Books

London: Chapman & Hall, 1843. First Edition. Near Fine. 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…

A Christmas Carol is a novella by English author Charles Dickens. It was first published by Chapman & Hall in 1843 and tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy, greedy, and cold-hearted old miser who is transformed into a kind, generous man after visits by the ghost of his former business partner and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

One indication of the first edition of 'A Christmas Carol' is the presence of red and blue title page, a red cloth binding, and yellow endpapers. Additionally, on the verso of the title page, it should be dated 1843 and state 'London: Published for the Author by Chapman & Hall, 186 Strand.'