Who wrote the novel "Oliver Twist" published in 1838?

Charles Dickens wrote the novel Oliver Twist, which first appeared in book form in 1838.

The story follows an orphan raised in a workhouse who escapes to London and becomes entangled with a gang of thieves led by Fagin. Dickens used Oliver's experiences to expose poverty, harsh workhouse conditions and the vulnerability of children in Victorian society. The novel's full title was Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress.

Oliver Twist was initially published as a serial in Bentley's Miscellany, beginning in February 1837 and continuing until April 1839. The three-volume book edition appeared in 1838, so the date in the question refers to its first book publication rather than the completion of its serial run. George Cruikshank supplied the memorable illustrations.

Common mix-ups include confusing Dickens with Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen or William Makepeace Thackeray, all major English writers but not the author of this novel. Other Dickens works include A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield and Great Expectations.