Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was an English writer and social critic, who is regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian Era. He was one of the few artists who’s work was popular during his lifetime, and by the 20th century he was considered a literary genius.
Born in Portsmouth, he went to work in a factory after his dad was incarcerated in debtors’ prison. Despite having little education, over the course of his life time he, edited a weekly journal, wrote 15 novels, hundreds of short stories, and campaigned for children’s rights. His literary success began in 1836 with the serial publication of The Pickwick Papers. The serial format launched him to a international celebrity, and allowed him to adjust his characters and plot based on audience reactions.
A master of satire, Dickens’s writing style combines intricate plots weaving in social issues of the day. His style is described as a mixture of fantasy and realism, the product of his works being social commentary. His works are a criticism of Victorian society with its strict social hierarchy and poverty. He is considered the most popular novelist of his time, and is on
Great Expectations, 1860 / Little Dorrit, 1855 / Bleak House, 1852
