2. The life of Charles Dickens
Born Feb. 7, 1812 in Portsmouth, England
The 2nd of 8 children
Father, John Dickens’, job caused the family to move a lot
The family was continually in debt because of John’s gambling problems (ended up in debtor’s prison)

3. Moved to London and left school to save money – then began working in factories at age 12.
Many of his novels describe this same fate happening to orphans

4. Other Jobs
Office boy for an attorney – gave him a close look at the law
Court reporter
Actor
Journalist for 2 newspapers – able to observe London life and people
Storyteller – first short story, “A Dinner At Poplar Walk” in 1833
1836 Dickens wrote “The Pickwick Papers” brought him international fame

5. At 24, married Catherine “Kate” Hogarth
Dickens as popular in America as Britain – visited America in 1842
Other famous novels include:
- Oliver Twist (1838)
- A Christmas Carol (1843)
- David Copperfield (1850)
- A Tale of Two Cities (1859)
- Great Expectations (1860)
- The Mystery of Edwin Drood (died before it was finished)

6. Dickens one of the most popular writers of his day & of all time.
Vividly preserved the horror, energy, and beauty of the Victorian era.
By 1865, demanding work schedules affected his health
1870 – died of a stroke

7. A Christmas Carol
In 1840s Dickens worked on 5 Christmas tales – A Christmas Carol is the most famous (published 1843)
Written in 6 weeks while Dickens was in the middle of writing another book
Most read of all his books – Dickens loved it best
Dickens wrote that as the tale unfolded he “wept and laughed, and wept again”. He was engrossed in writing the book.

8. Dickens paid for the production of the book himself after fighting with publishers who doubted the story
First book lavishly designed with gold-stamped cover and hand-colored etchings
Price was 5 shillings so
everyone could afford it

9. Now has several plays and movie versions from Jim
Now has several plays and movie versions from Jim Carey to Mickey Mouse, Barbie, and the Muppets