Written by his descendant and an internationally recognized Dickens expert, this definitive interactive illustrated guide to the man and his works includes 15 memorabilia facsimiles from his personal archive Produced in association with the Charles Dickens Museum, London, this biography follows Dickens from early childhood, including his time spent as a child laborer, and looks at how he became the greatest celebrity of his age and still remains one of the world's most renowned literary figures, even in the 21st century. It is an intimate look at what he was like as a husband, father, friend, and employer; at his longing to be an actor, his travels across North America, his year spent living in Italy, and his great love of France. It introduces his fascinating family and astonishing circle of friends, and reveals when and how life and real-life personalities were imitated in his art. With beautiful photographs and artworks, and many never-before-seen documents, this book brings to life an extraordinary and complex man whose name remains internationally revered and whose work continues to inspire.