Charles Dickens is highly regarded for his contribution to classic English literature. His epic stories, brilliant characters, and illustrations of contemporary life are unforgettable and have made him one of history's most eminent authors. Charles was born on February 7, 1812 in Portsmouth, England, to John and Elizabeth Dickens. He was the second of eight children. Dickens was determined to succeed from his childhood. With little formal education, he taught himself, worked diligently on everything he did, and rose to fame as a writer in his mid-20s. His writings described his concern for social justice and reform. His father, John Dickens, was a naval employee who wanted to enrich his family. Charles Dickens' mother, Elizabeth Barrow, aspired to become a teacher and headmistress. Despite his parents' best efforts, the family remained poor. In 1816 the family moved to Chatham, Kent. In 1822, the Dickens family moved to Camden Town, a poor area of ​​London. By then, the family's financial situation had become dire, as John Dickens had a dangerous habit of living beyond the family's means. In 1824 John was imprisoned for bad debts; Charles was only 12 years old. At that time his studies had to be interrupted because he had to work. A few years later, his father inherited the money which he used to pay off his debt. To his relief, Dickens was allowed to return to school. But when Dickens was 15, his studies had to be interrupted again. In 1827, he had to abandon his studies and work as an office boy to contribute to his family's income. Within a year of working, Dickens began working as a freelance journalist at the London court. A few years later, he was reporting for two major London newspapers...in the middle of the newspaper...revolutionary. Works Cited Dickens, Charles. A tale of two cities. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1942. “A Tale of Two Cities: PLOT STRUCTURE / LITERARY ANALYSIS by Charles Dickens.” » A Tale of Two Cities: PLOT STRUCTURE / LITERARY ANALYSIS by Charles Dickens. November 11, 2013. "A Tale of Two Cities: SHORT SUMMARY / SYNOPSIS / THEMES / MOOD by Charles Dickens." A Tale of Two Cities: SHORT SUMMARY / SYNOPSIS / THEMES / MOOD by Charles Dickens. November 11, 2013. “A Tale of Two Cities Summary.” » Shmoop. November 11, 2013. Cody, D.. Np. Internet. November 11 2013. .