The Christmas Books by Charles Dickens
5b Charles Dickens. London: Chapman and Hall Ltd., 1889-1907. Five Volume Set Deluxe Edition in Original Slipcase.
Notes
Charles Dickens is best known for "A Christmas Carol" (1843), but he actually wrote five Christmas books in total between 1843 and 1848. These stories blend social commentary, moral lessons, and supernatural elements, aiming to evoke compassion, generosity, and a sense of holiday spirit during a time of stark social inequality in Victorian England.
”A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is transformed after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The book’s themes of redemption, compassion, and the human capacity for change struck a chord with readers and helped shape modern Christmas traditions.
“The Chimes” story follows Toby “Trotty” Veck, a poor messenger who becomes disillusioned with humanity. On New Year’s Eve, he experiences visions through the chimes of a church bell tower, which show him how his hopelessness affects others. Like A Christmas Carol, it emphasizes the importance of faith in humanity and kindness toward the less fortunate.
“The Cricket on the Hearth” is a lighter, more sentimental tale that centers on domestic life and the idea of the home as a refuge. The “cricket” acts as a guardian spirit for a humble family, helping to resolve misunderstandings and restore trust. While not as socially charged, it reinforces Dickens’s interest in family values and emotional warmth.
Unusual among Dickens’s Christmas books, “The Battle of Life” features no supernatural elements. It’s more of a romantic tale about sacrifice and personal growth, set in a rural village.
Dickens’ final Christmas story was “The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain.” It returns to the supernatural as a man haunted by sorrow is given the power to forget pain and pass that forgetfulness to others, but the gift brings unintended consequences. The story suggests that even painful memories are vital to compassion and humanity.
Description
Red leather volumes with gilt holly leafs over the upper boards and spine of every book. Gilt lettering on upper boards and spines as well. All edges gilt. Each book has some sun fading to the spine and rubbing with slight fraying to the head and foot of the spines. Some superficial bumping to the points on some books. Fine condition overall.
All five volumes fit snugly in the original red leather slip case which is faded and chipping at the entrance, corners, and edges. Leather beginning to come away at foot of spine but still fully intact. Good condition overall.