A modern fairy story' (Ackroyd, 413). 'It may readily be called the Bible of Christmas… A Christmas Carol was issued about ten days before Christmas, 1843, and 6000 copies were sold on the first day… (Eckel, 110). 'Written at the height of Dickens' great powers, A Christmas Carol would add to his considerable fame, bring a new work to the English language, increase the festivities at Christmastime, and contain his most eloquent protest at the condition of the poor' (John Mortimer).

Second American edition, later impression (with Preface on verso of title-page); slim 8vo (240 x 150 mm); advertisements to verso of upper wrapper, recto of first leaf, verso and recto of rear wrapper, text in two columns, general light foxing, staining two short tears for fore-edge, the larger one slightly impinging on one workd of text, otherwise very good; publisher's printed wrappers, later (probably early 20th century) faded ink inscription to upper wrapper erroneously stating '1st American Edition', some spotting and general wear, short horizontal crease to upper wrapper, corner crease to lower, outer corner of rear wrapper, otherwise good and sound.