Χριστουγεννιάτικα Κάλαντα

by Charles Dickens, Μάρα Μοίρα (translator), Robert Ingpen (illustrator)

Κατέβαλα κάθε φιλότιμη προσπάθεια ώστε να εμφυσήσω σ’ αυτό το μικρό βιβλίο των φαντασμάτων το Πνεύμα μιας Ιδέας που δε θα κακοκαρδίσει τους αναγνώστες μου, ούτε θα τους κάνει να χάσουν την καλή τους διάθεση για τους άλλους ή γι’ αυτή την εποχή του χρόνου ή για μένα. Μακάρι να στοιχειώσει με ευχάριστο τρόπο το σπίτι τους και να τους συντροφεύει για πάντα. Ο πιστός φίλος και υπηρέτης τους.

Κάρολος Ντίκενς, Δεκέμβριος 1843.

Genres: Classics, Christmas, Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1850

About the author

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is an eternal and immortal classic which defies space and times!!!
Still powerful evoking the Christmas magic and flair, and with the gift of touching the heart of the reader like no other novel does..

Indeed the perfect book to be read for the Christmas season..

regarding the plot and the Chrismas ghosts involved, I think that because of the uncountable film adaptations and musicals plus theater plays nearly everyone must know of..

I'll focus my review on this edition I have read..
A very wonderful edition, hardback, enriched with multiple beautiful and atmospheric colorful illustrations and a bonus Christmas short story: A Christmas Tree!!

If you want to enjoy A Christmas Carol, I recommend this edition..

Dickens wrote about his novel:

"..I have endeavoured in this Ghostly little book, to rise the Ghost of and idea, which shall not put my readers 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.."

Happy readings and a merry Christmas to all my goodreads friends..

Dean;)

This is my second reading of this beautiful edition of a "Christmas Carol", and still I love it!!!
With wonderful illustrations capable to make the reader dream of the Christmas magic..
Evocative of colorful and vivid pictures!!

Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" is a classic to be read again and again..
If Ebenezer Scrooge could change his wicked ways and maltreatment of his fellow humans beings, so can you and I!!!

Included in this magnificient edition is also " A Christmas Tree", which is a wonderful Christmas story and able to rapture us into other worlds!!!

I loved it!!!

Merry Christmas to all my Goodreads friends!!!
Dean;)

[Connie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of Dickens' most popular Christmas stories are included in this book. Robert Ingpen's beautiful illustrations enhanced my reading of "A Christmas Carol" and "A Christmas Tree."

I wrote my thoughts on each of the stories separately:

"A Christmas Carol": https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

"A Christmas Tree": https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jenny Sparrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Кто не знает сюжета диккенсовской Рождественской песни в прозе! Про Скруджа и трех духов слышали\смотрели все. Но саму повесть я прочитала впервые только что в прекрасном издании Махаона с иллюстрациями Ингпена. И должна сказать, что книга просто восхитительная. Она очень сочная, праздничная, уютная, добрая и сострадательная. Истинное удовольствие читать её под ёлкой в праздники. И перевод выше всяких похвал, и хотя я и читаю всегда английскую литературу только в оригинале, но этот перевод делает честь Диккенсу. Очень рекомендую, даже если вы знаете сюжет.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for A Christmas Carol, but 3 stars for A Christmas Tree for a average of 4 stars.

Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/131353...

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for A Christmas Carol and 2 stars for A Christmas Tree.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who could say that despite having never read A Christmas Carol nor seen an adaptation, I already knew this story. But being familiar with the story didn't make it any less delightful to read for the first time. A Christmas Carol is an altogether unexpected story, but perfectly encapsulates what so much of the 'holiday spirit' is all about. The story sweet and cosy, funny at times, and with the kind of heartwarming ending that practically belongs to Christmas.

The Christmas Tree on the other hand was just a weird hodgepodge of different vignettes and anecdotes. It was going alright for me until I reached the stories about various deaths and I just completely lost what Dickens was going for. Where A Christmas Carol epitomises Christmas spirit, A Christmas Tree does quite the opposite.

Of both stories though, I cannot stress enough how brilliant Robert Ingpen's illustrations are. His wonderful illustrator's note mentioned how terrified he was to illustrate such a classic story, but he goes above and beyond in his depictions of the wintery holiday seasons in which these stories were written and set. The illustrations practically demand that one sits by the fire to read the stories.

[Thaisa Meyka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finalmente li o maior clássico de Natal já escrito e trago, pra vocês, a última resenha do ano!
Em "A Christmas Carol" (ou "Um Conto de Natal"), conhecemos Ebenezer Scrooge, um senhor rico e mesquinho que detesta o Natal - para ele, família, amigos, bondade e empatia não importam; o que importa é o dinheiro. Até que, em um 24 de Dezembro, o fantasma de seu antigo sócio, Jacob Marley, avisa Scrooge que este será visitado por três espíritos: o do Natal passado, o do Natal presente, e o do Natal futuro. Eles levarão o protagonista avarento em uma viagem entre natais, sendo eles felizes, tristes, solitários ou devastadores...
Já a outra história, "A Christmas Tree" ("A Árvore de Natal"), apresenta um narrador que, ao se deparar com uma belíssima árvore natalina, começa a refletir sobre os natais que já viveu, os presentes que recebeu, as fábulas que leu... E até mesmo histórias de fantasmas de crianças que permaneceram em seu imaginário.
Desde a época em que Charles Dickens escrevia, seus contos natalinos eram uma tradição (o que agradava os leitores, mas não tanto o próprio autor...). A história de Natal mais conhecida é, de fato, "Um Conto de Natal", e não é pra menos: foi uma leitura incrível, uma narrativa que toma conta do leitor e uma história emblemática, que captura perfeitamente o espírito natalino, a importância do amor ao próximo e a paz que paira nos últimos dias de um ano atribulado.
"A Árvore de Natal", menos conhecida, não deixa de impactar aquele que a lê - ela compila aspectos tradicionais da escrita de Dickens, misturando a beleza da nostalgia e considerações sobre a magia da infância com pensamentos fugidios sobre assombrações que aterrorizam toda criança.
Apesar de não possuir a linguagem mais simples, mas enredos rápidos e tocantes, os dois contos cativam o público, cada um à sua maneira, promovendo reflexões pontuais sobre o que realmente importa na vida: a felicidade.

Mais resenhas no instagram literário @livre_em_livros

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations of Robert Ingpen add beautifully to this timeless classic.

Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol ✔
The Victorian Christmas ✔
Illustrator's Note (Robert Ingpen) ✔

A Christmas Carol 5⭐
Preface ✔
Stave 1: Marley's Ghost ✔
Stave 2: The First of the Three Spirits ✔
Stave 3: The Second of the Three Spirits ✔
Stave 4: The Third of the Three Spirits ✔
Stave 5: The End of It ✔

A Christmas Tree 4⭐

[Siri Wohrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is actually amazing!

[Herdis Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol: 5 stars

A Christmas Tree: 3 stars

"A Christmas Carol"

"A Christmas Carol" is, without a doubt, my all-time favourite piece of Christmas fiction. The story of misanthropic, miserly, miserable Ebenezer Scrooge, who, one fateful Christmas Eve, is given a chance at redemption and a new and better life, never ceases to move me. It perfectly encapsulates what Christmas should be about: togetherness, generosity, forgiveness, and putting aside our meaner tendencies in exchange for something warmer, more open, and more hopeful.



Scrooge's transformation touches me so deeply not only because of the possibilities inherent in this personal change, but also because of how readily everyone around him is willing to forgive, with what spirit of generosity they welcome the overtures and presence of a man who has, up until that point, provided them with nothing but misery.



It is a story that shows it is never too late to change, and that treating each other with patience, understanding, and kindness can alter the course of more lives than one.

If you, for some bizarre reason, have yet to read this story, I cannot recommend it enough!

(Gifs courtesy of the greatest adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" ever made: "Scrooge" (1970).)

"A Christmas Tree"

It would be error to call this a story. This little piece is a dreamy description of a Christmas tree that segues into images from the teller's (presumably Dickens himself) Christmases memories, first from childhood, then adolescence, and finally adulthood.

The descriptions are vivid, and the prose is, as always with Dickens, vibrant and evocative. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this piece, and I perfectly understand other people's having higher opinions of it than I do. Still, it didn't really strike any particular chords with me.

...

Finally, a little note on the illustrations. Robert Ingpen draws absolutely beautiful scenery. His attention to detail, and his use of colour and shading brings Dickensian London vividly to life. However, I'm not as impressed by his portraits. There is, in particular, something lacking in his faces, which seem somehow a little flat and inconsistent. He also struggles to draw hair, which is undoubtedly a small, nitpicky thing to point out, but as my attention is often drawn to hair, it is something that bothered me throughout.

[Tanya Marlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is my opinion that Charles Dickens is most excellent when he is brief. Little Dorrit is interminable, Bleak House is full of boring obscure law rants that are repeated throughout the book, and after the first brilliant nine chapters of David Copperfield we are again in the wilderness of rambling, plotless prose. I blame serialisation: the longer he could spin it out in periodicals, the more money he’d get. This is the same phenomenon that ruined Friends, Lost and Heroes.

But – like Dickens, I digress. This shorter Dickens book is a fun allegory with plenty of witty banter and commentary on the time. Scrooge, the pantomime tightfisted villain is transformed by ghosts who take him to his past, present and future and point out his shortcomings so he changes his life utterly. When the ghost takes him to his past, we enter into a dreamlike state, seeing scenes that start to tell a story of a man – and there we see Dickens at his most masterful. It is a morality tale, which makes it simple but gives it longevity and relevance for today.

If you’ve never read the book, it’s a good Dickens to start with. Then read A Tale Of Two Cities, his greatest work, the first nine chapters of David Copperfield, and like that, you’ve got yourself a greatest hits album of Dickens, and BOSH – you can stop there.
For kids, the Robert Ingpen version is a treasury of traditional coloured illustrations, or Quentin Blake offers his fun and colourful edition – either of these have the full and original text and would make a great present (for Christmas, perhaps).

[Nikoletta Stamati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Το λες και λίγο αστείο να κάνω κριτική στον Κάρολο Ντίκενς, αλλά here we are.
Δεν ξέρω κι εγώ πόσες κινηματογραφικές και τηλεοπτικές εκδοχές έχω δει από τα «Χριστουγεννιάτικα Κάλαντα», οπότε αποφάσισα ότι ήταν ώρα και να τα διαβάσω. Η ιστορία είναι ακόμα πιο όμορφα γραμμένη απ’όσο είναι να την βλέπεις σε ταινίες και σειρές. Και η εικονογράφηση κάνει την όλη αναγνωστική εμπειρία ακόμα πιο όμορφη.
Επειδή είμαι άνθρωπος, που θέλω να έχω κυρίως πλοκή και ελάχιστες περιγραφές (πχ τοπίων), σε κάποιες φάσεις συγκρατιόμουν να μην προσπεράσω απλά παραγράφους χωρίς να τις διαβάσω. Αλλά μικρό το κακό σε σχέση με όλη την υπόλοιπη ιστορία.
Βέβαια, επειδή το βιβλίο περιλάμβανε και το διήγημα «Χριστουγεννιάτικο Δέντρο», πρέπει να πω ότι αυτό όντως με κούρασε αρκετά. Σχεδόν όλο ήταν μια ατέλειωτη περιγραφή παιχνιδιών. Μόνο το κομμάτι με τις ιστορίες φαντασμάτων με έκανε να μην βαριέμαι τρομερά.
Στο σύνολο, πάντως, μιλάμε για μία κλασική «μαγική» ιστορία και μία πανέμορφη έκδοση.

[Eleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Τα 4* πάνε στην πρώτη ιστορία όπου ο Ντίκενς αγγίζει αλήθειες της ζωής και της κοινωνίας που παραμένουν επίκαιρες μέχρι σήμερα. Μια ιστορία που προβληματίζει τον αναγνώστη που είναι ανοιχτός σε αυτό και με τον τρόπο του έγινε και ο Ντίκενς ακόμα ένα φάντασμα Χριστουγέννων για μας, για τη δική μας αφύπνιση και αναστοχασμό 150πόσα χρόνια αργότερα. Δυστυχώς στη δεύτερη "ιστορία" του Χρ. Δέντρου δε συμβαίνει το ίδιο, είναι κατά το μεγαλύτερο μέρος ένα παραλήρημα του Ντίκενς, εικόνων και αναμνήσεων του χωρίς όμως συνοχή και νόημα σαν μια δική του αγωνία να μείνουν αθάνατες. Μόνο στο τέλος που λέει για θρύλους φαντασματων έχει στιγμιαία πλοκή και νόημα. Η εικονογράφηση όμως σε όλο το βιβλίο είναι φανταστική και πραγματικά σε μεταφέρει σε άλλη εποχή, σε ένα άλλο κόσμο.

[Rebecca D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations in this version of The Christmas Carol.
I did not care for The Christmas Tree story.

[Γιώργος Μεσολογγίτης · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ο βαθμός προφανώς για το ασύγκριτο Christmas Carol. Χρόνο παρά χρόνο βρίσκω μια διαφορετική έκδοση της κλασικής ιστορίας και κάθε ανάγνωση παραμένει συναρπαστική όπως η πρώτη φορά. Im a Christmas fan, i cant help it. Αυτή η έκδοση του Πατάκη ήταν από τις καλύτερες.

[Prue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never finished a Dickens book, and I mainly picked this one up because of my university reading list, but it really is a classic, and I must admit I was enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Like all Victorian era literature, sentences do tend to be long-winded, but the story overall was heart-warming and positive, and I really liked the development of Scrooge as he warmed to the people around him upon seeing what the three Spirits had to show him. It felt a bit weird to read a Christmas book in May/June - I'm in a Christmassy mood now despite the sunshine outdoors.

This edition really has some beautiful illustrations by Robert Ingpen that made the story feel all the more alive. I'm glad I read this book, and I think it's a lovely tale to read to children around the season, just because it urges traits of compassion, empathy, and selflessness towards others. Dickens had a truly seasonal and wonderful message with this book.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

anyone will tell you that I am a Christmas Carol nut. since I was young and as long as I can remember I would eagerly wait for December each year and scour the tv listings to see what days and times the different versions were on tv. Sadly, it doesnt seem to play as much as it used to. Thankfully, I have many different versions on DVD. This year I was determined to finally read the entire story. Suprisingly, many tv remakes are on target. It is fun to see which versions intergrated different elements of the story. SPOILER for those who have not read the books, it does not take place in one night. It would not be acurate to say that it is over several nights, but more like time suspended or fluid time. I highly recommend this edition because of the beautiful illustrations by Robert Ingpen. I plan on purchasing Wind in the Willows that he illustrated as well.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking for a nice version of this book for some time and finally found it! A hardback book, with thick quality pages and fabulous drawings to accompany one of the best stories ever told. The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser who comes face to face with 4 spirits upon Christmas Eve and is confronted with his past, his present and his future. Dickens captures the harsh reality of Victorian London and takes us through a journey that sees the very best and the very worst of people. Everyone should read this tale at list once in their life time, the earlier the better if they wish to avoid the potential fate of Scrooge.

Also included in this book was a bonus story entitled The Christmas Tree. I did not purchase the book for this story so it made a nice little bonus on the end.

5 stars and a Merry Christmas to you all.

[Oleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Як можна не любити Різдво? Це ж дикість якась... Прочитайте цю чудову книжку, наповнену справжнім духом Різдва і тепла, і Ви обов'язково полюбите Різдво.Нема просто інших варіантів. Ця книга чарівна і без перебільшення Діккенс геній!))) Це моя найулюбленіша Різдвяна історія і, до речі, за нею знято чудовий фільм (або казка)... не пам'ятаю жанру, але Ви неодмінно подивіться - це просто чарівно називається "Різдвяна історія". Тож хто хоче зануритися з головою в зимову казку і підняти дух свята, то вирушайте читати цю книжку, вона чудова, а ілюстрації так детально передають персонажів та ідеально підходять до розповіді.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book and listened to Patrick Stewart's theatrical version of it more than once. This is just a wonderful story. This year, it's our family read aloud. Sloane is enjoying it, but I think she finds it a bit slow going. She's nine, remember. We didn't finish it before Christmas and now that it's February, I'm going to have to admit that we won't. At least not till next Christmas.

12/13/11
Another reread of Patrick Stewart's performance. Wonderful!

12/6/13
Love this! I listened while I put the lights on our tree. Marvelous.

[Steve Wales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful edition from Templar filled with beautiful illustrations by Robert Ingpen. This is the sort of book you know well and want a good edition to keep and reread time and again, and this is my edition of choice for A Christmas Carol, over and above several more expensive posh editions. In a word: gorgeous.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this gift! This and the P.J. Lynch version are my two favorite illustrated versions.

Why? Number one, they both have the full text. Number two, the illustrations compliment the writing beautifully.

[Vladislav Potapov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol is the classics that everyone should read. Dickens' details is description are just amazing and along with the illustrations of Robert Ingpen it draws a wonderful (or a frightful) picture in your mind that makes you feel yourself a part of this story.

[Honestmitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read every Christmas… this illustrated version is especially charming…. In the same week I managed to get to the Dickens Museum in Doughty Street WC1 … what a treat! Now I’m ready for Christmas.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm learning not to judge a book by the movie. I think that reading this might just become a Christmas tradition for me.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annual Christmas readaloud

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a Christmas Carol
3 stars for A Christmas Tree