Carolyn and I have long admired the genius of Charles Dickens— English novelist, journalist, and social critic— whose unforgettable characters and masterful storytelling have made him a towering figure of Victorian literature and one of history’s most celebrated authors. Known for works such as A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations, Dickens shed light on the struggles of the poor, the injustices of industrial society, and the resilience of the human spirit. Beyond his literary contributions, Dickens was a social reformer who campaigned for better conditions for the poor and working class, making him not only a master storyteller but also a compassionate advocate for change.

Charles John Huffam Dickens was born in 1812 in Portsmouth, England. He was the second of eight children. His father worked as a clerk in the Naval Pay Office, a respectable but modestly paid position that required frequent relocations. Known for his cheerful personality and love of entertaining stories, Dickens’ father also struggled with financial mismanagement, a recurring issue that deeply affected the family. Dickens’ mother, a homemaker, aspired to open a school but failed.

As a child, Dickens was observant, imaginative, and precocious, showing an early love for reading and storytelling. He was particularly drawn to books such as The Arabian Nights and Robinson Crusoe, which fueled his vivid imagination. In 1815, the Dickens family moved to London, then to Chatham in 1817, where young Charles experienced a few happy years of reading and exploration. These early years laid the foundation for his creative vision, although the family’s financial struggles and frequent relocations foreshadowed the hardships that would later shape his writing.

In 1818, Dickens’ family moved from Chatham to London, beginning a period of financial instability. By 1822, his father had accrued significant debts, and in 1824, he was sent to Marshalsea Debtors’ Prison. At 12, Dickens was forced to leave school and work at Warren’s Blacking Factory, where he labeled bottles to help support his family. The harsh conditions and feelings of abandonment during this time left a deep emotional scar, fostering Dickens’ empathy for the poor and his sharp critique of social injustices. This period of hardship deeply influenced his sensitivity to social inequality and the plight of the underprivileged, themes that would become central to his writing.

After his father’s release from debtors’ prison, Dickens briefly returned to school at the Wellington House Academy, though his formal education remained limited. By 1827, he began working as a law clerk, gaining insight into the legal system, which he would later critique in his novels. In 1828, Dickens became a shorthand reporter for the courts, and by 1831, he expanded into parliamentary reporting, honing his observational skills and mastery of language.

In 1833, Dickens published his first short story, A Dinner at Poplar Walk, marking his debut as a writer. By 1836, Dickens gained widespread recognition with the publication of The Pickwick Papers, which became an instant success and established him as a leading literary figure. In the same year, he married Catherine Hogarth, with whom he would eventually have ten children. In 1838, Oliver Twist was published, a groundbreaking novel that combined social commentary with vivid storytelling, solidifying his reputation as a masterful writer and social critic.

In 1839, Dickens published Nicholas Nickleby, followed by The Old Curiosity Shop and Barnaby Rudge in 1841, and these novels showcased his ability to blend social critique with compelling narratives. In 1842, Dickens traveled to the United States and Canada, where he was celebrated as a literary celebrity but became critical of American society, particularly its stance on slavery.

In 1843, Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, one of his most enduring and beloved works, revitalizing interest in holiday traditions and highlighting themes of compassion and generosity. A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and cold-hearted man who transforms into a kind and generous soul after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. I have always loved A Christmas Carol and thought it represents a transformative visionary experience, almost like how a psychedelic can completely revise one’s values for the better in a single night. The vivid, otherworldly encounters with the ghosts and the deep reflection on past, present, and future align with the revelations people often describe after such experiences. It’s incredible how a single, intense night can lead to such radical shifts in perspective and values, just as it did for Scrooge. Dickens truly captured the essence of awakening and redemption timelessly and universally.

Dickens’ spiritual philosophy was deeply rooted in Christian values, emphasizing compassion, charity, and the importance of moral integrity. While not overtly religious, his works reflect a strong belief in the redemptive power of love, forgiveness, and personal transformation, as seen in A Christmas Carol. He criticized religious hypocrisy, favoring a practical, action-oriented spirituality focusing on helping the poor and alleviating suffering. Dickens believed in the innate goodness of humanity and the potential for individuals to overcome their flaws through kindness and moral effort, a philosophy that underpins much of his writing.

In 1846, Dickens co-founded The Daily News, a progressive newspaper championing causes such as education and workers’ rights. In 1848, he published Dombey and Son, exploring the themes of family, commerce, and morality. A year later he released David Copperfield, a semi-autobiographical novel that became one of his most beloved works. In 1851, Dickens faced personal tragedy with the death of his father and his infant daughter, Dora, which deeply affected him.

Despite these challenges, this period marked Dickens’ continued growth as a writer and advocate for social change. He published some of his most acclaimed works, including Bleak House in 1853, Hard Times in 1854, and Little Dorrit in 1857, which offered sharp critiques of social injustice, industrialization, and the legal system. In 1857, Dickens separated from his wife after years of marital strain, a controversial decision that strained his public image. He also began public readings of his works during this period, which proved immensely popular and allowed him to connect directly with audiences, further enhancing his fame.

In 1859, Dickens published A Tale of Two Cities, one of his most famous and widely read novels, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. 0During this period, Dickens also maintained a demanding schedule of public readings, which, though popular, began to take a toll on his health. In 1864, he published Our Mutual Friend, his last completed novel, showcasing his continued brilliance as a storyteller and social critic.

One of the most dramatic anecdotes from Dickens’ life occurred in 1865 when he survived the Staplehurst Rail Crash. While returning from France, the train derailed due to a missing track section, plunging several carriages into the riverbed. Dickens’ carriage was left hanging precariously over the edge, and he heroically assisted other passengers before retrieving the manuscript of Our Mutual Friend from the wreckage. Although he appeared calm during the crisis, the trauma deeply affected him, and he avoided train travel as much as possible thereafter. This event showcased his courage and dedication to his work despite the danger.

Despite his declining health, Dickens continued his grueling schedule of public readings, which remained immensely popular but further strained his strength. During this period, he also began work on The Mystery of Edwin Drood, his final and unfinished novel. In the last year of his life, Dickens continued to work despite his failing health. He gave his final public reading in the spring of 1870, marking the end of a series that cemented his popularity and drained his strength. Dickens focused on completing The Mystery of Edwin Drood, but the novel remained unfinished. A few months after his last public reading, Dickens suffered a stroke at his home in Kent, England, and passed away the following day at the age of 58.

Charles Dickens’ legacy is one of profound literary and social impact. Widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English language, he created timeless works that continue to captivate readers with their vivid characters, compelling plots, and sharp critiques of social inequality. Dickens’ ability to blend entertainment with moral and social commentary helped raise awareness of the struggles of the poor and the injustices of Victorian society. His storytelling innovations, including serialized publication, transformed the literary landscape, while his influence on the modern novel remains unparalleled. Dickens’ works have inspired countless adaptations, cementing his place as a cultural icon whose themes of compassion, justice, and human resilience remain relevant today.

Some of the quotes that Charles Dickens is known for include:

A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.

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

Never close your lips to those whom you have already opened your heart.

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

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

What greater gift than the love of a cat.

Reflect upon your present blessings— of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

by David Jay Brown