Charles Dickens was a prominent English writer and social critic born on 7, February 1812, in Hampshire. He spent time outdoors but read widely too.

Dickens had a great memory of people and events, a trait that was perfect for his writing. Most of his work borrowed heavily from his own life experiences and the people he encountered.

At age 12, he had to take a break from school to work at a boot-blacking factory after his father was imprisoned in a debtors' prison. He was deeply affected by his mother not stopping him from going to that factory.

He later said that he never forgave her and this formed an impression about women in his mind. He went back to school three years later. Afterwards, Dickens began his journalism career.

He started the serial publication of The Pickwick Papers in 1836. This was the beginning of his literary success. His writing style was weaved with humor, satire, and cliffhanger endings that kept his readers in suspense, yearning for more.

Apart from editing a weekly journal for 20 years, Dickens wrote 15 novels, 5 novellas, hundreds of short stories and nonfiction articles. He also performed readings and wrote letters extensively.

His novels were usually published weekly or monthly. This installment mode of publication helped him shape and reshape his storylines and characters based on the feedback he received.

His most famous work is his 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol. It has been the source of inspiration for adaptations in every artistic genre. Other often adapted famous works are Oliver Twist and Great Expectations.

Charles Dickens was the most popular novelist of his era and is the most extensively read English author. From the very start, his work was compared to that of Shakespeare. His fame only grew with the years.

Here are the most remarkable quotes of this literary giant.