Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is generally regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian age. His work, which includes such enduring classics as “David Copperfield”, “Oliver Twist” and “Great Expectations”, was immensely popular with contemporary audiences and has continued to fascinate readers for generations. So enduring is his popularity that his novels have never gone out of print. “A Christmas Carol “- which Dickens refers to as his “ghostly little book” – was an immediate success when published on 17 December 1843 and is often credited with inventing the modern form of Christmas. At the time of its writing, old Christmas traditions were in decline and, Dickens’ festive tale, with its portrayal of a celebration achievable by all regardless of class or wealth did much to revive the popularity of the festive holiday.