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dtab62's review against another edition
4.0
Not exactly what I thought it was going to be, which was an in depth examination of his creative inspiration for the characters. But it was still a worthwhile read. I learned much about 19th century publishing, and was amazed by the lack of copyright protections.
I also learned much about Dickens the man, of which I’d known very little.
I recommend this book, just don’t look for too many deep insights into the tale and its characters.
I also learned much about Dickens the man, of which I’d known very little.
I recommend this book, just don’t look for too many deep insights into the tale and its characters.
the_enobee's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating look at the history behind much of Dickens's writing, in particularly a Christmas Carol. Also as a bonus, the historical recounting of Christmas celebrations and how they have evolved over he centuries in both Europe and North America was fascinating.
librarianmillie's review against another edition
3.0
Similar to other slim biographies and history books, this book is a little too drawn out for the subject matter. I got to the Dickens Fair every year and I'm little too obsessed with 19th century, so this was a perfect little book. There were definitely a lot of parts you could skip over.
kay_slayerofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Concise Summary . . .
I don't think I've realized ALL the books Charles Dickens is responsible for until listening to this. A Christmas Story is the most obvious/popular of his books - and my favorite - but I didn't realize he was the author of so many others that are considered classics today.
4.25 stars
I don't think I've realized ALL the books Charles Dickens is responsible for until listening to this. A Christmas Story is the most obvious/popular of his books - and my favorite - but I didn't realize he was the author of so many others that are considered classics today.
4.25 stars
emromc's review against another edition
3.0
Easy, quick read. I watched the movie by the same name and wanted to see how much was true. I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible this little book was, and though I'm no Dickens fan, I enjoyed getting to know a little more about his life, especially pertaining to Carol, which is the one Dickens I come back to periodically (don't we all?).
cookabook's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not what you'd call a Dickens buff but I wanted to read some nonfiction about Christmas during the month of December. Having seen [b:A Christmas Carol|5326|A Christmas Carol|Charles Dickens|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1406512317l/5326._SY75_.jpg|3097440] adapted so many times for stage and screen, I felt compelled to read into the history of the original work.
And I can't say I was disappointed! This is a charming little account of the context and rocky history of a classic, with some neat insights into Dickens's personal finances and his views on America, copyright law, and more.
And I can't say I was disappointed! This is a charming little account of the context and rocky history of a classic, with some neat insights into Dickens's personal finances and his views on America, copyright law, and more.
stabaquail's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a delight! Christmas Carol has certainly been an important part of my life since I was a kid, as we have always watched the Muppet adaptation, and I lately listen to Neil Gaiman’s performance of it each year. I didn’t know very much about Dickens, however. I know this isn’t a thorough biography (I don’t really need one right now) but it’s certainly much easier to read than typical nonfiction, and it provides just enough context to provide some extra appreciation for a story which is so integral to our Christmas, all these years later.
jillannlim's review against another edition
4.0
Meant to be a lighter summary of Dickens' life and its effect on his writings, including A Christmas Carol, this book hits its mark. No other writing has had as a great an effect on western pop culture than Carol.
elvenavari's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved reading about the history of Dickens' Christmas Carol. The way Standiford wrote this was both interesting and engaging. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who wanted a little more about Dickens.