In autumn 1857, Charles Dickens embarked on a sightseeing trip to Cumberland with his friend, the rising star of literature Wilkie Collins. Writing together, they reported their adventures for Dickens" periodical Household Words, producing a showcase of both long-cherished and entirely novel sides of these well-loved men of letters. Through their fictional counterparts, the men relentlessly satirize Dickens" maniacal energy and Collins" idleness. The result is an exuberant diary of a journey and a rare insight into one of literature"s most famed and intriguing friendships.