Charles Dickens
Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed readings extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.
History of modern literature
In 1870 Charles Dickens died aged 58. Before his death he was working on "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" (published unfinished). John McCrae was born. Hilaire Belloc was born (27 July).