← Back to people hub
Charles Dickens in 1839

Charles Dickens - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline

BornFebruary 07, 1812
DiedJune 09, 1870 (age 58)
BirthplacePortsmouth, Hampshire, England
Zodiac SignAquarius - (see also Charles Dickens's horoscope and birth chart)
Chinese ZodiacMonkey
Known ForVictorian novelist; author of classics such as 'Great Expectations', 'A Christmas Carol', and 'David Copperfield'.

Intro

Charles Dickens was a renowned English writer and social critic, widely considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. He is best known for his vivid characters, compelling storytelling, and keen observations of social injustice, with works such as 'Oliver Twist', 'David Copperfield', and 'A Christmas Carol' achieving enduring popularity and influence.

Early Life & Background

Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. He was the second of eight children. His father, John Dickens, was a naval clerk who struggled financially, leading to the family's frequent relocations and, at one point, imprisonment for debt. These experiences influenced Dickens' later works, many of which address themes of social inequality and poverty.

Career Highlights

  • Published his first novel, 'The Pickwick Papers', in 1836, achieving immediate success.
  • Wrote many enduring novels, including 'Oliver Twist' (1837–1839), 'David Copperfield' (1849–1850), 'A Christmas Carol' (1843), 'Bleak House' (1852–1853), and 'Great Expectations' (1860–1861).
  • Gained widespread fame for his compelling social commentary and memorable characters.
  • His works are noted for their critical perspective on poverty, education, and the legal system in Victorian England.
  • Remains one of the most influential writers in the English language, with adaptations of his work still prominent in popular culture.

Trivia

  • Began working at a blacking factory at age 12 after his father was sent to debtor's prison.
  • His episodic style of publishing novels made him a celebrity in his own lifetime.
  • Performed dramatic readings of his works to large audiences in both Britain and the United States.
  • Used the pen name 'Boz' for some of his early writings.

FAQs

People also ask

When was Charles Dickens born?

Charles Dickens was born the 7 February 1812.

Where is Charles Dickens from?

Portsmouth, Hampshire, England.

On His Birth-Day

About February 7th, 1812, in brief:

  • Day of the week: February 7th, 1812 was a Friday
  • Zodiac Sign: Aquarius (in western zodiac), Monkey (in Chinese zodiac)
  • Moon Phase:

Discover more

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Dickens
  2. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Dickens
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0225416/bio