Charles Dickens had a passion for hypnosis. The author of classics like Oliver Twist attended a number of lectures on the practice of mesmerism. Which might explain why you zoned out from pages 6 – 279 of Bleak House.
Dickens also gave himself a number of unusual nicknames, including ‘The Sparkler of Albion,’ ‘The Inimitable,’ ‘Revolver’ and ‘Resurrectionist.’
The Great Expectations author loved his pet raven, Grip, so much that when it died, he had it stuffed and mounted in his study.
Dickens suffered from obsessive-compulsive behavior, combed his hair 20 times a day and, when staying in hotels, would immediately rearrange all the furniture.