A Christmas Carol

Dickens, Charles

Published by Chapman & Hall, London, 1843

About this Item

First edition, first printing. First issue with title page printed in red and blue, dated 1843 in Roman numerals; half title and verso of title page printed in blue; "Stave I" on page [1]. Bound in fine contemporary full marbled calf, gilt lettered black morocco spine label, covers ruled in gilt, gilt dentelles, red pastedowns and endpapers, all edges gilt, by J. Leighton, Brewer Street. Illustrated with 4 hand colored engraved plates by John Leech and 4 black and white illustrations by W.J. Linton. Near Fine with small vintage bookseller ticket to front pastedown and hinge at half-title page exposed though binding remains solid, pages lightly tanned. A fantastic copy in a beautiful contemporary binding. Written by Dickens during a period when the British were exploring and re-evaluating past Christmas traditions, including carols, and newer customs such as Christmas cards and Christmas trees. He was influenced by the experiences of his own youth and by the Christmas stories of other authors, including Washington Irving. The novella captured the zeitgeist of the mid-Victorian revival of the Christmas holiday. Dickens acknowledged the influence of the modern Western observance of Christmas, and in turn, his novella would go on to later influence several aspects of Christmas traditions, including family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, dancing, games and a festive generosity of spirit. Seller Inventory # 140945178

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Christmas Carol

Publisher: Chapman & Hall, London

Publication Date: 1843

Condition: Near Fine

Edition: First Edition.