX. Esther’s Narrative XXXI. Nurse and Patient XXXII. The Appointed Time XXXIII. Interlopers XXXIV. A Turn of the Screw XXXV. Esther’s Narrative XXXVI. Chesney Wold
XXXVII. Jarndyce and Jarndyce XXXVIII. A Struggle XXXIX. Attorney and Client XL. National and Domestic XLI. In Mr. Tulkinghorn’s Room XLII. In Mr. Tulkinghorn’s Chambers XLIII. Esther’s Narrative XLIV. The Letter and the Answer XLV. In Trust XLVI. Stop Him! XLVII. Jo’s Will XLVIII. Closing In XLIX. Dutiful Friendship L. Esther’s Narrative LI. Enlightened LII. Obstinacy LIII. The Track LIV. Springing a Mine LV. Flight LVI. Pursuit LVII. Esther’s Narrative LVIII. A Wintry Day and Night LIX. Esther’s Narrative LX. Perspective LXI. A Discovery LXII. Another Discovery
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