<b>Charles Dickens<b> (1812�1870) was an English novelist and social critic who is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era. Born in Portsmouth, England, Dickens experienced a difficult childhood marked by poverty and hardship. He began his writing career as a journalist and soon turned to fiction, publishing his first novel, The Pickwick Papers, in 1836. <br><br> Over the course of his career, Dickens wrote numerous works that have become classics of English literature, including David Copperfield, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities and, of course, Oliver Twist. His writing was known for its vivid characters, sharp social commentary and compelling storytelling. <br><br> In addition to his literary work, Dickens was also a social activist who advocated for better working conditions for the poor and spoke out against social inequality. He was a philanthropist who worked to establish a home for fallen women and children, and he gave numerous public readings of his work to raise money for charitable causes. <br><br> Dickens�s work continues to be celebrated and studied today, and his influence on English literature and culture is immeasurable. He remains a beloved and enduring figure in the literary world, and his work continues to captivate readers around the world.
