CHARLES DICKENS
English author (1812-1870)
Biography:
Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth in 1812. His father played an important role in Charles Dickens' youth since he was imprisoned for three months for debt when young Charles was only 12. The child was briefly employed then in a blacking warehouse. Dickens was so traumatized by all his early humiliations that he did not give his autobiography to publish. Thanks to an inheritance he could study shorthand and enters a solicitor's office as clerk. Later he becomes a news reporter on Morning Herald, where he publishes Sketches by Boz, its success making him write The posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club (1836-1837). Driven by publication in monthly serialization, Dickens has a very creative period and in his novels he denounces his abusing times. In 1837 he publishes Oliver Twist. Disappointed by an slaving America, he publishes in volume form American Notes (1842). His historic novel Barnaby Rudge (1841) was influenced by Carlyle, who he strongly admires. From 1843 to 1845 A Christmas Carrol, The Chimes and The Cricket of the Heard appear, leaving a mark on the anglo-saxon sensitivity. When the events in 1848 take place, Dickens was in Europe, where he publishes Dombey and Son, bringing up the punishment of pride. The theme of children appear again in David Copperfield (1849-1850) and that of falsehood in Bleak House (1852-1853). Exploitating capitalism is denounced in Hard Times (1854). After splitting up with his wife, he writes Great Expectations(1861) (see the film adaptation of 1997) and Our Mutual Friend (1864-1865), his last completed work where, like in Little Dorrit (1857), Dickens' social criticism becomes more radiacl and his comedy more savage.
Charles Dickens is considered to be one of England's most popular writer worldwide. He died on 9 June 1870, and he was buried in the Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey.
Charles Dickens, author of illustrated works:
Les grandes espérances, illustrated by Yves Beaujard, Hachette, 1978.
Un Chant de Noël, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, Casterman, 1988.
David Copperfield, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, Hachette, 1995.
Un chant de Noël, Nord Sud, 1999.
La vie de N.S. Jésus Christ, illustrated by Lemoine, Gallimard, 1977.
Critical analysis on Charles Dickens:
George Cruikshank, Charles Dickens' friend, illustrated plenty of his works.
J. Gattégno, Charles Dickens, Fayard, 1991.
A. Wilson, Le Monde de Charles Dickens, Gallimard, 1972.
Charles Dickens on the Internet:
The Dickens' Fellowship (in English)
Charles Dickens Web Ring (in English)