What do you think?
Rate this book
A Christmas Carol and The Night Before Christmas (Annotated) With Commentary from Alison Larkin
A Christmas Carol and The Night Before Christmas are as different as England and America themselves. And yet almost two centuries later these iconic works remain the most famous Christmas stories ever told—and a beloved part of Christmas tradition all over the world.
A Christmas Carol
An mean-spirited old man by the name of Ebeneezer Scrooge is well-known for his miserly ways. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by a series of ghosts—starting with his old business partner, Jacob Marley. The three spirits which follow, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, show Scrooge how his mean behaviour has affected those around him.
The Night Before Christmas
On Christmas Eve, while his wife and children sleep, a father awakens to noises outside his house. Looking out the window, he sees Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) in an air-borne sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. After landing his sleigh on the roof, the saint enters the house through the chimney, carrying a sack of toys with him. The father watches Santa filling the children's Christmas stockings hanging by the fire, and laughs to himself. They share a conspiratorial moment before the saint bounds up the chimney again.
This e-book is published by British Classic Audio to accompany the audiobook, narrated by the Audie Award-winning Derek Perkins and the AudioFile Earphones Award-winning Alison Larkin.
A Christmas Carol
An mean-spirited old man by the name of Ebeneezer Scrooge is well-known for his miserly ways. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by a series of ghosts—starting with his old business partner, Jacob Marley. The three spirits which follow, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, show Scrooge how his mean behaviour has affected those around him.
The Night Before Christmas
On Christmas Eve, while his wife and children sleep, a father awakens to noises outside his house. Looking out the window, he sees Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) in an air-borne sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. After landing his sleigh on the roof, the saint enters the house through the chimney, carrying a sack of toys with him. The father watches Santa filling the children's Christmas stockings hanging by the fire, and laughs to himself. They share a conspiratorial moment before the saint bounds up the chimney again.
This e-book is published by British Classic Audio to accompany the audiobook, narrated by the Audie Award-winning Derek Perkins and the AudioFile Earphones Award-winning Alison Larkin.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1843
4 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Charles Dickens
12.8k books31.4k followersCharles 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)
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)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 28, 2018
I had the pleasure of listening to the Alison Larkin Presents versions of Dickens' A Christmas Carol and Clement Clark Moore's The Night Before Christmas. Anyone who knows me, knows I love A Christmas Carol. I usually either read it every year, or listen to some version on audio, in addition to watching all the film versions.
This particular version of A Christmas Carol was very entertaining. The narrator had a pleasing voice, and I was envisioning the story as I listened. It was quite a nice audio during my forays as Mom's taxi service. Teehee.
Alison Larkin narrated The Night Before Christmas herself and I just love her voice! She gave the traditional tale, that we all have loved since children, a very whimsical, yet heartwarming tone.
Listening to these classic Christmas tales in the lead up to the Christmas season was just what I needed to get me into the spirit. I highly recommend to anyone who loves Christmas, and enjoys listening to audiobooks.
This particular version of A Christmas Carol was very entertaining. The narrator had a pleasing voice, and I was envisioning the story as I listened. It was quite a nice audio during my forays as Mom's taxi service. Teehee.
Alison Larkin narrated The Night Before Christmas herself and I just love her voice! She gave the traditional tale, that we all have loved since children, a very whimsical, yet heartwarming tone.
Listening to these classic Christmas tales in the lead up to the Christmas season was just what I needed to get me into the spirit. I highly recommend to anyone who loves Christmas, and enjoys listening to audiobooks.
December 26, 2018
The ultimate Christmas story: A Christmas Carol.
January 3, 2019
Ended up with this audiobook through Hoopla Digital. The narrator is pretty good and the story flew.
February 15, 2019
Most people know both of these and I acquired as a piece to add to my library.
A Christmas Carol is every bit delightful as it’s many film and television adaptations. I read this so I may form my own images and understandings unedited and unfiltered. Honestly, I spent a great amount of time with the dictionary as I read this to best further my understanding and minimize misinterpretations. It was a lively read and I do recommend putting for the time and effort to experience it as Dickens penned.
Clement Moore’s work is convenient to share among adults and children. It compliments Dickens well and makes this publishing worthy of ownership.
A Christmas Carol is every bit delightful as it’s many film and television adaptations. I read this so I may form my own images and understandings unedited and unfiltered. Honestly, I spent a great amount of time with the dictionary as I read this to best further my understanding and minimize misinterpretations. It was a lively read and I do recommend putting for the time and effort to experience it as Dickens penned.
Clement Moore’s work is convenient to share among adults and children. It compliments Dickens well and makes this publishing worthy of ownership.
March 3, 2018
I listened to this solely for A Christmas Carol since I've read The Night Before Christmas before. I started it for a readathon back at... yeah, Christmas. But I've finally finished it! Merry Christmas, y'all.
December 3, 2019
OK, first off, this book is gorgeous. I saw it at my local library and had to get it.
Secondly, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I really, really enjoyed it, and would happily read it again.
Secondly, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I really, really enjoyed it, and would happily read it again.
November 17, 2025
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? This is a wonderful, timeless story. This edition has lovely illustrations and also includes The Night Before Christmas. This would make a wonderful read aloud edition.
December 5, 2020
5/5 stars
This is a classic Christmas story and I love it!
This is a classic Christmas story and I love it!
December 5, 2020
Classic Christmas,.... God bless us, everyone!
November 25, 2021
Grew up reading this every year at Christmas; read to my kids for the first time (a little early). A beautiful story, beautifully written.
December 30, 2021
Two indispensable classics, lovingly and expertly read. This is probably going to be an annual listen for me.
November 26, 2022
I love this story and always look for new versions, this is definitely one of the best I've read. Loved it
December 17, 2024
Good story.
December 25, 2024
Wish it was non-fiction. I can think of more than a few folks who'd benefit from being visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve.
December 22, 2025
Beautiful edition of these classical stories.
November 22, 2016
My all-time favourite Christmas classic
This book was narrated wonderfully, both stories gave me that fuzzy feeling you get when you remember something good. I was reminded of when I first heard the story, how it signified that we should be good people, that it feels good to be generous and loving and we should try not add to others burdens. It's always around Christmas that people are the happiest, it's a celebration nearly everyone knows of. Streets crowded, Christmas lights adorning houses, Christmas cards being passed around. There's a certain cheer all about the place, a reassuring excitement that buzzes all through the holidays. This is a story I will save for my younger sister during the lead up to Christmas day, as she's never heard it before. And, I just know that I will not be able to resist having a listen to it every Christmas holiday. I have to say, Christmas does bring a sort of sentimentality with it.
I, myself, hadn't revisted the original tale, from the first time I read it for myself. I generally gravitated towards watching the various Hallmark Christmas variations, but nothing will ever surpass the original. There's a lot more to it or perhaps I'm just overcome by the nostalgia. I always thought this was of Charles Dicken's finest work, there is a real sense of feeling as though you know what he was thinking when he wrote it. Yesterday, at a new library I visited of which I was pleased to be offered a rour, the guide, who was perhaps the most eccentric and, humourous woman I've ever met, claimed that she believed that books are our current means of time travel. She spoke of how reading someone's diary can take you to that moment, transporting you there, you can see the events occurring for yourself. It was a pleasant idea, and I certainly felt it with this book.
The commentary from Alison Larkin was a welcome addition to the tale, and she read 'The Night Before Christmas' better than I've ever heard it. Her soothing, strong voice seriously lifted my dreary mood in seconds.
I recommend this book, the audio book version. And with that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas. It's coming toward the end of November, after all -it's never too early! I've already brought an advent calendar for me and my sister. Can't wait for December.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher through Audio book Boom
This book was narrated wonderfully, both stories gave me that fuzzy feeling you get when you remember something good. I was reminded of when I first heard the story, how it signified that we should be good people, that it feels good to be generous and loving and we should try not add to others burdens. It's always around Christmas that people are the happiest, it's a celebration nearly everyone knows of. Streets crowded, Christmas lights adorning houses, Christmas cards being passed around. There's a certain cheer all about the place, a reassuring excitement that buzzes all through the holidays. This is a story I will save for my younger sister during the lead up to Christmas day, as she's never heard it before. And, I just know that I will not be able to resist having a listen to it every Christmas holiday. I have to say, Christmas does bring a sort of sentimentality with it.
I, myself, hadn't revisted the original tale, from the first time I read it for myself. I generally gravitated towards watching the various Hallmark Christmas variations, but nothing will ever surpass the original. There's a lot more to it or perhaps I'm just overcome by the nostalgia. I always thought this was of Charles Dicken's finest work, there is a real sense of feeling as though you know what he was thinking when he wrote it. Yesterday, at a new library I visited of which I was pleased to be offered a rour, the guide, who was perhaps the most eccentric and, humourous woman I've ever met, claimed that she believed that books are our current means of time travel. She spoke of how reading someone's diary can take you to that moment, transporting you there, you can see the events occurring for yourself. It was a pleasant idea, and I certainly felt it with this book.
The commentary from Alison Larkin was a welcome addition to the tale, and she read 'The Night Before Christmas' better than I've ever heard it. Her soothing, strong voice seriously lifted my dreary mood in seconds.
I recommend this book, the audio book version. And with that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas. It's coming toward the end of November, after all -it's never too early! I've already brought an advent calendar for me and my sister. Can't wait for December.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher through Audio book Boom
November 24, 2016
The most famous of all Christmas stories... The one that gave us Christmas as we know it.
You forget how short it is, but it's all so familiar - the scenes, the lines, the characters. I was offered an audio copy to listen to, and thought it a good time of year to revisit the Dickens classic.
Read with clear and energetic voice, this characterises the miserly old man brilliantly, and Dickens' wonderful ebullient language never fails to impress, his asides, his social commentary, the dark heart of his story about living with 'Christmas' in your heart and more importantly connecting with your fellow man a lifelong message for one and all.
Included is a reading of 'The Night Before Christmas', the unabridged poem, and between them a short annotation by Larkin (the poem's reader) discussing the two Christmas-themed famous works. It's quite interesting and I would have liked it to be longer!
Enjoyed my listen, it took just a few car journeys, will probably revisit them both annually.
With thanks to Alison Larkin and Audiobookblast for providing a sample copy, for review purposes.
You forget how short it is, but it's all so familiar - the scenes, the lines, the characters. I was offered an audio copy to listen to, and thought it a good time of year to revisit the Dickens classic.
Read with clear and energetic voice, this characterises the miserly old man brilliantly, and Dickens' wonderful ebullient language never fails to impress, his asides, his social commentary, the dark heart of his story about living with 'Christmas' in your heart and more importantly connecting with your fellow man a lifelong message for one and all.
Included is a reading of 'The Night Before Christmas', the unabridged poem, and between them a short annotation by Larkin (the poem's reader) discussing the two Christmas-themed famous works. It's quite interesting and I would have liked it to be longer!
Enjoyed my listen, it took just a few car journeys, will probably revisit them both annually.
With thanks to Alison Larkin and Audiobookblast for providing a sample copy, for review purposes.
April 9, 2015
This concise didactic reminds us how to appreciate the Christmas season, and with it, the holiday spirit. The well-known visions of the three Spirits of Christmas awakens in the reader, as well as the miserly Scrooge, the joys of childhood, the importance of family and good will to those around us. Dickens’ renowned and loved tale of redemption is granted unique charm by his evocative language. This is matched with his sly humour, which is rarely, if ever, conveyed in subsequent retellings.
For further reviews by myself and Daniel Thomas of great works, write to me at david_plus_1@hotmail.com with the title MP Subscription.
For further reviews by myself and Daniel Thomas of great works, write to me at david_plus_1@hotmail.com with the title MP Subscription.
November 3, 2016
A Christmas Carol and The Night Before Christmas
: Charles Dickens, Clement Clarke Moore
A Christmas Carol has been a favorite story of mine for many, many years. I also like The Night before Christmas. My Christmas Season can now begin! I will be listening to this over and over!!!!!
The short narration in between the two stories was enlightening with information that I didn't previously know. That added just a little more excitement for me.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed by Derek Perkins and Alison Larkin
This is an enjoyable listen and it was free from Audible.
: Charles Dickens, Clement Clarke Moore
A Christmas Carol has been a favorite story of mine for many, many years. I also like The Night before Christmas. My Christmas Season can now begin! I will be listening to this over and over!!!!!
The short narration in between the two stories was enlightening with information that I didn't previously know. That added just a little more excitement for me.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed by Derek Perkins and Alison Larkin
This is an enjoyable listen and it was free from Audible.
Read
November 13, 2016Derek Perkins kept me spellbound throughout his performance of A Christmas Carol. He has a perfect voice for audiobooks, making each character unique and special. I have loved this book all my life. Charles Dickens was a brilliant writer.
Alison Larkin's beautiful voice captured The Night Before Christmas perfectly. I have always loved this story and read it to my children every Christmas. It was nice to hear a little background about both of these stories.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Blast. This is an unbiased review.
Alison Larkin's beautiful voice captured The Night Before Christmas perfectly. I have always loved this story and read it to my children every Christmas. It was nice to hear a little background about both of these stories.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Blast. This is an unbiased review.
November 22, 2008
I had seen numerous movie versions but this is my first time reading the book. I loved the social problems it addressed. One question Dickens asked, that was not answered in our bookclub discussion, was what can each of us as individuals do to help ignorance and want? I believe his answer was that each of us should be helping those in need in anyway big or small that is in our means.
December 15, 2015
Christmas and The Christmas Carol are great reminders of the true meaning of Christmas and of how we should treat all mankind the year round.
I especially love this Calla edition, An Arthur Rackham Christmas. It is so beautifully illustrated by Arthur Rackham and I love that it also has one of my favorites, The Night Before Christmas, also beautifully illustrated.
I especially love this Calla edition, An Arthur Rackham Christmas. It is so beautifully illustrated by Arthur Rackham and I love that it also has one of my favorites, The Night Before Christmas, also beautifully illustrated.
January 31, 2016
Sheer delight; my favorite Christmas story, A Christmas Carol, and a fun Christmas poem I had to memorize in grade school, The Night Before Christmas -- illustrated by one of those great illustrators from the era of beautifully illustrated books, Arthur Rackham. Get it and put it away for someone for the next holiday season.
Read
February 6, 2009It's Christmas and to feel more Christamassy and also admire a shorter work of Mr. Dickens I decided to return to A Christmas Carol. I know the story so well, but this is probably from numerous takes on it that I have watched - especially The Muppets.
December 23, 2022
My favorite holiday classic. I have read it so many times that I have lost track, between fifteen and twenty times. On years I don't read it, I am reading one of Dickens other Christmas stories. And I watch at least five different versions of it every Christmas.
December 17, 2007
Despite its universal appeals neither of these novels ranks amongst the best of Dickens. Nevertheless they should be a part of any decent literature collection
January 28, 2009
Book was great, (i'll comment soon)
December 30, 2014
One of THE classics that probably most people on earth know. I read it every year around Christmas and never get tired of it.
December 22, 2016
A classic story, better than any movie adaptation. The religious/spiritual aspects are better illustrated in writing.
December 24, 2016
I listened to the audio version read by Derek Perkins -- not a blockbuster narration, but one with a quiet fireside feel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews