History of A Christmas Carol in Timeline
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, who undergoes a profound transformation after being visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. These spectral visitations force Scrooge to confront his past, witness the joy and suffering of those around him, and glimpse the bleak future that awaits him if he continues his selfish ways. The journey ultimately leads Scrooge to embrace the spirit of Christmas, becoming a generous and compassionate individual, thus redeeming his life.
1901: Scrooge, or, Marley's Ghost Film Release
In 1901, "Scrooge, or, Marley's Ghost", a silent black-and-white British film, was released as one of the first known film adaptations of a Dickens work.
1923: BBC Radio Adaptation
1982: Scrooge added to Oxford English Dictionary
In 1982, the name "Scrooge" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary as a designation for a miser.
2025: Value of five shillings
In 2025, the price of five shillings, which was the original price of "A Christmas Carol", is equal to £31.
2025: Value of first edition profits
In 2025, the £230 Dickens earned from the first edition of "A Christmas Carol" is equal to £29,000, far less than the £124,000 he expected.
