Charles Dickens is much loved for his contribution to classical English literature. His epic stories, his brilliant characters, and his illustrations of contemporary life are unforgettable and have made him one of the most important authors in history. Charles was born on February 7, 1812 in Portsmouth, England to John and Elizabeth Dickens. He was the second of eight children. Dickens was driven to achieve success from his childhood. With little formal education, he taught himself, worked furiously at everything he undertook, and achieved fame as a writer when he was in his mid-twenties. His writings described his concern for social justice and reform. His father, John Dickens, was a naval clerk who wanted to gain wealth for his family. Charles Dickens' mother, Elizabeth Barrow, aspired to be 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 neighborhood in 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 point his studies had to be interrupted because he had to work. A few years later his father inherited some money which he used to pay off his debt. To his relief, Dickens was allowed to return to school. But when Dickens turned 15, his education had to be interrupted again. In 1827 he had to drop out of school and work as a delivery boy to contribute to his family's income. Within a year of work, Dickens began working as a freelance reporter at the London courts. Just a few years later, he was writing for two major London news programs… half the paper… revolutionary. Works CitedDickens, 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: BRIEF SUMMARY / SYNOPSIS / THEMES / HUMOR by Charles Dickens." A Tale of Two Cities: BRIEF SUMMARY / SYNOPSIS / THEMES / HUMOR by Charles Dickens. November 11, 2013. “A Tale of Two Cities Summary.” Shmoop. November 11, 2013 .Cody, D.. Np. Network. November 11 2013. .