“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is one of the most famous stories ever written. In terms of adaptations, of which there are about fifty today, it is surpassed only by Victor Hugo's “Les Misérables” and Bram Stoker's “Dracula.” Since its first publication one hundred and eighty years ago, “Carol” has become an integral part of popular culture. We, as readers or viewers, are referred to this Christmas story time and time again, sometimes in the most unexpected works. One only needs to recall, for example, Uncle Donald Duck — Scrooge McDuck. His name and character are a direct reference to “Carol,” familiar to many since childhood. In other words, this fairy tale is known to adults and children alike as well as folk tales, Homeric poems, the Bible, “The Book of One Thousand and One Nights,” and other truly immortal stories, of which, it should be noted, there are not that many in world literature.
Literary works achieve monument status not by chance, and “A Christmas Carol” is no exception in this regard. In it, Dickens — a writer whose texts brim with love for his craft, for words and ideas — raises global ethical questions, reflects on loneliness, greed, faith and doubt, comments on social issues, all while maintaining a cheerful disposition.
In this edition, the tale of the old miser, who is given a second chance by fate, is presented in the full translation by Tatiana Alexeyevna Ozerova, which has long gained the status of a classic, and the literary world of Dickens is adorned with stunning illustrations by contemporary Norwegian artist Lisa Aisato.
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