A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings (Penguin Classics)

A collection of stories of matchless charm and enduring popularity that enchanted listeners at Charles Dickens's public readings Since it was first published in 1843 A Christmas Carol has had an enduring influence on the way we think about the traditions of Christmas. Dickens's story of solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of Christmas by the three ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, has been adapted into countless film and stage versions since it was first published. Dickens's other Christmas writings collected here include 'The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton', the short story from The Pickwick Papers on which A Christmas Carol was based; The Haunted Man, a tale of a man tormented by painful memories; along with shorter pieces, some drawn from the 'Christmas Stories' that Dickens wrote annually for his weekly journals. In all of them Dickens celebrates the season as one of geniality, charity and remembrance. This new selection contains an introduction by distinguished Dickens scholar Michael Slater discussing how the author has shaped ideas about the Christmas spirit, original illustrations by 'Phiz' and John Leech, an appendix on Dickens's use of The Arabian Nights, a further reading list and explanatory notes. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. In Addition To A Christmas Carol, The Haunted Man And A Short Story From The Pickwick Papers That Was The Basis For A Christmas Carol, Several Of The Author's Shorter Stories Celebrating The Season, Are Included. Additionally The Editor Discusses Dickens' Influence On How We Celebrate The Season, And An Appendix On Dickens' Use Of The Arabian Nights, Plus A Further Reading List And Notes. Christmas Festivities -- The Story Of The Goblins Who Stole A Sexton -- A Christmas Episode From Master Humphrey's Clock -- A Christmas Carol -- The Haunted Man And The Ghost's Bargain -- A Christmas Tree -- What Christmas Is, As We Grow Older -- The Seven Poor Travellers -- Appendix I: Dickens's Prefaces To Collected Editions Of The Christmas Books -- Appendix Ii: Dickens's Descriptive Headlines For A Christmas Carol And The Haunted Man -- Appendix Iii: Dickens And The Arabian Nights. Charles Dickens ; With Introduction And Notes By Michael Slater. Review [Coralie Bickford-Smith's] recent work for Penguin Classics is...nothing short of glorious Anna Cole Co. Product Description This new selection of Dickens's Christmas writings confirms his lasting influence upon our idea of the Christmas spirit: that Christmas is a time for celebration, charity, and memory. In addition to the beloved A Christmas Carol , this volume includes such festive works as ''Christmas Festivities,'' ''The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton,'' ''A Christmas Tree,'' ''The Seven Poor Travellers,'' The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain , and a Christmas episode from Master Humphrey's Clock . Christmas Festivities Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton Christmas Episode from Master Humphrey's Clock Christmas Carol Haunted Man Christmas Tree What Christmas Means as we Grow Older Seven Poor Travellers Features Christmas novellas and short stories, including "A Christmas Carol" and "A Christmas Tree," in which an old man reminisces about tree decorations and his memories of childhood Christmases. Charles Dickens' spectacular classic tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge, and his journey toward gaining the Spirit of Christmas