Charles Dickens Birthday 2017: Quotes And Photos Of World-Renowned English Writer And Social Critic

Prominent English author and social critic Charles Dickens’ 205th birthday was being celebrated Tuesday, marking yet another year of his impactful work in literature and writing. From “A Christmas Carol” in 1843 to “A Tale of Two Cities” in 1859, Dickens dominated the Victorian era with his potent words and rhythmic writing.

In light of his birthday, here are some of Dickens’ most famous quotes – including personal letters and tidbits of his renowned novels – and vintage photographs:

Quotes

"Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he's well dressed." – "Martin Chuzzlewit"

"If there were no bad people there would be no good lawyers." – "The Old Curiosity Shop"

"Bah!" said Scrooge. "Humbug!" – "A Christmas Carol"

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." – "A Tale Of Two Cities"

"Love is not a feeling to pass away, Like the balmy breath of a summer day; It is not — it cannot be — laid aside; It is not a thing to forget or hide." – "Lucy's Song in The Village Coquettes"

"If any one were to ask me what in my opinion was the dullest and most stupid spot on the face of the Earth, I should decidedly say Chelmsford." – "Letter to Thomas Beard (11 January 1835), in Madeline House, et al., The Letters of Charles Dickens"

"To conceal anything from those to whom I am attached, is not in my nature. I can never close my lips where I have opened my heart." – Master Humphrey's Clock, Vol. 1