Charles Dickens: A Literary Giant and Social Critic

Early Life and Career

Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. His father's financial difficulties forced him to work in a factory at a young age, an experience that would later inform his social commentary.

Literary Success and Recognition

In 1836, Dickens published his first novel, The Pickwick Papers. The book was an instant success and launched his literary career. Over the following decades, he wrote a prolific number of novels, novellas, and short stories, including Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations.