Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English writer, author of the novels A Tale of Two Cities, Hard Times, Bleak House, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, among others. He was the most popular and humane of the English novelists. A master of suspense, satirical humor, and horror, he portrayed London of his time. He was received by Queen Victoria as a great representative of English literature.