Charles Dickens

Author:
Charles Dickens

Date of birth: 07-Feb-1812
Place of birth: Portsmouth, England

About the author:
Charles Dickens was one of the most renowned authors of the 19th century and a master of Victorian literature. Born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, Dickens grew up in a modest household. His early life was marked by financial instability, which deeply influenced his later works. At the age of 12, Dickens was forced to leave school and work in a shoe-blacking factory after his father was imprisoned for debt—a traumatic experience that shaped his lifelong concern for social reform and the plight of the poor.

Dickens began his writing career as a journalist, gaining recognition with his serialized works, starting with The Pickwick Papers (1836-1837). His vivid characters, compelling plots, and keen social commentary captivated readers and made him a household name. Among his most famous novels are Oliver Twist (1837-1839), David Copperfield (1849-1850), A Christmas Carol (1843), Bleak House (1852-1853), and Great Expectations (1860-1861).

Throughout his life, Dickens was an outspoken advocate for social justice, using his writing to highlight issues like child labour, class inequality, and the flaws in the legal and educational systems of Victorian England.

In addition to his literary achievements, Dickens was also a public speaker and performed readings of his works, which further solidified his popularity. Despite his fame, Dickens faced personal challenges, including a troubled marriage and declining health in his later years.

He died on June 9, 1870, at the age of 58, leaving his final novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, unfinished. Dickens’s legacy endures, and his works continue to be celebrated for their enduring appeal and powerful critique of society.