Book & slipcase. 'A Christmas Carol', first published in 1843, was written in a time of decline in the old Christmas traditions. The story's great popularity played an important role in redefining the importance of Christmas in the 19th century, and even today, with our many contemporary Ebenezer Scrooges, it reminds us of the importance and true meaning of Christmas. As a Victorian morality tale, it became an instant success and one of Charles Dickens' (1812-1870) best known stories. This fine miniature book presents the complete version of the 1843 text and also includes the original illustrations by John Leech.