Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is considered one of the English language’s greatest writers. Peter Ackroyd’s biography Dickens was published in 1990 to enormous critical acclaim. His other titles include London: A Biography, Poe: A Life Cut Short, Shakespeare: The Biography, and Thames: The Biography. Paul Slater is an artist and illustrator whose awards include The Association of Illustrators Artist of the Year Award and the WH Smith Editorial Art Award.