Charles Dickens (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. 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. 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. 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.