A Christmas Carol

by Charles Dickens

Overview

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, first published in 1843, is a novella that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, cold-hearted man who is transformed by the spirit of Christmas. The story is set in Victorian England and is a critique of the social and economic conditions of the time, particularly the harsh treatment of the poor.

Scrooge, a wealthy but selfish businessman, dismisses Christmas as a waste of time and money. He lives a lonely life, despising both joy and generosity. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who has been condemned to wander the Earth in chains as punishment for his own greed in life. Marley warns Scrooge that he will suffer the same fate unless he changes his ways.

Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits that night:

Product Details

BN ID:	2940184458724
Publisher:	Charles Dickens
Publication date:	04/04/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was an English writer and social critic, widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. His works are characterized by their vivid characters, intricate plots, and social commentary, often highlighting the struggles of the poor and the injustices of society.

Born in Portsmouth, England, Dickens had a challenging childhood. His father was imprisoned for debt, which led to Dickens working in a factory at a young age to help support his family. These early experiences shaped his views on poverty and social inequality, themes that would appear throughout his writing.

Dickens’ first major success came with the publication of The Pickwick Papers in 1836, which made him a household name. He went on to write numerous famous novels, including Oliver Twist (1837), David Copperfield (1850), A Tale of Two Cities (1859), Great Expectations (1861), and Bleak House (1853), among many others.

Many of Dickens’ novels, including A Christmas Carol, contain biting critiques of the social and economic conditions of Victorian England. He was a vocal advocate for social reform, particularly in areas like child labor, education, and the treatment of the poor. His works often depict characters suffering due to poverty, but they also show the possibility for kindness, compassion, and social change.

Dickens was also a philanthropist and involved in social causes. He was a tireless campaigner for the improvement of living and working conditions for the poor. He also used his writing to support various charitable organizations.

Date of Birth:

February 7, 1812

Date of Death:

June 18, 1870

Place of Birth:

Portsmouth, England

Place of Death:

Gad's Hill, Kent, England

Education:

Home-schooling; attended Dame School at Chatham briefly and Wellington

Editorial Reviews

The Times (2024): This review praises the Old Vic Theatre's production, highlighting John Simm's impressive portrayal of Scrooge, the psychological depth of the adaptation, and the engaging staging that brings warmth and joy to the classic tale.

The Times - N/A