Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Charles Dickens's impact Christmas celebration
- The personal life of the writer
- Dickens’s inspiration and background
- The origins of some famous Christmas customs
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Feel the spirit of Christmas crawling down your spine
One winter evening in 1843, a man was sitting at his table, carefully trying to find the perfect word to describe the most greedy and lonely human in all of England. Full of inspiration and confidence in this venture, the man neither minded the noise from his five children nor his publishers' anxiety. Christmas Eve crawled to the writer's door, and his pen ran toward the deadline.This man was none other than Charles Dickens, a notorious English writer, who, upon his travels to Victorian Manchester, was so inspired to write a Christmas ghost story that it took him only six weeks to complete it. As a result, A Christmas Carol was born.
It would be an understatement to say A Christmas Carol has not changed the vision of this special day. Part of the reason why people cherish Christmas so profoundly is because of Charles Dickens and his “little Carol.” This journey will uncover the secret to the remarkable longevity of this story by unwrapping the chronology of the writer's life and the events that inspired his genius. One little hint 一 values are considered fundamental for a reason.
“A Christmas Carol” has never been out of print since its release in 1843.
Upon meticulous study of Dickens's life, we will soon understand why Christmas had a special place in the writer's heart and why his depiction of this time of year is unlike anything else. They say that when you put your heart and soul into creating something, you are bound to create something beautiful.
second KEY POINT
A Christmas miracle for a hopeless genius
In October 1843, Charles Dickens was on the verge of bankruptcy. The horrible memories of his unfortunate childhood and infamous legacy 一 being the son of a naval pay clerk, imprisoned for debt 一 must have haunted him when he created one of the most recognizable money-grubbers in literature, Ebenezer Scrooge.Condemned to work since age twelve due to his family’s lousy spending, Charles Dickens did not like to recall or discuss his childhood as a wealthy and affluent writer. However, he discovered his talent because of the need to earn a living.Dickens naturally trained his eye to notice all society's eccentric, frail, and uncomfortable things. His intelligence later made him a fortune and a reputation. Successful since his very first job at the Morning Chronicle as a non-fiction writer, he created a literary buzz, or, better said, Boz, which was his pseudonym at the time.
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first KEY POINT
Catching fire at “the entrance to hell realized”
second KEY POINT
If you want to be served well, serve yourself first
third KEY POINT
A not-so-Merry Christmas
fourth KEY POINT
Somehow, Dickens unwittingly destroyed the goose business
fifth KEY POINT
When ups and downs follow your genius
sixth KEY POINT
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
What is The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits about?
The Man Who Invented Christmas explores how Charles Dickens wrote 'A Christmas Carol' and how this beloved tale revitalized his faltering career and reshaped the modern Christmas. The book details Dickens's creative process, struggles, and the immense impact of his iconic work on holiday traditions.
Who is the author of The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits?
The author of The Man Who Invented Christmas is Les Standiford, a respected writer known for his engaging narratives that blend historical fact with fascinating storytelling. His expertise lends credibility to the exploration of Dickens's life and works.
Is The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits worth reading?
Yes, The Man Who Invented Christmas is worth reading for anyone interested in literature, history, or the evolution of Christmas traditions. Standiford's compelling narrative sheds light on Dickens's life and offers insights into the timeless spirit of giving and holiday cheer.
How many pages is The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits and when was it published?
The Man Who Invented Christmas has approximately 240 pages and was published in 2008. This concise read is perfect for those looking to understand the profound impact of Dickens's work in a brief timeframe.
What are the key takeaways from The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits?
Key takeaways include Dickens's role in shaping modern Christmas values, the struggles he faced before writing 'A Christmas Carol', and how the book's themes of redemption and generosity resonate today. The narrative emphasizes the power of storytelling and its ability to change lives.