Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens, the literary legend, creator of some of the worlds most memorable fictional characters and renounced for his contribution to classic English literature, was born in Portsmouth, England on 7th February 1812, the son of John and Elizabeth Dickens. Good fortune from his parents, Dickens was sent to a private school, until the accumulation of bad debt his father acquired, Dickens was then sent to work at Warrens blacking factory, a time when he endured great loneliness and despair due to appalling working conditions. Dickens’ two novels “Great Expectations” and “David Copperfield” were inspired by his time working in this factory.
Dickens began his literary career as a journalist, writing journals such as “The mirror of Parliament” for his father who was a reporter. He went on to marry in April 1836, to Catherine Hogarth, in the same month he published the highly successful “Pickwick papers” and from that month there was no turning back for Dickens.
His list of literary material is endless, amongst a huge list of novels; he also wrote an autobiography, travel books as well as administrating charitable events. He was a great theatre enthusiast and wrote many plays. Dickens was an extremely energetic and motivated man and this was demonstrated in his work.
Dickens went on to have 10 children. His inspirational life ended in 1870 when he died of a stroke.
He was buried in Westminster Abbey, but his influence and legacy lives on to this day.
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