Charles Dickens (1812-1870). According to London Times, ‘the greatest instructor of the Nineteenth Century’ and otherwise, an English novelist and social critic, he created some of the best-known fictional characters. His early childhood was marked by frequent moves and disruptions due to his family’s financial struggles. Despite his limited formal education, Dickens was an avid reader and continued to educate himself throughout his life. His writings often dealt with social issues including poverty, class, capitalism, and he was a vocal critic of the Victorian establishment. He was also an accomplished public speaker and gave many public readings of his works which helped to further cement his reputation as a writer. By the time of his death in 1870, he had become one of the most famous and celebrated writers of his time.