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On December 19, 1843, A Christmas Carol was first published

The story's popularity played a critical role in redefining the importance of Christmas and the major sentiments associated with the holiday. A Christmas Carol was written during a time of decline in the old Christmas traditions. "If Christmas, with its ancient and hospitable customs, its social and charitable observances, were in danger of decay, this is the book that would give them a new lease", said English poet Thomas Hood.

Wikipedia

Not only that, but Dickens wrote the story under financial duress. At only 31 with a large family to feed, pressing financial needs and a dwindling reputation, Dickens had hit hard times after his earlier successes with "The Pickwick Papers," "Oliver Twist" and "The Old Curiosity Shop."




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The story of the story is a fascinating one

With the unforgettable characters that have become part of our vernacular and the story itself Dickens amazes. Add to that the fact that Dickens wrote the book in six weeks, did all the editing, chose the paper and the binding and used his own money—self-published it—and the story behind the story begs to be told.

Now, just in time for Christmas, there is a book about Dickens:

"The Man Who Invented Christmas" by American historian and crime novelist Les Standiford has enjoyed brisk early sales at a time when many people may need some holiday cheer during the worst economic recession since the Great Depression.

"The need to be reminded of the importance of charity is even greater in difficult times," Standiford said in an interview.

"I learned that Dickens needed money, he was desperate," Standiford explained.

Haunted by his father's incarceration in debtor's prison and his own experience of being forced to work at 12 to support his family, Dickens underwent a prolonged period of introspection before his fortunes turned again with "A Christmas Carol," according to Standiford.

With the book, and its enduring characters like Tiny Tim, Scrooge and Marley, Dickens had hoped to redeem himself with an uplifting message about a world of universal charity, empathy and family harmony.

Read the entire Reuters article here.

Read A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens:
A Christmas Carol: In Prose: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, By Charles Dickens

Buy A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Bantam Classic)

The Man Who Invented Christmas, By Les Standiford

See film versions of the story at YouTube: