The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain

5b Charles Dickens. London: Bradbury & Evans, 1848. First Edition.

Notes 

The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in 1848 as the last of his five Christmas books. The story follows Professor Redlaw, a melancholic and brooding man haunted by past sorrows. One night, he is visited by a ghostly double—an embodiment of his own grief—who offers him a strange bargain: to forget all the pain and sorrow in his life and to pass this "gift" to others. However, the effect is disastrous; when people forget their suffering, they also lose their compassion, kindness, and sense of humanity. The story explores how memory, even of sorrow, is essential for empathy and moral growth. Ultimately, Redlaw learns that suffering is a vital part of being human, and he seeks redemption by reversing the ghost’s bargain.

Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was a towering figure in 19th-century English literature, known for his vivid characters, biting social commentary, and deep concern for the poor and vulnerable. Famous for novels like A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, and Great Expectations, Dickens used fiction to highlight injustices in Victorian society. The Haunted Man, like many of his Christmas tales, blends the supernatural with moral lessons, affirming the redemptive power of memory, kindness, and human connection.

Description

Original red cloth binding with gilt lettering and embossed design to upper board and spine. Illustrated throughout. Gilt edges. Sun fading to the spine and general wear to extremities. Few black spots to upper board. Bumping to points. Pages are detached from last stitch through page 160. Good condition overall.