Born on 7 February 1812, in Portsmouth, Charles Dickens was one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. He created some of the most intriguing fictional characters in literature. The author's success began with the 1836 publication of the Pickwick Papers, following which he became an international celebrity. Known for his humour, satire and incisive representation of society through his characters, his literary triumphs include A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, and Great Expectations. A literary colossus of his time, he wrote 15 novels, 5 novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles. He even performed for Queen Victoria in 1851. Such was the charisma of the author that the term Dickensian, is still used to describe situations reminiscent of his narratives. Literary stalwarts like Leo Tolstoy, George Orwell and G.K. Chesterton admired him for his comedy, prose style and realism. The quintessential Victorian author died in 1870, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Set in 19th-century England, The Pickwick Papers is the story o Mr. Samuel Pickwick who forms a travel club with his three friends Kind-hearted and affluent, Mr. Pickwick is known for his philanthropy but his benevolent acts often land him in trouble. Being a philosophe he wishes to delve into the mysteries of life. Motivated by this desire Mr. Pickwick, along with his friends, embarks on a peculiar journe to the remote areas of the English countryside. During the quest, th club members brave adverse situations. Courage, friendship and loyalty are some of the tenets that Dicken novel upholds. First serialised in monthly instalments, The Pickwick Papers, was fir published as a novel by Chapman & Hall in 1837.
