Those Pesky Ghosts: "A Christmas Carol" Through the Years
December 23, 2015 · by alumnisocialmedia · in Archival Photos, Photo Galleries. ·
Special Collections and Archives at the John T. Richardson Library in Lincoln Park holds more than 900 titles by Charles Dickens, including more than 60 editions of the beloved holiday classic "A Christmas Carol." Click on the images below for a peek into the collection's most unique editions of this timeless tale.
Special Collections has a first edition—though not first issue—of the Dickens' classic published in 1844.
The Ghost of Christmas Present visits Scrooge in this 1868 illustrated edition.
A ghostly version of Marley's face appears on the doorknocker in this 1887 illustrated edition.
An 1887 facsimile of Dickens' original manuscript—complete with edits—reveals the evolution of this beloved tale.
The Ghost of Christmas Past whisks Scrooge away in this illustration from a 1900 edition, which was purchased from the Dickens House Museum.
The title page of the 1905 edition provides an illustrated summary of the novel's plot.
Marley's ghost visits Scrooge, teasing readers for what's to come, in this 1912 edition.
Dickens experienced an unusually snowy childhood in London, which helps explain why images like these from the 1940 edition permeate the public consciousness of England at Christmastime.
Tiny Tim adorns the title page of this 1940 edition.
The Ghost of Christmas Future visits Scrooge in this Czech version published in 1945.
The 1946 French edition features a unique title page.
Tags: "A Christmas Carol", Charles Dickens, Christmas, Czech, Dickens House Museum, first editions, French, future, ghosts, holiday classics, John T. Richardson Library, manuscripts, Marley, old books, past, present, Scrooge, snow, Special Collections and Archives, Tiny Tim, winter
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