Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, the son of John and Elizabeth Dickens. John had a major problem with finance, and in 1824 found himself imprisoned for debt. His wife and children, with the exception of Charles, joined John in the Marshalsea Prison. While the family was living at the Marshalea Prison, Charles was put to work at Warren's Blacking Factory. His restriction at the Blacking Factory haunted him all of his life. The dark secret …showed first 75 words of 325 total…

…showed last 75 words of 325 total…of distortion in Bleak House (1852-1853). Exploitation capitalism is exposed in Hard Times (1854). After separating with his wife, he wrote Great Expectations (1861) and his last completed work, Our Mutual Friend (1864-1865), Charles Dickens was considered one of England's most popular writers worldwide. During 1869, his readings continued, in England, Scotland, and Ireland, until at last he collapsed, showing symptoms of mild stroke. He died on June 9,1870, and was buried in the Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey.