Charles Dickens was one of the most influential and popular novelists of the Victorian era. Born in Portsmouth, England, in 1812, he drew upon his own difficult childhood and his experiences as a journalist to create stories filled with unforgettable characters, social criticism, humor, sentiment, and compassion for those living at the margins of society. His major works include Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Bleak House, Great Expectations, and A Tale of Two Cities.First published in 1843, A Christmas Carol became an immediate success and helped reshape the cultural celebration of Christmas. Through the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, Dickens created a powerful and enduring argument for generosity, fellowship, mercy, and personal redemption.