Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens was born to John and Elizabeth Dickens in Landport, a part of Portsmouth, England. His father worked as a clerk in the Navy Pay Office, a position that would later influence Dickens's writing.

At the age of 12, Charles Dickens's father was imprisoned for debt in the Marshalsea Prison, and the young Charles was sent to work at a blacking factory, an experience that profoundly affected him.

Dickens begins work as a law clerk in the office of Ellis and Blackmore, attorneys in London. This experience provided him with insights into the legal system that would later appear in his writings.

Dickens starts working as a reporter for the Mirror of Parliament, where he covers debates in the House of Commons. This role hones his skills in observation and writing, crucial for his future career.

Dickens's first published work, a short story titled 'A Dinner at Poplar Walk,' appears in the Monthly Magazine. This marks the beginning of his literary career and the start of his rise to fame.

Charles Dickens marries Catherine Hogarth, the daughter of a friend and fellow journalist. The couple will go on to have ten children together, though their relationship will become strained over time.

'The Pickwick Papers,' Dickens's first novel, is published in monthly installments. It becomes an instant success, establishing Dickens as a leading literary figure in Victorian England.

Dickens publishes 'A Christmas Carol,' a novella that becomes an instant classic and a beloved holiday tale. The story's themes of redemption and social conscience resonate deeply with readers.

Dickens launches 'Household Words,' a weekly magazine that he edits and contributes to. The magazine focuses on social issues and reaches a wide audience, further cementing his influence.

Dickens narrowly escapes a devastating train crash at Staplehurst, Kent. He helps rescue survivors and is deeply affected by the trauma, which impacts his health and writing.

Charles Dickens dies at his home, Gads Hill Place, in Kent, England. He is buried in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey, a testament to his immense contribution to literature.