A Christmas Carol

5b Charles Dickens. East Aurora, New York: The Roycroft Shop, 1902. 

Notes

Written in 1843, A Christmas Carol was originally conceived as a ghost story, which played a key role in its enduring popularity. Dickens intended the novella to be both a moral tale and a supernatural experience. The story, centered around Ebenezer Scrooge, features the visits of three ghosts—of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come—that lead Scrooge through haunting visions of his own life and the consequences of his actions. The supernatural elements serve not only to entertain but to awaken Scrooge's conscience, compelling him to change his miserly ways.

Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was one of the most prominent writers of the Victorian era, known for his vivid characters and social critiques. Dickens was deeply concerned with the plight of the poor, a theme that ran throughout his works. He often used his writing to advocate for social change, highlighting issues such as poverty, education, and labor. A Christmas Carol was a direct response to the harsh realities of Victorian society, offering a story that combined both a supernatural thriller and a plea for compassion and generosity.

A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who despises Christmas and is indifferent to the suffering around him. After being visited by the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley, and the three spirits, Scrooge is forced to confront his past, present, and future. Through these ghostly visits, he learns the importance of kindness and generosity, ultimately transforming into a more compassionate person. The novella's combination of suspenseful ghostly encounters and powerful moral lessons has made it a holiday classic.

Description

Roycroft Printing in scarce publishers half vellum. 9 inches tall. Gilt title within a cartouche and gilt top edge. Deckled fore edge. A thin wooden veneer on the boards. Portrait frontispiece. Tear from the fore edge halfway towards the spine through 2 pages, 73-76. Fine condition overall.