2020 marks 150 years since the death of Charles Dickens, widely regarded as the greatest author of the Victorian era. Appreciated for his vast contribution to English literature, Dickens is particularly well known for his powerful and evocative descriptions of Victorian London.

Many of Dickens’ novels carry social commentary, exploring themes of poverty and social tension and often taking real people and circumstances, including Dickens’ own, as their inspiration. Unlike other authors of the Victorian era, Dickens’ work appealed to the lower and upper classes, allowing him to enjoy a universal popularity that was rare for authors of the time.

This stamp issue commemorates the life of Charles Dickens with a celebration of some of his best-loved works. Eight stamps portray key scenes and characters from eight of his novels.