About the Author

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was the outstanding English novelist of the Victorian era as well as a vigorous social campaigner. Dickens's novels were renowned for their vivid and complex characters, their social commentary, and their portrayal of the struggles of ordinary people in Victorian England. He was a passionate advocate for social reform, and used his writing to draw attention to issues such as poverty, education, and child labour. His most famous works include Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, Bleak House, Hard Times, Dombey and Son and The Pickwick Papers.

John Leech (1817-1864) was a British illustrator and caricaturist. He was best known for his work for Punch, a humorous magazine combining political satire and light social comedy. He is also recognised for his illustrations in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.