Charles Dickens and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term "Dickensian" is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters. Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on 7 February 1812, at 1 Mile End Terrace (now 393 Commercial Road), Landport in Portsea Island (Portsmouth), the second of eight children of Elizabeth Dickens (née Barrow; 1789–1863) and John Dickens (1785–1851). His father was a clerk in the
Fortifications of Portsmouth new defensive line being constructed between the two moats. A ravelin was added at Landport where the London road entered the city. On the shoreline a new battery was built at the end of Portsmouth point facing Gosport. Another battery,this one with 18 guns, was built that connected to the round tower with a further battery constructed between the square tower and the saluting platform. Beyond this battery, but connected to it by an underground tunnel, Spur redoubt was constructed. While the towns defences were being strengthened some thought appears to have been given to their aesthetic appearance. In 1665