Charles Dickens' Milestones
Birth
Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England, to John and Elizabeth Dickens.
Family moved to London
Moved with his family to London, where his father struggled financially.
Father imprisoned for debt
Father was sent to debtors' prison, forcing Charles to work at a blacking factory.
Returned to school
Returned to school after his family was released from debtors' prison.
Began work as a law clerk
Worked as a law clerk and later as a court reporter, gaining insight into the legal system.
First published story
Published his first story, 'A Dinner at Poplar Walk,' in Monthly Magazine.
'Boz' sketches published
Published 'Sketches by Boz,' a collection of observational essays and stories.
'Pickwick Papers' published
Published 'The Pickwick Papers,' achieving widespread fame.
Married Catherine Hogarth
Married Catherine Hogarth, with whom he had ten children.
'Oliver Twist' published
Published 'Oliver Twist,' one of his most famous novels.
'Nicholas Nickleby' published
Published 'Nicholas Nickleby,' further establishing his reputation.
Visited United States
Visited the United States, giving lectures and observing American society.
'A Christmas Carol' published
Published 'A Christmas Carol,' which became an enduring holiday classic.
Founded 'Household Words'
Founded and edited the magazine 'Household Words,' publishing fiction and social commentary.
Separated from Catherine Hogarth
Separated from his wife Catherine after 22 years of marriage.
'Great Expectations' published
Published 'Great Expectations,' one of his most acclaimed novels.
Final public readings
Gave a series of farewell public readings across England and Scotland.
Death
Charles Dickens died at Gad's Hill Place, Kent, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.