Bah, humbug! Those two words both reject the magic of Christmas and also serve as a harbinger for joy and transformation. They first appear together in A Christmas Carol, the evergreen gem from Charles Dickens—first published in 1843—that will forever be associated with the most wonderful time of the year. Widely regarded as the most famous work from the Dickensian canon, Carol was an instant bestseller upon release and its redemption narrative still resonates with anyone who opens its cover. A luminary who often used the power of prose to shed light on the less fortunate, Dickens pulled no punches exposing the sins of society. He was a social critic, a legendary author, and, depending on who you ask, the man who invented Christmas. But Dickens’ yuletide classic is more than a masterful manifestation of his literary prowess—it’s a critique on human nature, exposing the good, the bad, and the jolly. In this book, we explore these origins, as well as the influences that culminated in one of the most iconic antiheroes of all time, Ebenezer Scrooge. We’ll also get into the tale’s enduring legacy, spawning unique and successful adaptations on stage and screen. Trust us, the story behind this story is just as fascinating as the classic itself, and it’s sure to have a thawing effect on even the most hardened humbugger.
WHY WE LOVE A CHRISTMAS CAROL
1 LITTLE BOY LOST • The childhood of Charles Dickens shaped his beliefs—and ours
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS • And the role Dickens played in making it the holiday we enjoy today
3 WRITING A CLASSIC • Dickens created A Christmas Carol in six weeks and with purpose
4 INFLUENCES AND INSPIRATIONS • The real people behind Carol’s key characters
5 WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? • The debate over Carol’s subtext and meaning
6 SPRINGING TO LIFE • Almost immediately, A Christmas Carol jumped from print to the stage
7 CAROL ON THE SCREEN • There is a version of the classic that speaks to almost everyone
OUR FAVORITE SCROOGES • The stories behind nine of the best portrayals
THE LEGACY • A Christmas Carol shares a lesson that bears repeating at least once a year
The Story of A Christmas Carol
PHOTO CREDITS