Charles John Huffam Dickens
- Born:
- February 7, 1812, Landport, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
- Died:
- June 9, 1870, Gad's Hill Place, Higham, Kent, England
- Nationality:
- British (English)
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Journalist, Editor, Social Critic, Public Performer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a large family facing financial difficulties.
- Family moved to London in 1822.
- Forced to work in a blacking factory at age 12 when his father was imprisoned for debt.
- Attended Wellington House Academy for a short period.
- Self-educated, reading extensively.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a parliamentary reporter and journalist.
- Gained popularity with his sketches published under the pseudonym "Boz".
- Serial publication of novels contributed significantly to his fame and income.
- Established himself as a leading literary figure in Victorian England.
- Engaged in numerous public readings of his works, both in Britain and America.
- Founded and edited magazines such as Household Words and All the Year Round.
Notable Works
- The Pickwick Papers (1836)
- Oliver Twist (1838)
- Nicholas Nickleby (1839)
- A Christmas Carol (1843)
- Dombey and Son (1848)
- David Copperfield (1850) - Many seek to understand the parallels between his own life and the narrative presented within David Copperfield. A David Copperfield Dickens biography book online can provide deeper insight into these connections.
- Bleak House (1853)
- Little Dorrit (1855)
- A Tale of Two Cities (1859)
- Great Expectations (1861)
- Our Mutual Friend (1865)
- The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Unfinished, 1870)
Legacy and Impact
Charles Dickens is considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era, and his works continue to be widely read and adapted for film, television, and stage. He is celebrated for his vivid characters, social commentary, and compelling storytelling. His novels shed light on poverty, social injustice, and the human condition, influencing social reform movements and inspiring readers worldwide.