Humour, satire, keen observation of character and society.

The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

His late contemporary William Wordsworth, by then Poet laureate, thought him a "very talkative, vulgar young person", adding he had not read a line of his work; Dickens in return thought Wordsworth "a dreadful Old Ass".

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is considered to be one of the greatest English novelists of the Victorian period. Dickens`s works are characterized by attacks on social evils, injustice, and hypocrisy. Charles Dickens was born in Landport, Hampshire on February 7, 1812. His father was a clerk in the navy pay office, who was well paid but often ended up in financial troubles. In 1814 Dickens moved to London, and then to Chatham, where he received some education. He worked in a blacking factory, Hungerford Market, London, while his family was in Marshalea debtor`s prison in 1824). 

In 1824-27 Dickens studied at Wellington House Academy, London, and at Mr. Dawson`s school in 1827. From 1827 to 1828 he was a law office clerk, and then a shorthand reporter at Doctor`s Commons.

Some of his best novels are The Pickwick Paper, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and A Christmas Carol.