<P> Charles John Huffam Dickens (/ ˈdɪkɪnz /; 7 February 1812--9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic . He created some of the world's best - known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era . His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the 20th century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius . His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity . </P> <P> Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison . Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed readings extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms . </P> <P> Dickens's literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers . Within a few years he had become an international literary celebrity, famous for his humour, satire, and keen observation of character and society . His novels, most published in monthly or weekly instalments, pioneered the serial publication of narrative fiction, which became the dominant Victorian mode for novel publication . Cliffhanger endings in his serial publications kept readers in suspense . The instalment format allowed Dickens to evaluate his audience's reaction, and he often modified his plot and character development based on such feedback . For example, when his wife's chiropodist expressed distress at the way Miss Mowcher in David Copperfield seemed to reflect her disabilities, Dickens improved the character with positive features . His plots were carefully constructed, and he often wove elements from topical events into his narratives . Masses of the illiterate poor chipped in ha'pennies to have each new monthly episode read to them, opening up and inspiring a new class of readers . </P> <P> Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age . His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre . Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London . His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best - known work of historical fiction . Dickens has been praised by fellow writers--from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G.K. Chesterton--for his realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism . On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism . The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters . </P>

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