Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812. When his father was imprisoned for debt in 1824, twelve-year-old Dickens was forced to leave school and work in a boot-blacking factory—an experience that deeply shaped his views on poverty and social injustice.

He went on to become one of the most celebrated novelists of the Victorian era, writing 15 major novels including Oliver Twist, Bleak House, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, and the beloved A Christmas Carol. He also edited the journals Household Words and All the Year Round and later toured Britain and America giving public readings of his work.

Dickens died on June 9, 1870, at age 57. Though he wished for a quiet burial, he was laid to rest in Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey, mourned by thousands.

This is a slightly abridged bio taken from the Charles Dickens Page website.