Charles Dickens

Date of Birth: February 7, 1812

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: June 9, 1870

Biography

Charles Dickens, born Charles John Huffam Dickens, was an English writer and social critic. He was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. Dickens created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters and is known for his keen observations of social class and poverty. His works include classics such as “Oliver Twist,” “A Christmas Carol,” “David Copperfield,” “Bleak House,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” and “Great Expectations.” Dickens began his literary career as a journalist before publishing his first novel, “The Pickwick Papers,” in 1836. His popularity soared with the serialization of his novels, which were eagerly awaited by readers in both England and the United States. Dickens’s writing style combined humor, satire, and social commentary, and he often used his novels to highlight the plight of the poor and to criticize societal injustices. Dickens’s personal life was as eventful as his literary career. He married Catherine Hogarth in 1836, and they had ten children together. However, their marriage was troubled, and they separated in 1858. Despite personal challenges, Dickens continued to produce literary masterpieces until his death on June 9, 1870. He was buried in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner, an honor befitting his monumental contributions to literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Dickens

1. Charles Dickens was forced to leave school at a young age to work in a factory after his father was imprisoned for debt.

2. He had a passion for theater and even considered becoming a professional actor before fully committing to writing.

3. Dickens was a tireless social reformer, advocating for the rights of the poor and for better working conditions in factories.

4. He toured the United States twice, where he was greeted with great enthusiasm and given the status of a literary celebrity.

5. Dickens was known for his elaborate public readings of his works, which were extremely popular and showcased his dramatic flair.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Dickens

1. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”

2. “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”

3. “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.”

4. “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”

5. “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles Dickens’s highest net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $8 million in today’s currency, considering his earnings from book sales, public readings, and other ventures.

Children

Charles Dickens had ten children with his wife, Catherine Hogarth: 1. Charles Culliford Boz Dickens (1837–1896) 2. Mary Angela Dickens (1838–1896) 3. Kate Macready Dickens (1839–1929) 4. Walter Landor Dickens (1841–1863) 5. Francis Jeffrey Dickens (1844–1886) 6. Alfred D’Orsay Tennyson Dickens (1845–1912) 7. Sydney Smith Haldimand Dickens (1847–1872) 8. Henry Fielding Dickens (1849–1933) 9. Dora Annie Dickens (1850–1851) 10. Edward Bulwer Lytton Dickens (1852–1902)