Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was born in Landport, England. The writer and publisher was one of the most important representatives of literary realism of the 19th century. With his humorous and socially critical works, he illuminated the social problems of his time. Dickens became world famous with his literary works Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and A Christmas Carol.

Lisbeth Zwerger has been accorded nearly every prize that can be given, including the highest international award for lifetime achievement, the Hans Christian Andersen Medal. Since 1981 she has devoted her extraordinary talents to children’s literature, to stories as charming and picturesque as her native Vienna. Always surprising, always engaging, her artwork combines technical mastery with an insight and gentleness so rare and captivating that she has been correctly called one of the finest illustrators of the twentieth century.