Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s second chance to lead a more charitable and loving life, is one of the most well-known and well-loved Christmas stories of all time. Dickens originally published the novella in December 1843. It was an immediate success with both critics and the public, and more than a century later, it is still popular, particularly in adaptations for film and stage. More than 20 movies have been based on Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol” book, with many other TV, stage and radio productions.
The tale begins on Christmas Eve seven years after the death of Ebenezer Scrooge’s business partner Jacob Marley. Scrooge is a greedy and stingy businessman who has no place in his life for kindness, compassion, charity, or benevolence. After being warned by Marley’s ghost to change his ways, Scrooge is visited by three additional ghosts – each in its turn – who accompany him to various scenes with the hope of achieving his transformation.
The first of the spirits, the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge to the scenes of his boyhood and youth and remind him of a time when he was more innocent. The second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, takes Scrooge to several differing scenes to make the miser feel a sense of responsibility for his fellow man. The third spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, scares Scrooge with dark visions of his future if he doesn’t change his ways.
When Scrooge awakens Christmas morning, he has been transformed into a new man who is kinder and more compassionate.
Free Copies of Charles Dickens Christmas Carol Book
Because this story has transferred to the public domain, you can get free copies of Charles Dickens “Christmas Carol” book online, in both text and audio formats. Visit the sites below to get your free copy of one of the most popular Christmas stories of all time.
e-Book with illustrations – A Christmas Carol at ibilio.org
Audio download – A Christmas Carol at LibriVox
Plain text or HTML – A Christmas Carol at Project Gutenberg
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