Charles Dickens

A portrait of author Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens, born in 1812, is one of the most celebrated and influential writers of the Victorian era. Best known for A Christmas Carol, his vivid characters, intricate plots, and sharp social commentary, Dickens brought to life the struggles of the poor and working class in 19th-century England. His own experiences with poverty, particularly during his childhood, deeply influenced his writing, which often highlighted the harsh realities of industrialisation, class disparity, and injustice. 

Dickens' ability to create memorable, larger-than-life characters, from the tragic to the comedic, and his skill at weaving complex, yet accessible narratives made him a beloved figure in literature. His novels continue to resonate with readers around the world, offering both entertainment and a timeless critique of societal issues.

Step into the heart of Victorian London with our Charles Dickens wax melt bars and gift box, inspired by the warmth and spirit of his timeless tales. Crafted from natural rapeseed and coconut wax, our wax melts capture the charm of Christmases past with a deep, festive red and shimmering gold details.

The Perfect book gift for lovers of classic literature, Charles Dickens is a beautiful reminder of the heartwarming joy found in the simplest moments.

The Charles Dickens collection

We take the time to craft our exclusive custom products with carefully designed moulds for our lit lovers. We use a rapeseed and coconut wax blend to enhance our sustainability and scent throw and all of our wax products are made with only the highest quality, cruelty-free fragrance oils and mica powders that are obtained from pure natural minerals and ores to give a beautiful shimmer. You can read more about our ingredients on our wax melt products.

Explore more Charles Dickens wax melt collections

Charles Dickens - Great Expectations

Great Expectations

Great Expectations, written by Charles Dickens and first published in 1861, is a compelling coming-of-age novel that follows the life of Pip, an orphan raised...

Explore Great Expectations

Charles Dickens Facts and FAQs

Who was Charles Dickens?

Charles Dickens was a 19th-century English novelist and social critic, renowned for his vivid characters, gripping plots, and advocacy for the poor. Born in 1812, Dickens rose from a difficult childhood to become one of the most influential writers in the English language. His works like 'Oliver Twist', 'A Christmas Carol', and 'Great Expectations' shed light on social inequality and the struggles of Victorian England with unforgettable storytelling.

When was Charles Dickens born?

Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. His early life was shaped by financial hardship — his father was imprisoned for debt, forcing young Charles to leave school and work in a factory. These experiences profoundly influenced his later writing, particularly his concern with poverty and child labor.

Where did Charles Dickens live?

Dickens lived in various places across England, including Portsmouth, London, and Kent. He spent much of his adult life in London, which became the vibrant backdrop for many of his novels. Later in life, he purchased Gad’s Hill Place in Kent — a home he had admired as a child — where he wrote some of his final works and entertained guests until his death.

How did Charles Dickens die?

Charles Dickens died on June 9, 1870, at the age of 58 after suffering a stroke. He passed away at his country home, Gad’s Hill Place, in Kent. Although he requested a modest burial, he was interred in the Poets’ Corner of Westminster Abbey, among Britain’s most celebrated writers — a testament to the impact of his literary legacy.

What is Charles Dickens famous for?

Dickens is celebrated for his novels that combined storytelling with social justice. His works exposed the grim realities of industrial-era England, especially the plight of the poor, the working class, and orphans. He created some of literature’s most iconic characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, and Miss Havisham — characters that reflect both the suffering and resilience of humanity.

Is Charles Dickens’s work in the public domain?

Yes. All of Charles Dickens’s works are in the public domain, as he died in 1870. This means his novels and characters can be freely quoted, shared, and adapted — from stage plays and films to themed gifts and educational material.

What are some famous quotes by Charles Dickens?

Dickens’s writing is filled with memorable and morally rich lines. Some of his most famous include:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” – A Tale of Two Cities
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else.”
“I wear the chain I forged in life.” – A Christmas Carol
His quotes continue to resonate for their empathy, insight, and enduring truth.

Do you sell Charles Dickens-themed gifts?

Yes! Our Dickens-inspired collection includes wax melts and bookmarks featuring quotes from beloved stories like 'A Christmas Carol' and 'Oliver Twist'. Designed with literary fans in mind, they make thoughtful gifts for readers who appreciate the rich world of Victorian fiction and social conscience that Dickens brought to life.

Where is Charles Dickens buried?

Charles Dickens is buried in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner in London — alongside other literary greats such as Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare. Though he had requested a quiet funeral, the nation honored him with a public burial, acknowledging his immense cultural contribution.

What inspired Charles Dickens’s writing?

Dickens’s writing was deeply shaped by his own experiences with hardship and injustice. His time working in a boot-blacking factory as a child, along with witnessing the struggles of the working poor in London, fueled his desire to expose social inequality. His novels blend gripping narrative with pointed commentary on education, poverty, child labor, and the flaws of the legal system.

Other Literary Gifts