Charles Dilke was born in 1789. His liberal political views and literary interests brought him into contact with Leigh Hunt, the editor of The Examiner. Dilke contributed articles to several journals including The London Review, The London Magazine and Colburn's New Monthly. He also wrote political pamphlets including one that called for the repeal of the Corn Laws.

In 1830 Dilke was appointed editor of The Athenaeum. The journal prospered under his stewardship and he stayed until 1846 when he was asked to manage The Daily News after the departure of its founder, Charles Dickens.

Dilke left The Daily News in 1849 and for the rest of his life he concentrated on writing books and articles on literature.

Charles Wentworth Dilke died in 1864.