This Day in History December 19, 1843

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This is a perfect fit today considering our wondrous Christmas season.  It was on this date in 1843 that Charles Dickens's book A Christmas Carol was published.  I was amazed to find that this novella took Dickens only six weeks to write, and he wrote it at a time when his popularity had hit an all-time low.  This book caused his popularity to rise yet again.

He drew on his own childhood--books as friends, losing brother/sister to disease, and more as he wrote it.  He locked himself in his house as he wrote it.  he refused o see anyone during that time.  His publisher thought the book would not do well, and Dickens actually agreed to pay for the publishing costs.  The cost of the book was kept low--five shillings.

As you can imagine, the book was an instant success.  It has been made into movies, musicals, plays, graphic novels, and every form of art imaginable.  It is indeed one of the best-loved books of all times during this holiday season.

http://childrensbookalmanac.com/2010/12/a-christmas-carol/
http://6thingstoconsider.com/2011/12/19/dickens-a-christmas-carol/