Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress. Illustrated (ePub)

Charles Dickens (1812-1870), an English writer and social critic, remains one of the most acclaimed novelists of the Victorian era, well-known for his perceptive and entertaining portrayals of the social and economic struggles of his time. Born in Portsmouth, England, Dickens rose from a humble and financially troubled childhood to become a prominent author with readership extending well beyond the British Isles. His work is characterized by its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and biting social commentary. 'Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress,' one of Dickens's early novels, showcases his talent for exploring the harsh realities of poverty and the dark underbelly of 19th-century London. Following the life of an orphan boy navigating the challenges of a workhouse and the dangers of the city's criminal underworld, Dickens not only drew readers in with his vivid characterizations and plot but also illuminated the injustices of child labor and the inadequacies of society's care for the poor. With its publication in serialized form in 1837-1839, 'Oliver Twist' brought Dickens considerable fame and continued to affirm his literary skill and his commitment to social reform. His profound humanistic approach endeared him to audiences, making him not just a literary giant but a champion of the downtrodden, whose legacy persists in the canon of English literature.