Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was an English novelist and journalist whose stories brought Victorian Britain to life through memorable characters, comedy and concern for people facing poverty. His books include Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol. Born in Portsmouth, he worked in a boot-polish factory as a boy after his father was imprisoned for debt. Those experiences shaped his writing and his advocacy for poor and working families. Dickens also performed public readings of his work. He died in 1870 and is buried in Westminster Abbey. Portrait: J. Gurney & Son, 1867, Library of Congress.