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
William Cavendish (English politician, born 1783) He had been visiting his father's seat and was returning from a shooting excursion with his brother Charles and his college tutor named Rev. Mr. Smith. The reigns broke and William attempted to recover them when he was thrown and instantly killed. Charles was not injured but Smith suffered a broken rib. His father was subsequently created Earl of Burlington in 1831, a title which passed to William's son William, who also succeeded as Duke of Devonshire. William Cavendish (English politician, born 1783) Hon. William Cavendish MP (10 January 1783 – 14 January 1812) was an English nobleman and Whig