Tuesday 13 December 2011

The Original Bah Humbug

I love to re read the Christmas Classic " A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens at this time of year as it really evokes the Spirit of Christmas in me. Last year, during  my Countdown to Christmas posts, I mentioned a wonderful copy of this book which I managed to find in our local charity shop a couple of years ago. We were decorating the dining room this time last year and all our books had been packed away so I could not show you all. As all our books are now back in their rightful place I can now  show you this wonderful copy I own. It is a small book, only 4 1/2 " by 6 1/2" (or 11cm by 17cm for my metric minded readers!)
It still has it's original dust wrapper, which is a little dog eared, but in great shape for its age.
Dickens's obviously wanted to plant a seed of thought in us all at this time of the year as this is the preface he wrote;

"I have endeavoured in the Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my reader out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it."






A Christmas Carol was first published just before Christmas 1843. My edition  was published in 1945 in time for the first Christmas after the war. It is printed on economy paper which is explained on the fly leaves. This edition reproduced the original illustrations by John Leech.


The illustrations are so gorgeous. There are not many, just a few colour plates and some line drawings.





This is one of my favourites when Marley visits Scrooge and warns him of the 3 Spirits who will visit that night.


















and here is one of the line drawings of Scrooge.














I love this one of the reformed kindly Scrooge after he has seen into his future and decided to mend his ways!










And of course those final words which I can recite....bless Tiny Tim!
I think this book strikes a chord with most of us at this time of the year.

In the words of C.D

..it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.
May that be truly said of us, and all of us!


How I agree........I try to  keep Christmas well and this little book does indeed "Haunt my house pleasantly"!

Only 12 days left now...........the clock is really ticking on. I am sure you would all like to see if Billy is still flat out, as he was in my last few posts ......
Good grief he has stirred from his slumbers........I wonder what he is waiting for?

Back soon,

Bye for now,

Jane x

22 comments:

  1. Jane,
    What a treasure you have with this special edition of "A Christmas Carol". I do love the story so, and watch it every year! Although some versions are better then others. Only 12 days and I am trying to stay calm. Hope you are well, xoRobin❤

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  2. His dinner maybe? Bless him. :)
    What a little treasure of a book you found, don't you wonder why someone would part with an 1945 copy of A Christmas Carol.
    Yes Jane you definitely keep Christmas well, as for me it's a wonder I don't get a visit from the odd ghost or three! ;)
    Enjoy the rest of the week,
    Vivienne x

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  3. I love your vintage book! It's a favorite story of mine too. I always felt so sorry for Tim and his family. Billy looks in fine fettle! I hope you're having a lovely time this holiday season.
    :¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:
    *M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
    :¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:-·-:¦:
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  4. I also love some of the film versions Robin...they are so good to watch in the run up to Christmas. I am fine thanks and I hope you are too?
    Jane x

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  5. He is such a fair weather boy Vivienne and does not like the wind and rain we have had. I was amazed to find this gem and it only cost me £1! Enjoy your week too,
    Jane x

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  6. A bargain of a gem Linda!
    Jane x

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  7. It's a great story isn't it Teresa and does remind us of the true spirit of this time of the year! Keep sung!
    Jane x

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  8. Hi Jane, thanks for the kind get well's over at TLC :) I'm finally getting to catch-up on my blog reading. I LOVE old books and this is a classic, you make me want to track down an old copy and have a read as I don't think I own one at the moment. Beth/The Linen Catx

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  9. Good to see you are feeling better Beth. Take care,
    Jane x

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  10. What a bargain that wonderful book was, Jane! I am a big book-hoarder, and anything with Christmas-theme I LOVE! I know in my stocking there will be P.G.Wodehouse's Jeeves Christmas-book, I cannot wait! Thank you so much for sharing! And oh Billy, what a sweet boy! Kisses!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  11. Lovely post....Christmas wouldn't be the same without A Christmas Carol. Your little book is a lovely old version, no wonder you treasure it. You do keep Christmas well, Jane...and it's nice to see that too! Have a happy week in the countdown...not long now!!
    Helen x

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  12. Your recents posts were just what I needed to reconnect with Christmas, and to let go of some pre-holiday stress! Thanks for sharing!

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  13. It was such a bargain Mia, how could I resist! I hope Santa puts lots of new books in your stocking. 10 days to go now.....
    Billy sends a gentle purr,
    Jane x

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  14. Thanks Helen, the last 10 days are now racing towards us...and everything is looking set! Enjoy your festivities, it's so good to share isn't it!
    Jane x

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  15. Jane if I can do just that then I am totally delighted that some of my love of Christmas has rubbed off to others ;0) Thanks so much for your comment and Merry Christmas,
    Jane x

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  16. Thanks Jane!! I love books especially old ones. What would Christmas be without Mr. Dickens and his Christmas carol.

    I'm glad you could have your special books out for this year's celebrations.

    Happy counting down to the big day!!
    Best wishes,
    Anne

    PlumCreek22

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  17. I know Ann! Hope you are getting sorted for the big day-only 9 days left!
    Jane x

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  18. Thanks Vicki they are beautiful aren't they!
    Jane x

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  19. What a treasure, Jane! Oh how I loved viewing your close-ups of the illustrations..wonderful! I'm wishing you and yours a lovely holiday season sans the fruitcake...oh but your spongecake tradition sounds perfect! : )

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  20. Indeed it is Shirley and yes there will be no fruit cake here...but plenty of yummy mince pies instead!
    Jane x

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Jane x