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)

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

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

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)

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

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.

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

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