Little Dorrit (ePub)

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) remains one of the most recognized and influential writers of the 19th century. Born in Portsmouth, England, Dickens's early life was marked by a period of financial hardship that would later inform much of his writing, particularly his concern for the social conditions of his time. 'Little Dorrit,' published in serial form between 1855 and 1857, showcases his acute sensitivity to social inequality and his mastery of satire. This novel, like many of Dickens's works, critiques the class system and the failings of institutions, set against the backdrop of the debtors' prisons that haunted his own childhood when his father was incarcerated in the Marshalsea Prison. Dickens's literary style is characterized by its narrative genius, vivid characters, and its blend of humor, pathos, and sharp social commentary. His other notable works include 'Oliver Twist,' 'A Christmas Carol,' 'David Copperfield,' 'Bleak House,' 'Great Expectations,' and 'A Tale of Two Cities,' each contributing to his reputation as a crusader for the downtrodden and a storyteller par excellence. Dickens's legacy extends beyond literature; he is recognized for his contributions to the development of the serial novel and for his reflections on the social issues of Victorian England, influencing both his contemporaries and future generations of writers.