"Phiz" (Hablot Knight Browne), a Memoir.

A vivid portrait of the man behind some of the most beloved Victorian pictures, this memoir invites listeners into the world of Hablot Knight Browne—better known by his pen name “Phiz.” It traces his rise from a modest draftsman signing “Nemo” to the celebrated illustrator whose lines defined characters like Pickwick, Dombey and Uriah Heep. Through lively anecdotes and contemporary tributes, the narrative shows how his art illuminated the stories of Dickens, Lever and Ainsworth, turning printed words into unforgettable scenes.

Beyond biography, the memoir offers a selection of Phiz’s own letters and notes, revealing his witty spirit and the collaborative chemistry he shared with the authors he served. Illustrated excerpts from his most famous plates give listeners a sense of his technique and humor, while his sons’ recollections add a personal touch. Together, these elements paint a picture of an artist whose work remains as vivid today as the pages it first graced.