Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was an English writer and social critic. He is considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era and created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters. Here’s a detailed biography of his life:

Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. He was the second of eight children in a lower-middle-class family. His father, John Dickens, worked as a clerk in the Navy Pay Office, and his mother, Elizabeth Dickens, was a housewife. When Charles was 12 years old, his family moved to Camden Town in London after facing financial difficulties.

At the age of 12, Dickens worked in a factory pasting labels on pots of boot blacking while his father was imprisoned in a debtors’ prison. These early experiences of poverty and hardship deeply influenced his writing. Later, he worked as a law clerk, a shorthand reporter, and a political journalist, which provided him with valuable insights into society and the human condition.

Dickens’ literary career took off with the publication of “The Pickwick Papers” in 1836, which was published in serial form. He went on to write many more novels, novellas, and short stories, often published serially. Some of his most famous works include:

– “Oliver Twist” (1837-1839)

– “David Copperfield” (1849-1850)

– “Bleak House” (1852-1853)

– “Great Expectations” (1860-1861)

– “A Tale of Two Cities” (1859)

– “A Christmas Carol” (1843)

Through his writings, Dickens became a powerful voice for social reform. He addressed issues such as poverty, child labor, and social injustice in his novels, shedding light on the struggles of the poor and marginalized in Victorian society. He also involved himself in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting charities and organizations aimed at helping the less fortunate.

Dickens married Catherine Hogarth in 1836, and they had ten children together. However, their marriage faced difficulties, and they eventually separated in 1858. Dickens had a complex personal life, marked by numerous friendships and professional collaborations.

Dickens’ health began to decline in the later years of his life. He suffered a stroke in 1869 and died on June 9, 1870, at the age of 58. He was buried at Westminster Abbey.

Dickens’ legacy is profound. His works remain popular, and his characters are iconic in literature. His novels have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage plays. Dickens’ ability to portray the human condition with empathy and his enduring themes of social justice and compassion continue to resonate with readers around the world.