Customer Reviews:
 Stocking fillers January 19, 2008
The first thing to point out with this collection is that it is well worth getting just for the first tale (the Christmas Carol). Christmas Carol, by far and away, more than matches the hype and is (dare I say it) genius! No other story (that I know of) imbues the spirit of christmas more perfectly and faithfully and this book is worth purchasing just for that.
However, tales two and three ('Chimes' and 'Cricket on the Hearth') are not quite so good and do let the collection down. 'Chimes' is a good story in essence: it is about a charactor called Trotty who becomes cynical about human nature and is taught a redemptive lesson by the spirits that live in the bells of the local church.
The really erksome thing is that the story never really seems to go anywhere and goes around the houses trying to do so. What should be a clear-cut and heartwarming tale, ends up not really imparting the lesson that it should; that man is built for better things.
'Cricket on the Hearth' is a little better and clearer in what it is aiming for and in its writing although I did read through ten pages of it where not a lot happened. Essentially it is about a carrier (Peerybingle) and his wife Dot who are watched over by a Guardian Angel in the form of a cricket. In a similar way to Christmas carol, this tale covers a redemption plot of the local toymaker (Tackleton) but also includes several other elements that make it an enjoyable Christmas tale.
So, to conclude, the first story in this book should be read by everyone, the second can be skipped and the third is worth reading, if only at Christmas time. As a collection, this book excludes the rather poorer tales of 'Battle of Life' and 'Haunted man', which is a redeeming virtue - if it excluded 'Chimes' as well, then it would be a true masterpiece.
 Warms the cockles December 29, 2003
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
How did I possibly get into my thirties without ever having read this book? It is so wonderful, that I turned striaght to the front page again when I'd finnished reading it. If your only experience of A Christmas Carol, like me, was the dodgy TV adaptations, do yourself a favour and pick up this book. It is enchanting, heartwarming and and far better than anything you'll see on TV. A real Christmas treat!
A heart warming tale... for Christmas and all year round December 8, 2003
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
A classic tale, from a classic story teller. Dickens prose is a joy, his vocabulary diverse and hugely descriptive. He has thedeft ability to portray the emotion of a situation. For example, Scrooge's fear at meeting Marley and the other ghosts of Christmas or Scrooge's joy at truly experiencing Christmas once the ghosts have worked their magic. He enables the reader to see and smell Dickensian London. But, the moral of the tale is applicable to our lives today. I.e. don't be too wrapped up in material things. Enjoy life while you can, and help others to do so if you have the chance. Out with the 'bah humbug' and in with the 'Merry Christmas and goodwill to all men'! A brilliant read.
A classic. December 16, 2000
12 out of 16 found this review helpful
It is great to read the original Charles Dickens story which is so well written. A great tale of a sour old man haveing to reflect on his life. If you haven't already read the story this is a must buy. A great book, a great author and a great read.
Brilliantly presented classic November 27, 2000
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This is where you collect your Christmas spirit - classic Dickens in this magnificent OUP hardback volume. Highly recommended!
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