Charles Dickens (1812-1870) Timeline

Birth of Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens living and working in London

Drawn to the theater, a young Charles Dickens nearly becomes a professional actor. Later in life, he will satisfy his passion for performing with hundreds of animated public readings of his own books.

Charles Dickens is working as a journalist for the Liberal Benthamite Morning Chronicle, an experience that greatly affects his political outlook.

The Pickwick Papers

Charles Dickens writes two plays and a pamphlet arguing that the poor should be allowed to enjoy the Sabbath.

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens publishes Nicholas Nickleby in 20 serial installments.

While working on Martin Chuzzlewit, Charles Dickens writes A Christmas Carol on the side in just a few weeks. It is published the same year and becomes one of his most popular and beloved works.

Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

Hard Times by Charles Dickens

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens begins performing paid readings of his works, especially A Christmas Carol. An enthusiastic and skilled performer, he will give some 470 such readings over the next decade.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens brings reading tour to America

Death of Charles Dickens in Kent, England