Reader's note
A wonderful copy of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Books. This book collects five stories written by Dickens specifically for Christmas between the years 1843 and 1848. His characteristic concern for the social ills of the day are blended with whimsy, comedy, satire and sentiment throughout. A Christmas Carol is a festive staple which follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he is haunted by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. The Chimes concerns Trotty Veck, a poor ticket porter, who’s despairing outlook is healed by the chimes of New Year’s Eve. The Cricket on the Heath finds Peerybingle’s marriage in trouble due to a misunderstanding, John Peerybingle consults a cricket who assures him that everything will be okay. The Battle of Life has Doctor Jeddler whose daughters try to convert him from his cynicism. The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain has echoes of A Christmas Carol, Mr. Redlaw is haunted by painful memories when a phantom who looks just like himself offers a way to forget - but at a cost. 
