A Christmas Carol (Dover Thrift Editions) Reviews

• The original "Carol"

  
  By A3QZCA4LTTVGAD on 2003-03-31
  It's hard to think of a literary work that has been filmed and staged in more imaginative variations than Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"--there's the excellent George C. Scott version, the delightful Muppet version, the charming Mr. Magoo version, etc., etc. But ultimately true "Carol" lovers should go back to Dickens' original text, which remains a great read.

  "Carol" tells the story of cold-hearted miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who despises the Christmas holiday and scorns all who celebrate it. But a visit from a series of supernatural beings forces him to reevaluate his attitude--and his life.

  With this simple plot Dickens has created one of the enduring triumphs of world literature. It's a robust mix of humor, horror, and (most of all) hope, all leavened with a healthy dash of progressive social criticism. One thing I love about this book is that while it has a focus on a Christian holiday, Dickens puts forth a message that is truly universal; I can imagine this story resonating with people of any religious background, and also with more secular-oriented people.

  This is a tale of greed, selfishness, regret, redemption, family, and community, and is enlivened by some of the most memorable characters ever created for English literature. Even if Dickens had never written another word, "A Christmas Carol" would still have, I believe, secured his place as one of the great figures of world literature.
  
  

• Heartwarming conversion of a soul

  
  By AB1PJ40N5NHVN on 1998-12-11
  Charles Dickens writes this story in such detail that you almost believe you have just enjoyed Christmas dinner at the Cratchits home. The characters have so much depth. The made for t.v. or movie screen renditions do not truly depict what Ebenezer Scrooge witnesses with the three spirits that causes such a change in his outlook on life. Such as Scrooge's emotions being quickened by the past heartache in his childhood; seeing how his bad choices caused the hardening of his heart and how deeply it cost him in the end; seeing what could have been his to enjoy and then thinking it could still be his with the Spirit of Christmas Present only to find out the future does not hold any love or joy for him by the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come and instead his actions leave him robbed at death and no one left to grieve for him. Read the book to hear how this story was really written. Even if you have seen every Christmas Carol movie every made, the book will offer so many gold nuggets that you will think you are hearing it for the very first time. Pictures are beautifully detailed throughout the book. Excellent!!!
  
  

• You must read the timeless classic A Christmas Carol

  
  By on 1998-05-08
  Have you ever read A Christmas Carol? If not you must read this classic. Charles Dickens timeless classic, A Christmas Carol , will be read by many generations yet to come. One reason this book is read by millions, is its universal plot. The first reason that the plot is so good because of the wonderful setting. This book is in London during Christmas time during the Victorian Erie. It's about an old grumpy , cranky, great business, man named Ebenezer Scrooge; who hates all and is hated by all. When he is later visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who tells Scrooge he will be visited by three different spirits. This novel is great to read to kids and for kids to read. This book will teach good values such as the importance of being generous. This book has many good examples of kindness like when Scrooges nephew, Fred, says Christmas is a "' kind forgiving charitable pleasant time'". It will also be a very enjoyable book to read during the holiday time of year. This book has a great English setting during Christmas in the 1800's, which will really boost your holiday spirit. This book often reminds us of our often forgotten past, which shocks the reader and keeps them hooked. This book explains many aspects of the Victorian Erie . For example when the author tells the reader of the greediness of some; Like when Scrooge says,"' If they rather die' said Scrooge,'then they better do it and decrease the surplus population.'" (11) referring to the poor. You can link many aspects of the book to the time period in which Charles Dickens lived and wrote. Like in 1838 the poor tried to get the write to vote but failed because of objection by the middle class . So you can see some of Dickens inspiration for the book. A Christmas Carol is a classic that has been read and enjoyed by many, and millions yet to come. This book has a great history and plot, combined it is great for kids as well as adults. So if you have not read this classic to your family you had better check your! pulse and start reading.
  
  

• The best book about The True Yule Tide Spirit I ever read!

  
  By on 1998-12-19
  If you have to choose the story among the Christmas stories I think you should have Ch.Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" among your finalists and many of us might find it as the final choice. Some characters of the story even expand the spheres of Christmas; in the first place we will probably mention Ebenezer Scrooge, who has inspired e.g. Walt Disney quite a lot. It might be that his feathered equivalent, even more prosperous than the (finally) good Ebenezer,is today better known than Dickens' original. One more reason to read the book! Among the rest I'll only mention "Tiny Tim", who has lent his name at least to a tasty species of minitomatoes. The author mixes cunningly facts concerning the social contrasts in 19th century England, rich owners and poor workers, with fictitious ghosts. The latter allow him to move in time, these moves are more related to personal and moral matters than to possible changes in the social frames. The social frames of the story are as well international as English, and they cover - mostly and luckily in a more lenient form - all the ages. The darkest time of the year might make it easier to believe in ghosts or at least accept easier the ones who do so? We can follow how Mr Scrooge's opinions about the members of his staff change, he realizes that he has got some duties towards the people working for him, not just rights to use their skills and time. A kind person is easy to deal with all the year around, one of the wonders of the Yule Tide is that quite a lot of the naughty ones start to behave themselves rather humanly, too. Stories like "A Christmas Carol" might not just bring the reader the right Christmas feeling, but also make some people to change their attitudes - at best not just till Boxing Day Eve but till the next Christmas!
  
  

• Geoffrey Palmer IS Scrooge!...Delightful Audio Reading

  
  By A2ZSC81MXLBELX on 2004-10-08
  This review refers to the Unabridged Audio Cassettebook(Penguin Classics) of Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol", read by Geoffrey Palmer.
  
  Gather the family around, and let Geoffrey Palmer, take you on a wonderful journey through time with his marvelous reading of "A Christmas Carol".
  
  You know the story..... Ebenzer Scrooge is a bitter old man who "Will keep Christmas in my own way", which is not al all. People cringe when they see him coming. Dogs cower. But that is all about to change. He is visited by the ghost of his deceased partner, Jacob Marley, dragging the chains he has forged for himself in life, and learns that it is not too late for him. He can redeem himself!
  
  Scrooge is visited by three more spirits that Christmas eve. His past, his present and his future. Each take him on a fantastick journey,through time and space, showing him how
  his ways are wrong, and what will happen if he doesn't change.
  
  Geoffrey Palmer("As Time Goes By") is a delight to listen to, as he transforms Scrooge from a bitter man to a caring human being. He is perfect at the subtle changes as Scrooge becomes humbled by the spirits, and then quite humorously becomes giddy with his new found appreciation of mankind. In the end we know that he changes not just so he can have a better after life, but because he really cares about life and humanity.
  
  Palmer captures the mood and depth of Scrooge, the era, and all the characters, giving just the right inflections and tones to bring them to life.
  
  This is a two cassette book, running a little over 3 hours in total time. Packaged nicely with an outer cardboard box and an inner plastic double cassette case. The quality is very nice. The sound is great, very clear. Listen to it in your car, on your walkman, or put it on the stereo Christmas Eve for some family fun.
  
  Because there are so many versions of this wonderful story, with all the reviews together, I am including the ISBN number for you, if this unabridged audio reading is the one you are interested in....0140861785. Just put it in the product search and it will take you to the right page.
  
  also available on CD:A Christmas Carol
  
  Highly recommended for you Holiday entertainment...enjoy...Laurie
  
  
• What the Christmas spirit is all about.
  By on 1997-10-20
  Just as Clement Moore gave us the definitive Santa Claus in "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (a.k.a. "The Night Before Christmas"), Charles Dickens gave us the definitive Christmas spirit in his simple but charming novella "A Christmas Carol". First published in 1843, this supernatural story of an elderly man's redemption from his mean-spirited, miserly ways takes place in Victorian London, but its universal theme of charity towards our fellow man has endeared this classic to many a generation around the globe. In addition to its priceless role as a morality tale, the book colorfully describes the Yuletide customs practiced in England during the early nineteenth century. This Washington Square Press edition of "A Christmas Carol" is unabridged, yet you can understand why so short a book is yet published in abridged versions, especially for schoolchildren. Not infrequently, Dickens veers from the main story line and goes into tangents of a philosophical or descriptive nature, much like the converser who abruptly changes the subject only to return to it with the familiar "Anyway, ... ". I assume children (and some adults) may find these tangents cumbersome and distracting, but they are still useful in that they reflect Dickens' thoughts while writing the book. It may still be difficult for some of us to think that cold-hearted Christmas-bashers like Ebenezer Scrooge exist, but look at human nature around you, and it will be difficult no more. At a time when "Merry Christmas" is being supplanted by a more vague "Happy Holidays", and the season gives way to coarse behavior and unchecked materialism, "A Christmas Carol" is the perfect guidebook to put things into perspective.
  
  
• Better than Patrick Stewart's reading
  By on 2001-10-12
  Although I have never heard of the reader on this cd, he's great! The true mellow English accent creates the true "Dickens" feel to the reading. The reader is very, very good at changing voices (i.e.: from Scrooge's voice to that of Mrs. Cratchit). Patrick Stewart's version is very good--but this is far better. You won't be disappointed.
  
  
• D E L I G H T F U L !!!
  By ATAJ9LRGZOSI on 2002-06-09
  A few days back, I read in an article on Leo Tolstoy's "What is art?" that he quoted, as examples of the highest works of art, Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" along with other works such as Friedrich Schiller's "The Robbers" , Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" and Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities". Since I've read these three - and since all of them are my favorites, I decided to hunt out all the books recommended by Tolstoy, "A Christmas Carol" being the first of those recommended, which I hadn't read before.

  Believe me this short novel didn't let me down. I wouldn't call it as great as "Les Miserables" or "The Robbers", but it perfectly fits into Tolstoy's main criteria of a great work of art - that which :
  1.Flows from man's love for God and for man.
  2.Unites people in the common, universal feelings of mankind and in such a manner as to lead to the betterment of human society.

  Tolstoy stressed on the moral content of a work of art - and on the emotional impact it makes on the reader - on its relevance and effectiveness in leading to a better world.
  Considering these points, "A Christmas carol" is certainly an excellent novel.

  The theme of this novel, I'd put as: "A man's discovery of the joy in giving."

  Dickens', it seems, meant the novel to have a "social conscience" - exhorting the rich and amply endowed to look after the poor and wretched - to fight ignorance and want.
  But he achieves much more than this -
  1. This is a novel about the regeneration and rebirth of a man's soul - a man's return to innocence.
  2. This novel clearly shows that man is never beyond redemption -that it is never too late to make atonements for one's past misdeeds. As long as there is a will and a future - man can always strive for the achievement of higher values.
  3. Above all, this is (almost)the ONLY novel which radiates a sense of joy, benevolence and goodwill towards mankind which would endear it to any reader.

  The way Dickens has poked fun at the wrong and the erroneous, blending this critical attitude with a cheerful, benign humor is an exceptional achievement in itself, for it avoids bitterness & unhealthy sarcasm - and, while the seriousness of the subject is maintained, makes the reader smile all the way from the begining to the end of the story.

  The way in which he has captured the SPIRIT of Christmas is wonderful - I never knew that Dickens could write like this. Moreover, Dickens is not concerned with religious dogma or the scriptures or Christmas day as such - but has gone straight to the essence of the Christian philosophy and has attempted to show its beneficent consequences on men's lives. He has used this day as a medium for understanding and appreciating all that it stands for ; the wider moral and social principles are his concern - as should be, for any writer of stature.

  I'd conclude this review by saying that it is my heartiest and most earnest wish and request to not just the readers of this review but to every person in this world - be a child, be full of benevolence, mutual respect and compassion that you may be joyful and radiate joy and laughter too, to all of you out there - make EVERY day of yours a merry Christmas - and may your life be full of the bliss and goodwill this day brings to men - as has been so beautifully brought out by this delightful novel.

  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
  
  

• Even Scrooge Likes This Story
  By A28ZOZJU5A30Z0 on 2006-10-31
  "Every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips, should be boiled with his
  own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart!"
  
  Next to the birth of Jesus, this has to be the most popular Christmas story. It has been adapted into so many variations (my favorite is "Mickey's Christmas Carol."). However, the story still remains fresh and a pleasure to read.
  
  A short novel, this is still classic Dickens. His characters have depth and even insignificant characters are given a human quality. Of course, the curmudgeon Scrooge and his transformation is the focus of the novel, and Dickens delivers an enthralling, somewhat eerie story as the wraiths (spirits) of Christmas attempt to instill a human warmth in Scrooge's cold heart.
  
  There is nothing new or earth-shattering in the novel. Almost all the adaptations have more or less adapted the text of Dickens novel. There are a few extra places and people that are visited that don't appear the movie adaptations. However, overall it is the same story that you know and love, and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
  
  
• A Classic!
  By A3W3OUX98UNA47 on 2000-05-18
  Dicken's A Christmas Carol is a classic that we often see retold every Christmas. Everyone loves it, but few people have actually read it for themselves. I always prefer reading then viewing the story because then I have to use my own imagination. I would recommend to anyone that at least once they should read the story. Dickens is a wonderful writer although a bit longwinded (He was paid by word when he wrote!).
  
  
• A classic tale that lifts up one's spirit
  By A3MQXFVZ9DCE8M on 1999-05-20
  This is the classic tale by of Ebenezer Scrooge who receives a visit from the ghost of Marley, his late business partner, on Christmas Eve. Scrooge then travels to the past, present, and future with three ghosts. The Ghost of Christmas Future shows Schrooge what his funeral will be like and what the future holds if he doesn't mend his ways. This is a story that lifts up one's spirits, not only at Christmas time, but throughout the year. I recommend it highly to everyone. I usually reread it every Christmas. Several individuals have also pointed out that not only is this an early time-traveling story (perhaps the earliest), it is also probably the earliest story about alternative futures, later popular among science fiction writers as well as historians.
  
  
• Giving time, love to people and having faith can do anything
  By on 1998-12-28
  This story is about an old man who passed for a sadness experience in his life wich turned his heart dark without feelings, he didn't want to have contact with any human been and only has interest in money, but one day three ghost make him look three events in his life, past, present and future and after that, he could understand the importance of sharing with everyone, his time, money (contributing with poor people), giving love and smile, helping people, all this things could fill your heart with happiness and the feelings that you are doing the best of you to make happy other people who need it. Really this is an excellent story, I would like you to read this book, you will love it... bye bye! (Sorry if I couldn't make you read this book, maybe I couldn't write on my feelings or ideas specificly because I haven't enough vocabulary in your language (English), I speak Spanish, but from Panama, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...
  
  
• The best story that portrays christmas tradition
  By on 1999-10-18
  The Christmas story is one of the most well know stories in history. It is not just a story, it shows how people should, and shouldn't act on Christmas holiday. The Christmas story is a great book, and even though it is old, it is still popular.
  
  
• Couldn�t put it down
  By A28XM22K89E0GU on 1999-10-31
  I think this book should be made compulsory reading in schools. It is defiantly one of the great classics. It is timeless, it is still as good today as the day it was first released. I have read few books that would match up to this one. This book can be read by all ages and by people in all warps off life and can be enjoyed by all. I would recommend this book to any one and hope that all have the satisfaction of reading it.
  
  
• Bah Humbug to all who dont read this holiday classic!
  By A1BAGB0MH4ZVO1 on 1999-12-17
  Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol is read annually along with any and all movie versions. The tale is so simple yet so full of detail. Scrooge is every man who lets life get him down until something changes the status quo. The use of spirits to guide a person to a better path in life is so in tune with the 1990s where everyone is searching for miracles whether they involve spirits or angels or whatever. A true classic that has withstood the test of time and will continue to delight for generations to come.
  
  
• Frugal Christmas Classic
  By A2D9IEFJGB483Q on 2002-12-01
  What impresses me about this edition is that it is affordable without being trashy. It is one of the "Dover Thrift Editions," which reprints classics for between $1.00-$1.50, so we have no excuse for not being literate and culture. This book, however, has the feel of a pricier classic. The cover is tasteful and evocative of yuletide. The typesetting and printing is high quality. I have never seen any faint ink, or skipped words, or typos in any of Dover's publications.

  But any book is about the story, and not the format. This story of human redemption is deservedly a classic. People can change, and anyone can improve, and that is the message of the season.

  Dickens' genius is not only his vivid description, but also his thought compression. It is only 68 pages long, so it can be read in one setting. I try to do thins, since the story has greater force if it is swallowed whole, without any commercial breaks. It is the pinnacle of Christian Fantasy.
  
  

• More Then A Christmas Story!!!
  By on 2002-12-24
  This is the best book I have read as long as I can remember. If you don't think Christmas or don't know the "true" meaning of Christmas, this is the book for you. It is one of those books that makes you really think. You can pictue everything in the book in full detail and after you read it you want to make sure you read it every year. A key novel to read and I promice that you will never celebrate Christmas the same way again.
  
  
• A book that everyone should read
  By A1EKTLUL24HDG8 on 2003-09-18
  There is no reason to go into the plot or particulars of A Christmas Carol: I know of no one who is not conversant with it. Almost everyone, from young children to senior citizens, has at least seen it in a screen adaptation. It has become an integral part of the Christmas season, an immortal classic, beloved by both young and old. That said, if you have never read the original text, you owe it to yourself to do so. This story, though short and simple, is a timeless classic for a reason: it is immaculately written, has a great theme, and is undeniably heartwarming. Dickens is at his brief best here, deftly and skillfully weaving this immortal story in a spellbinding manner, making great and timeless art out of what would have been an overly-sugary-sweet mess in the hands of a lesser writer. This story is good enough, and well-written enough, to melt the cold hard of any cynic. The prose style he uses in this book is just about perfect: it makes for a fast-paced read which can easily be read in one setting, while also managing to be entertaining, and even suspenseful -- with a fine moral to boot. The story is also more than it seems: in addition to the simple morality tale, Dickens manages to weave in some social criticism, while also intermixing elements of horror and not a slight bit of humor. This is one of the few books that I truly recommend to everyone. Everyone can read it, and everyone can enjoy it. An essential classic.
  
  
• Full of life lessons
  By A3KDQ7DYGBVDPW on 2005-02-23
  The Scrooge
  A Christmas carol by Charles Dickens
  
  Even though this book is about Christmas it helped me out a lot. I would never want to end up like scrooge was. He wasn't a happy guy, nobody liked him. He didn't care for anybody. This book taught me not to be selfish. I would like to get visited by three ghosts. I would want to see my past, present, and future. I think everybody should read this book. You will feel different about life after you have read it. You learn not to be selfish and a scrooge to people. It is a great book, full of symbolism and important life lessons.
  I give it five stars
  
  
• Well worth the read, even though we know the story
  By A3MVSKVD3XGIJO on 2006-01-13
  Every Christmas I say I will reread A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, and this past Christmas I actually did it.
  
  Nobody needs reminding of the story of A Christmas Carol. We all know the tale of Scrooge and his visits by the Ghost of Christmas Present, the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Future. Even for those who have never read the book, the story has been retold in many different forms and at least three versions make their appearance on our television screens each Christmas.
  
  So why has this little tale proved to be so popular? I think it's because Scrooge is such a memorable character and we all know someone we like to think of as a Scrooge. And, let's be honest, we would like them to change. A Christmas Carol touches the desires of all of us to show people what they are really like and have them change for the better. And Scrooge is also one of those characters that seem to be likeable even when they're easy to dislike.
  
  I think this book is still worth reading, even though we know the story. It is a very small book. I read it in its entirety on Christmas Eve. It is also very easy to read. Some classics, I feel, are difficult for the modern reader because our tastes and expectations are different from those of the past. But because A Christmas Carol was written quickly by Dickens, and kept short, it will pose no problems to readers of today.
  
  Besides being a great tale, A Christmas Carol also gives us an insight into the way Christmas was celebrated in Victorian society. Don't wait until Christmas to read it!
  
  
  
• A wonderful rendition of an enduring classic.,
  By AAXUNK0W2DZG5 on 2006-12-25
  
  An audio recording of Patrick Stewart's one-man rendition of Charles Dicken's
  Timeless Classic. Stewart has adapted the text for his show and performs
  all the characters and necessary sound effects. It is wonderful example of
  the power of a good actor.
  
  The enduring story of "A Christmas Carol" involves Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy grasping businessman, who is untouched by human emotion. Or so we think until he is visited one Christmas Eve by four sprits who show him the error of his ways. In the end a redeemed Scrooge resolves to keep the Christmas spirit all the days of his life and to be good to his fellow men.
  
  Stewart is able without the aid of costumes, scenery, special effects, or
  other actors, to bring this timeless tale to life. His vivid characterization of each person is all the more remarkable for the fact that the only tools he has are his voice and the listener's imagination.
  
  I enjoy his rendition more and more each passing year.
  
  
  
• Patrick Stewart brings it to life!
  By A1D3EY0ABQT055 on 2007-01-24
  Just wanted to say I have seen almost all productions of A Christmas Carol and read it many times, but I bought this on CD and Patrick Stewart as narrator is as good as it gets. His beautiful accent, bold intonations where it's called for and delicate tones when the characters dictate make this feel like a play with a full cast. Fantastic. I usually sell or pass along my books on CD, but this one is a keeper to listen to around the fire for years to come.
  
  
• Young Person's Version Great for the Family
  By A3P9D22KDEXVMN on 2007-06-23
  We would be hard pressed to find people not familiar with A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, due to several movies the novel has spawned. I finally sat down and read the novel and am glad I did. The novel by the prolific and popular Dickens is well-written with great characters. That the author can generate such imagery and fully-realized characters in such a short story, is a testament to his staying power. This book packs an emotional punch, and is a great tale for the holidays, or any time you need to remind yourself to be thankful for what you have and those around you. A classic story and a must read. 5 stars.
  
  
  
• Magically Apt
  By A3MOHFU61SLX9D on 2000-04-22
  Having seen the various movie versions over the years, I was pleasantly surprised at how enchanting, haunting and moving this story is. So much more exists in the story than is ever included in a film, that one finds it that much more entertaining although the story is so well known. Easily readable, but then that was Charles Dickens' style, I ploughed through it in an afternoon and reached the end before I truly expected to...
  
  
• A Christmas Carol is one of the best holiday novels in hist
  By on 1999-10-11
  Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol is by far one of the greatest holiday novels ever. It was first printed in the winter of 1843 and it is still in printing to this day. This classic story of Christmas joy and Christmas hate has been one of my favorite books of all time. The interaction between Ebenezer Scrooge and the supernatural is humorous and touching. When Scrooge sees the troubles the Crachits are having with money, tiny tim, etc., it is moving to see Scrooge change his way of treating bob and a number of other people. I hope that this novel will hold its ground as one of the greatest holiday novels man has known.
  
  
• The greatest book of all time
  By on 1999-11-09
  I love this book and all its movie versions. I would love to see the sequel to it made into a movie(Timothy Cratchit's Christmas Carol,1917 by Dickens and Powell)
  
  
• A Christmas Carol
  By A2P9WTS0FPLF66 on 1999-12-17
  A Christmas Carol is such a moving book. I think that anyone who enjoys such books should try and get around to reading it. It is a very inspirational novel and teaches a few very valuable lessons. I think it is wonderful how Dickens' includes so many "innocent" children in his novels. They just bring so much joy and warmth to the story. I want to conclude by saying..." For all you Bah Humbugs out there, there are more important things to life other than money and greed. And this book will seriously turn you around, and it will keep you hooked until you put it down."ÿ
  
  
• An Eternal Christmas Gift from Dickens
  By A1DBP9LW8H6ZCE on 2000-10-24
  In his 'A Christmas Carol', Dickens seems to be sending a message of gratefulness for us having to celebrate Christmas Day once a year inspite of the bitterness, sadness and hatred we sometimes feel the whole year round. Just the thought of having Christmas itself is enough reason for us to be thankful and to forgive and forget, Dickens seems to be saying.

  Also in this book, Dickens seems to be telling grown-ups to take care of the children. Ebenezer Scrooge has an axe to grind with the world with all he had experienced in his childhood and early adulthood. Who would not feel the same way as Scrooge after all what his early life had offered him? As when the Ghost of Christmas Past is showing to Scrooge the school scene when all young Scrooge's classmates have left for the Holidays and Scrooge's younger sister is trying to make him come home, too, but he is not inclined to do so. Dickens was constantly haunted by his traumatic experiences as a little lonely boy working in a blacking factory in industrial-age London. Dickens knew he lost a significant part of his life -- his childhood -- that he seemed to have brezzed by it straight into adulthood. He knew how important childhood experiences were as foundation of everybody's personalities that he seemed he wouldn't want other children to experience the hardships he went through as a child. And, through his 'Carol', Dickens has forever reminded adults about this particular sentiment of his.

  Dickens shows us how the love of money, the root of all evil, transformed a bitter, vengeful Scrooge to an old, cold man. One very poignant, heart-breaking scene of the story is when Arabella, young man Scrooge's object of affection, explains how, because of Scrooge's yearning to become financially successful in her eyes, she feels like somebody has replaced her in Scrooge's heart.

  Embedded in the story is the Biblical promise of redemption and salvation once a man has been born again like a child. Indeed, Scrooge, at the end of the story, on Christmas Day, feels like he's little again when he realized that there is still a chance for him to change his ways after the visit of the last specter, the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come.

  If there is one book that should be read during Christmastime by both grown-ups and children, it is this book , 'A Christmas Carol'. Charles Dickens has, indeed, given us an eternal Christmas gift.
  
  

• Five stars and then some!
  By A3FHAMLNGHCFU7 on 2001-07-09
  This is one of those stories that tempts a reviewer to succumb to grade inflation; it is so much better than other books that I've rated five stars, that I'm tempted to give it a higher than maximum rating.

  Granted, there are people out there who claim that this book is too cloyingly sweet for words; it's very stylish to be cynical. So call me a sucker for a happy ending if you must, but this is unquestionably the best thing that Dickens ever wrote; not only does it have his usual marvellous characterizations, but the plot moves better than most of those in his longer works, and, being a very short piece, it doesn't have the tendency to ramble that some of his longer works fall prey to.

  But beyond that, the story is an absolute classic, one that eveyone should have the pleasure of reading on a regular basis. What I find particularly pleasing about it is the frequently-overlooked fact that when Scrooge becomes pleasant and generous not only is it the right thing to do, and not only does it make the lives of those around him infinitely more pleasant, but it actually makes Scrooge himself much happier; it isn't WORK to be pleasant, it's FUN!

  The movie versions generally do a fairly good job of portraying the story, but nothing can compare to the original written story itself; even better, it's available from the "Dover Thrift Editions" for only a dollar!

  If you cherish your cynicism, you may want to avoid this story; but if you enjoy a good bit of delightfully playful writing that winds up with a classically upbeat ending, DO NOT miss this book.
  
  

• A Timeless Christmas Tradition
  By A2KKPATTS0K9CL on 2001-11-11
  Master storyteller and social critic, Charles Dickens, turns this social treatise on shortcomings of Victorian society into an entertaining and heartwarming Christmas ghost story which has charmed generations and become an icon of Christmas traditions. Who, in the Western world has not heard, "Bah, Humbug!" And who can forget the now almost hackneyed line of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!" or his cheerfully poignant observation, that he did not mind the stares of strangers in church, for he might thus serve as a reminder of He who made the lame, walk and the blind, see. Several movie versions: musical, animated, updated, or standard; as well as stage productions (I recall the Cleveland Playhouse and McCarter Theatre`s with fondess.) have brought the wonderful characterizations to the screen, as well as to life. This story of the redemption of the bitter and spiritually poor miser, and the book itself; however, is a timeless treasure whose richness, like Mrs Cratchit`s Christmas pudding, is one that no production can hope to fully capture.
  
  

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