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Popular Highlights in this book

“Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
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The misery with them all was, clearly, that they sought to interfere, for good, in human matters, and had lost the power for ever.
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Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend, and sole mourner.
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WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Dickens's classic holiday tale, like many cultural touchstones, often falls into the trap of perennial reinterpretation. First aired in 1990 but only now available on CD, NPR's presentation serves to place the familiar story back in its historical context. NPR News anchor Susan Stamberg's introduction, along with background information in the liner notes, offers valuable insights regarding both Dickens's gritty backdrop and his role in reviving Christmas traditions otherwise forgotten amid rapid urban industrialization. The script being performed is the same one Dickens used to use at readings. Comedy legend Winters, who serves as narrator while also performing all of the male roles, juggles his duties seamlessly and demonstrates remarkable dramatic range. His portrayal of Scrooge before the ghostly visitations evokes discernable pain and loss beyond the over-the-top antics of an ogre figure. Veteran actress Mimi Kennedy voices the female parts with gusto. With its quality production, attractive price and one-hour length, this release offers the perfect gift and establishes a festive new annual ritual for families to share. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Excellent reading skills places this beyond elementary-level young readers but the entire family will find this lovely illustrated edition appealing and fun. The fine edition is particularly recommended for creating Christmas atmosphere for the whole family: gather under the tree and enjoy Christmas Carol together. -- Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

"Bah!" said Scrooge. "Humbug!" With those famous words unfolds a tale that renews the joy and caring that are Christmas. Whether we read it aloud with our family and friends or open the pages on a chill winter evening to savor the story in solitiude. Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is a very special holiday experience.

From the Inside Flap

he first publication of A Christmas Carol in 1843, the tale of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge, humble Bob Crachit, and beloved Tiny Tim has taken a special place in the heart of our Christmas tradition. The most famous celebration of Christmas--and family love--in the English language shows us the nature of true charity, the power of tenderness and the wisdom of innocence in a cold-hearted world.

Now, Sir John Gielgud's dramatic reading of an abridgment of this holiday classic brings Dickens's memorable characters to life in your home. The story of Scrooge's transformation is a fable of hope and the true meaning of sharing that will be enjoyed over and over again. A timeless delight for young and old alike, this recording of A Christmas Carol will become part of your family's holiday traditions.

From the Back Cover

"Marley was dead to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. Old Marley was as dead as a doornail."

So begins A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Some say this short story, first published in 1843, transformed Christmas into a major holiday. Before A Christmas Carol, there was surprisingly little celebration during the Christmas season. After its publication, the holiday became a high point of the year.

Master comedian Jonathan Winters channels all of Dickens's unforgettable characters in a tour de force performance of this holiday classic. Using a special edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations, he re-creates Ebenezer Scrooge, Bog Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley's spirit and the three Christmas ghosts, Past, Present, and Future. Mimi Kennedy also performs.

About the Author

British author Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was a titan of English literature. Among his most beloved works are classics such as David Copperfield, Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and Great Expectations. He wrote continually about the plight of the poor and the division of wealth in nineteenth-century England, the heartbreaking circumstances of which he knew only too well. When Dickens was twelve years old, his father was sent to debtors’ prison, forcing the young boy to leave school and seek factory work to help support his parents and seven siblings. Although Dickens eventually began his literary career as a journalist, it is his endearing novels that have stood the test of time.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

MARLEY was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Mind! I don't mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the Country's done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Scrooge knew he was dead? Of course he did. How could it be otherwise? Scrooge and he were partners for I don't know how many years. Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend and sole mourner. And even Scrooge was not so dreadfully cut up by the sad event, but that he was an excellent man of business on the very day of the funeral, and solemnised it with an undoubted bargain.

The mention of Marley's funeral brings me back to the point I started from. There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate. If we were not perfectly convinced that Hamlet's Father died before the play began, there would be nothing more remarkable in his taking a stroll at night, in an easterly wind, upon his own ramparts, than there would be in any other middle-aged gentleman rashly turning out after dark in a breezy spot—say Saint Paul's Churchyard for instance—literally to astonish his son's weak mind.

Scrooge never painted out Old Marley's name. There it stood, years afterwards, above the warehouse door: Scrooge and Marley. The firm was known as Scrooge and Marley. Sometimes people new to the business called Scrooge Scrooge, and sometimes Marley, but he answered to both names: it was all the same to him.

Oh! but he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog-days; and didn't thaw it one degree at Christmas.

External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. No warmth could warm, nor wintry weather chill him. No wind that blew was bitterer than he, no falling snow was more intent upon its purpose, no pelting rain less open to entreaty. Foul weather didn't know where to have him. The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet, could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. They often 'came down' handsomely, and Scrooge never did.

Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, 'My dear Scrooge, how are you? when will you come to see me?' No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was 'oclock, no man or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge. Even the blindmen's dogs appeared to know him; and when they saw him coming on, would tug their owners into doorways and up courts; and then would wag their tails as though they said, 'no eye at all is better than an evil eye, dark master!'

But what did Scrooge care? It was the very thing he liked. To edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all human sympathy to keep its distance, was what the knowing ones call 'nuts' to Scrooge.

Once upon a time—of all the good days in the year, on Christmas Eve—old Scrooge sat busy in his counting-house. It was cold, bleak, biting weather: foggy withal: and he could hear the people in the court outside, go wheezing up and down, beating their hands upon their breasts, and stamping their feet upon the pavement-stones to warm them. The city clocks had only just gone three, but it was quite dark already: it had not been light all day: and candles were flaring in the windows of the neighbouring offices, like ruddy smears upon the palpable brown air. The fog came pouring in at every chink and keyhole, and was so dense without, that although the court was of the narrowest, the houses opposite were mere phantoms. To see the dingy cloud come drooping down, obscuring everything, one might have thought that Nature lived hard by, and was brewing on a large scale.

The door of Scrooge's counting-house was open that he might keep his eye upon his clerk, who in a dismal little cell beyond, a sort of tank, was copying letters. Scrooge had a very small fire, but the clerk's fire was so very much smaller that it looked like one coal. But he couldn't replenish it, for Scrooge kept the coal-box in his own room; and so surely as the clerk came in with the shovel, the master predicted that it would be necessary for them to part. Wherefore the clerk put on his white comforter, and tried to warm himself at the candle; in which effort, not being a man of a strong imagination, he failed.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B071ZKZBWR
Publisher ‏ : ‎ AmazonClassics (June 20, 2017)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 20, 2017
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B095L9LSL5

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Robert Ingpen
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Robert Ingpen was born in 1936 in Geelong, Australia. He studied illustration art and book design at The Royal Melbourne Institue of Technology. In 1986 he was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his contribution to children’s literature and he has been honoured with Membership of the Order of Australia.
A world-renowned artist and author, Ingpen has designed, illustrated and written more than one hundred books. His work includes his highly acclaimed series of illustrated children’s classics, a unique achievement by one illustrator, which have now been published in many editions around the world.
Robert now lives and works in Barwon Heads, Australia, near his hometown of Geelong. Further information on Robert Ingpen can be found at www.robertingpen.com
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Charles Dickens
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Charles Dickens was born in 1812 near Portsmouth where his father was a clerk in the navy pay office. The family moved to London in 1823, but their fortunes were severely impaired. Dickens was sent to work in a blacking-warehouse when his father was imprisoned for debt. Both experiences deeply affected the future novelist. In 1833 he began contributing stories to newspapers and magazines, and in 1836 started the serial publication of Pickwick Papers. Thereafter, Dickens published his major novels over the course of the next twenty years, from Nicholas Nickleby to Little Dorrit. He also edited the journals Household Words and All the Year Round. Dickens died in June 1870.
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Lisa Shambrook
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Lisa began weaving intricate stories inside her head early, but these days her words find themselves bursting forth in the forms of flash fiction, short stories, and novels.
She's a sensory writer and delves into sensitive subjects that will lift your spirit and steal your heart, and conjures worlds of fantasy and post-apocalypse which will ignite your imagination.
Lisa was born and raised in vibrant Brighton, England, and living by the ocean heavily influenced her lyrical and emotional writing. She works with the senses, description, and colour, and her readers will easily visualise the narrative. She draws inspiration from her family, memory, and imagination. After she had her first of three children she and her family moved to Carmarthen, West Wales, a market town also rich in legend and lore.
She loves family time, walking in forests with their dog, watching waves crash on the beach, photography, crystals, art, and last but not least, writing.
'There’s nothing better than losing yourself inside your imagination...'
You can follow her blog at www.thelastkrystallos.wordpress.com or checkout her website at www.lisashambrook.com
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K. Anderson Yancy
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From 2003 – 2013 I was a producing partner of XM/Sirius Satellite Radio providing SonicMovies, my brand of premium audio dramas, to its Book Radio and Playboy's Sexy Stories. I've written, adapted, directed, produced and performed in nearly 300 SonicMovies, been anthologized with John Grisham, Scott Turow, Erle Stanley Gardner and other authors of note in the Mammoth Book of Legal Thrillers, a #1 Bestseller in Australia, appeared in commercials, ads and programs for McDonald’s, Buick, . . . industrial videos; written and directed several short films; been a semi-finalist and finalist in several major screenwriting competition and written numerous short stories, novellas and novels.
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Geoff Mills
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Geoff Mills studied English at Reading and London Universities and was one of the first to graduate from the National Academy of Writing, where he won a Commitment to Writing Award. His work, critical and creative, has appeared in the Guardian (online), Times Higher Educational Supplement, Literary Review, a BBC Birmingham exhibition as well as in a number of anthologies, magazines and periodicals. He is the founding editor of Garreteer Press.
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Arthur Atwood
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Twitter Version: Dad, Husband, Not President, and Citizen.
And now my Back Cover Version: Arthur Atwood is a political writer and lover of classic literature. Most known for his beloved Classics for Democrats and Republicans series. Atwood brings his whit and charm to every work. He is a devoted follower of "laugh at yourself before others do".
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DE McCluskey
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D E McCluskey was born in 1973, in Liverpool, England. He is the author of novels, graphic novels and comics. He lives with his daughter (an author in her own right (at the age of 8) with her children's adventure The Hangry Hamster), his partner, her daughter, and a sausage dog called Ted.
He began writing in 2011, creating his first comic publication entitled Interesting Tymes, an anthology of short horror stories written in rhyme for children and adults. This was quickly followed by the second in the series, along with a spin off. Dave then moved on to more adult related fiction, releasing a number of one-shot comics, followed by his first, full length book, the graphic novel, Doppelgänger.
More graphic novels and comics ensued, including a collaboration with artist Joe Matthews to produce a retelling of the classic Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol, only this time rewritten completely in rhyme.
Dave then turned his sights onto writing novels. His debut novel The Twelve was released in 2017 to great reviews. This was followed by a collaboration with a local, Liverpool music historian, to produce a historical thriller called In The Mood… For Murder, based in Liverpool in 1946.
Dave likes to work mostly in dark, or mainstream horror, although he has cross genres into extreme horror, comedy, thrillers, romantic drama, and children's books.
He is also working with a number of other authors/comic creators, in collaborations in their works.
Comics:
Interesting Tymes
Interesting Tymes x 2
Edward D'Ammage Presents: The Wedding
Wooden Heart
Three Days in the City
The Adventures of Mace Masoch: Hard Times on Planet L'Bido
Short Sharp Shocks
The Few
Sick B*stards (with Matt Shaw)
Eleven (with Matt Shaw)
Graphic Novels:
Doppelgänger
Olf
A Christmas Carol (with Joe Matthews)
DeathDay Presents
DreamCatcher
Novels:
The Twelve
In The Mood for Murder (with Tony Bolland)
CRACK
Z: A Love Story
The Contract (with C. William Giles)
Butterflies
TimeRipper
Mutant Superhero Zombie Killing Disco Cheerleaders from Outer Space (with Uzis)
Glimmer (book 1 in the Glimmer Saga)
The City of the Fireflies (book 2 in the Glimmer Saga)
The Throne of Glimm (book 3 in the Glimmer Saga)
A Seagull's Tale
Guardian (this is NOT poetry)
The Boyfriend
All Of These People Are Going To Die 3: All Of These Kids Are Going To Die
Sing Sing For Murder
Olf: Santa's Naughtiest Reindeer
Novellas:
CRAVINGS
Zola
The Grinkle Nonk
The Special Stuff
The Stinky Stump
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Customers find this edition of "A Christmas Carol" to be a delightful read before Christmas, with beautiful illustrations from the original book and a quintessential story of miraculous change of heart. They appreciate the writer's true Dickens style and consider it worth the low price, making it suitable for readers of all ages, particularly as a first introduction to classic literature for young readers. Customers praise its thought-provoking nature, with one noting how it provokes a thorough reassessment of personal values.

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Readability Story quality Illustrations Heartwarming message Writer Value for money Reading for all ages Depth

1,923 customers mention "Readability"1,832 positive91 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, particularly as a Christmas read-aloud, with one customer noting it's a must-read for every generation.

"...Dickens’ clear, concise, and beautiful depiction of the world’s most beloved Christmas story second only to Christmas’ inspiration is one that..." Read more

"...Reading a stave a night (chapter), this takes five nights to complete. We then watched A Christmas Carol (George C Scott version)...." Read more

"...And that is why this book is so great, in my opinion. Christmas is one day and not everyone celebrates it the same way (or at all!);..." Read more

"A nice book to read before Christmas...." Read more

1,326 customers mention "Story quality"1,321 positive5 negative

Customers praise the story's quality, describing it as the greatest Christmas story ever written and a quintessential tale of a miraculous change of heart.

"...In Charles Dickens’ flawlessly written tale of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge learns that happiness can come to us if we will forget self and worldly..." Read more

"...The story itself is a great Christmas tale...." Read more

"...Seeing his drastic change, however, does make the story more compelling, which is probably why Scrooge was painted so over-the-top in the beginning...." Read more

"...and would've preferred something different but it's still a timeless classic." Read more

442 customers mention "Illustrations"402 positive40 negative

Customers appreciate the beautiful illustrations in the book, noting that they are from the original book and feature vibrant colors.

"...Dickens’ clear, concise, and beautiful depiction of the world’s most beloved Christmas story second only to Christmas’ inspiration is one that..." Read more

"This is a classic to have in your home. It’s a beautiful cover, the words are big, the pages are thick, and pictures are in color...." Read more

"Beautiful edition of this classic! Includes many full color plates, as well as an assortment of black and white line drawings...." Read more

"...'s an interesting loose and fun style that's still quite educated and artistic...." Read more

360 customers mention "Heartwarming message"360 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the heartwarming message of the book, finding it uplifting and deeply touching, as it serves as a reminder of the true meaning of life.

"...This five-star novel’s utterly moving message and immense genius will touch many more to come, and urge others to make the pledge to “honor..." Read more

"...But it captivating and my family enjoyed it." Read more

"...but kindness and generosity can be expressed ALL YEAR LONG and EVERYONE can share it...." Read more

"...get an unabridged version of this book, you are treated to quite a bit of whale facts in addition to a classic maritime story...." Read more

147 customers mention "Writer"147 positive0 negative

Customers praise Dickens as a master author, with one noting his true artistic talent with words.

"...The narrator of this particular version is very good. I enjoyed his deep tone of voice very much! It was not overly dramatic or loud...." Read more

"this book is a very timely book to read in December. Dickens is a tremendous author whose work should be read and savored...." Read more

"...Imagine my surprise when I found such elegance and beauty in Dickens' original words...." Read more

"...the details not included in the movies as well as highlight the famous lines which are common to both." Read more

135 customers mention "Value for money"127 positive8 negative

Customers find the book well worth its price and appreciate that it's available for free, with one customer noting that it appeals to both old and young readers.

"...This is a cheapie version but it well worth the cost." Read more

"...before Christmas, and this edition is an unabridged text for a very good price...." Read more

"...what I had hoped by delivering up an excellent presentation at a very low cost. Dan of Arlington" Read more

"...In the end, Scrooge has a complete transformation. He is no longer stingy or greedy...." Read more

112 customers mention "Reading for all ages"112 positive0 negative

Customers find this book suitable for all ages, particularly noting it is great for kids from kindergarten up and serves as a good introduction to Dickens for younger children.

"...It’ll read like a children’s book. It’s well made and I highly recommend it. You enjoy it for decades to come" Read more

"...The D'aulaires is good for kids from kindergarten up, but this one requires a more sophisticated reader...." Read more

"Certainly one of the greatest and simple pieces of literature ever written. Dickens created it from whole cloth...." Read more

"...is a wonderfully uplifting story that can and should be read by both adults and children, and it can be read at any time of the year, not just..." Read more

97 customers mention "Depth"85 positive12 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the book, finding it thought-provoking and rich with powerful meaning, with one customer noting how it provokes a thorough reassessment of personal values.

"...Dickens’ clear, concise, and beautiful depiction of the world’s most beloved Christmas story second only to Christmas’ inspiration is one that..." Read more

"It’s a story we all know too well, but it was so refreshing to visit the source. I loved the wit Dickens puts into his writing...." Read more

"...The characters were brilliantly brought to life. There's an enormous amount of facts and adventures to enjoy...." Read more

"...facts about labor and wages that make you realize he was knowledgeable about economics and wanted to promote a better life for others...." Read more

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GMorrison
A Christmas Carol Book Review (MS. LANGLIE! HERE IT IS!)
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2015
Verified Purchase

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone,” (Dickens 144) the once miserly, old Scrooge pledges desperately to the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come as they stand over Scrooge’s future grave, following their witnessing of the nightmarish images of his own forthcoming death and its pitiable consequences. Charles Dickens’ charming and clever classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his change of heart has touched a countless number of people over generations. This five-star novel’s utterly moving message and immense genius will touch many more to come, and urge others to make the pledge to “honor Christmas in [their own hearts], and try to keep it all the year,” (Dickens 144), as Scrooge so thoroughly did himself that one Christmas night.
Originally published in the year of 1843, A Christmas Carol summons us to Victorian London, contemporary to the year the story was published. The selfish, stingy, miserly, and miserable, old Ebenezer Scrooge broods in his hatred for the Christmas Season, as Scrooge greatly detests happiness, generosity, love, and family. Christmas Eve night, he is haunted by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who appears to Scrooge with a long, heavy chain made from all of the terrible things that Marley pursued in life. Marley warns Scrooge that he is doomed to Marley’s same, terrible fate unless he changes the way he lives his life. So he tells Scrooge that three more Spirits will haunt him during the course of the night. We all know the story: the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet To Come visit Scrooge and show him moments in his lifetime in order to instill in Scrooge the idea to stop being so dreadful and instead to become compassionate. Throughout Scrooge’s tale, Charles Dickens introduces to us three different methods (one for each of the three spirits) as the tools for a person, such as Scrooge, to change one’s life. A very prominent theme portrayed in A Christmas Carol, is how the application of these three methods will change someone’s heart.
The Ghost of Christmas Past is the first of the three to appear to Scrooge and the first to apply one of Dickens’ methods to change Scrooge’s heart. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge back to his childhood and early years to show him all of the people he has loved. He sees his beloved, younger sister, Fan, the mother of his ever-encouraging nephew, Fred; he sees the jolly man to whom he was once apprenticed, Fezziwig, and the jovial love he showed to all his family and friends; and Scrooge also sees his former fiancée, reliving not only the scene of when she left him due to his growing greed, but also the images of the happy life she led after she left him. Seeing these people in his past renews Scrooge’s spark of love for his family and friends. Dickens’ first step to a change of heart— love.
The jolly Ghost of Christmas Present succeeds the Ghost of Christmas Past and leads Scrooge through the existing world to see all those who were currently celebrating Christmas. He shows Scrooge the Cratchits, the family of Scrooge’s clerk Bob Cratchit, demonstrating to Scrooge how his habit of penny-pinching and ill behavior toward Bob Cratchit is affecting the poor, struggling family, in particular Bob Cratchit’s crippled son, Tiny Tim. This helps Scrooge feel regret for the decisions he has made and become more generous to those in need. The second method to the changing of Scrooge’s heart was the feeling of regret.
Then the wraithlike Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appears to Scrooge and shows him scenes from the future. At first, these scenes meant nothing to Scrooge as he saw the people of London’s disgraceful response to a terrible man’s death until Scrooge realized that this terrible man was Scrooge himself. This sudden realization at the setting of Scrooge’s own future grave was the sign of his complete conversion to kindheartedness. He felt absolute fear of the images he saw, and wanted nothing more than to reverse them. Hence, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come applied the final method of transformation— fear for the future’s terrible consequences.
So there are the keys to Scrooge’s conversion— love, regret, and fear for the future. The theme of how the application of these three methods is the key to changing someone’s frame of mind I believe is both valid and properly conveyed. With the help of the three spirits that fateful, Christmas Eve night, Ebenezer Scrooge realized that he must always have, “the Spirits of all Three… strive within [him, and] not shut out the lessons that they teach,” because if he went back to not loving, not feeling regret and guilt, and not being wary or fearful of future consequences, Scrooge would return to the greedy, wicked state in which he had found himself the night before. But that theme isn’t the most prominent in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The most prominent theme is the happiness one feels when one shows more benevolence, and I think that Dickens displayed this intent more than thoroughly by the end of his tale. And how true that is. Scrooge would’ve gone on living his rotten life with no lasting legacy when he died if it were not for the spirits’ visits. Instead, he spent the rest of his years becoming “as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world,” (Dickens 158).
In Charles Dickens’ flawlessly written tale of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge learns that happiness can come to us if we will forget self and worldly gain, concentrating instead on helping others and learning to embrace the love of family and friends. Dickens’ clear, concise, and beautiful depiction of the world’s most beloved Christmas story second only to Christmas’ inspiration is one that everyone would benefit from reading. And may those who read it, remember themselves to “honor Christmas in [their hearts], and try to keep it all the year,” (Dickens 144).

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Wayne A. Smith
Great for Readong Aloud
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2025
Verified Purchase
I read this aloud to my family in December, wanting to start a new tradition. Reading a stave a night (chapter), this takes five nights to complete. We then watched A Christmas Carol (George C Scott version).

The story itself is a great Christmas tale. Dicken’s writing style is different from contemporary authors and the longer sentences and heavy use of adjectives takes a bit of a reset for a read a loud. But it captivating and my family enjoyed it.

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Crystal Starr Light
"No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused"
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2011
Verified Purchase
"No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused"

Ebenezzer Scrooge is one of the most miserly, greedy, selfish businessmen, especially at Christmas. Through the visions of his dead partner, Jacob Marley, and three Ghosts, Scrooge is sent on the learning experience of a life.

There is a reason why this book is so prevalent in our (Western) culture, how everyone, even those who've never read the novella/book, know the story so well (which is why this review will not have any spoiler notices). This story is a story that hits us to the core, that forces us to look outside our selfish lives and to think of others. And while the characters aren't the most nuanced, it is the story, it is the heart of the book that is most important and most inspiring.

The characters are rather one-note, if you think about it. Scrooge is the only one that undergoes any change (somewhat expected, as it is a novel about his growth), but he starts out as the hideously over-done selfish man and ends up as the happiest, most joyful man in the world. Seeing his drastic change, however, does make the story more compelling, which is probably why Scrooge was painted so over-the-top in the beginning. From his little sister to Belle to Bob Crachit and his family, the characters tend to be blindly cheerful and happy despite their conditions. About the only one I can think of off the top of my head that isn't is Mrs. Crachit, who definitely harbors some resentment to Mr. Scrooge.

But the remarkable thing about "A Christmas Carol" isn't the nuanced, varied characters, but the story, the journey, Scrooge's miraculous change. Reading it for the second time (I read it once in high school on my own), I was still touched and intrigued. I discovered more of the humor (the bit about Marley being more of "gravy than of grave"), the deeper meaning of the story. A lot of times, it seems that movies take the bits about Scrooge celebrating and honoring Christmas, and while that is an important theme, I thought the more important theme was to look out for your neighbor and open your heart.

Scrooge was miserly, giving his employee a crappy wage (something like 15 shillings a week!). He refused to have anything to do with his nephew, he wouldn't give to the poor, and he had no compassion for beggars. While he lived in a huge home, he only lit a single candle and lived in a single room. And as the Ghosts reveal his past, present, and future, he slowly realizes, "Hey, I should have been nice to that kid on the street", "Hey, I wish I had agreed to visit my nephew", and "Hey, I should do something about my employee's work conditions".

And that is why this book is so great, in my opinion. Christmas is one day and not everyone celebrates it the same way (or at all!); but kindness and generosity can be expressed ALL YEAR LONG and EVERYONE can share it. That is how I interpret it when Scrooge says, near the end: "I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year". Christmas isn't the Christian holiday, or the commercialized version that we see all around us; Christmas is the compassion we have to those around us.

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Carolyn S.
Fun and lighthearted.
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2024
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A nice book to read before Christmas. It's almost identical to the movies and would've preferred something different but it's still a timeless classic.

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Annabel
One of my all-time favs!
Reviewed in the Netherlands on February 23, 2024
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I love this story so much! And what a beautiful edition!

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Samuel Sherry
A Christmas Carol: Deluxe Gift Edition - A Timeless Classic That Ignites the Christmas Spirit
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 23, 2023
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As soon as I laid eyes on the A Christmas Carol: Deluxe Gift Edition, I knew it would be a marvelous addition to my bookshelf. Charles Dickens' timeless tale of redemption has always held a special place in my heart, and this beautifully crafted edition has exceeded all my expectations.

From the moment I cracked open the cover, I was transported to the magical world of Ebenezer Scrooge and his extraordinary journey towards self-discovery. The vivid descriptions and rich language used by Dickens evoke a sense of nostalgia, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of Victorian London and the enchantment of the holiday season.

What truly sets this edition apart from others is its stunning presentation. The book's hardcover is beautifully embossed, giving it a classic and elegant feel. The high-quality paper enhances the reading experience, giving weight to every turn of the page. The font is easy on the eyes, making it a joy to delve into the story.

Without fail, each time I delve into this edition, I can't help but feel a childlike excitement bubbling within me. The story of Scrooge's transformation from a cold-hearted miser to a joyous and compassionate individual never fails to ignite the anticipation for the upcoming Christmas season. Every word resonates with the spirit of the holiday, reminding us of the importance of love, generosity, and the power of redemption.

This Deluxe Gift Edition also offers a delightful illustration by renowned artists, bringing each character to life on the pages. The colorful depictions of Scrooge, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, as well as other beloved characters, further immerse the reader in the tale's wonderment.

Moreover, this edition includes thoughtful extras that make it a must-have for any bookworm or literature lover. The introduction provides valuable insights into Dickens' motivations and influences, enhancing my appreciation for the story's depth and social critique. Additionally, the inclusion of various notes and historical context helps contextualize the narrative, adding another layer of richness to the reading experience.

In conclusion, the A Christmas Carol: Deluxe Gift Edition is an exquisite addition to any bookshelf, an invitation to relive the timeless tale of generosity, redemption, and the power of change. The combination of a beautiful physical presentation, captivating illustrations, and Dickens' captivating storytelling makes this edition an absolute must-have for anyone seeking to be whisked away to the enchanting world of Ebenezer Scrooge and the true spirit of Christmas.

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杣人
英語版と交換してほしい
Reviewed in Japan on December 4, 2023
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交換をしてほしいので保管しています。

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杣人

英語版と交換してほしい

Reviewed in Japan on December 4, 2023
交換をしてほしいので保管しています。

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Nilesh pandey
Beautifully written
Reviewed in India on December 5, 2024
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I'm an adult but I always like such books which are written targets audience as child

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Nilesh pandey

Beautifully written

Reviewed in India on December 5, 2024
I'm an adult but I always like such books which are written targets audience as child

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ALP
I love it
Reviewed in Turkey on April 29, 2024
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Good quality 👍🏿

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Carol Book Review (MS. LANGLIE! HERE IT IS!)

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Readong Aloud

5.0 out of 5 stars "No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused"

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and lighthearted.

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my all-time favs!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Carol: Deluxe Gift Edition - A Timeless Classic That Ignites the Christmas Spirit

5.0 out of 5 stars 英語版と交換してほしい

英語版と交換してほしい

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5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written

Beautifully written

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5.0 out of 5 stars I love it

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A Christmas Carol Book Review (MS. LANGLIE! HERE IT IS!)

Great for Readong Aloud

"No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused"

Fun and lighthearted.

One of my all-time favs!

A Christmas Carol: Deluxe Gift Edition - A Timeless Classic That Ignites the Christmas Spirit

英語版と交換してほしい

Beautifully written

I love it