History of A Christmas Carol in Timeline
"A Christmas Carol", a novella by Charles Dickens, tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man. Haunted by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, Scrooge confronts his selfish ways and undergoes a profound transformation into a more compassionate person.
1901: First Film Adaptation of A Christmas Carol
In 1901, 'A Christmas Carol' made its debut on the silver screen with the silent film 'Scrooge, or, Marley's Ghost.' This marked a pioneering moment as one of the earliest known adaptations of Charles Dickens' work in cinema history, although the film is now considered mostly lost.
1923: BBC Radio Adaptation of A Christmas Carol
In 1923, 'A Christmas Carol' was adapted for radio by the BBC, a testament to the enduring popularity of Dickens' story and its suitability for different mediums.
1982: 'Scrooge' Added to the Oxford English Dictionary
The lasting impact of 'A Christmas Carol' on the English language was cemented in 1982 when the term 'Scrooge,' derived from the story's protagonist, was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary. This recognition solidified the name 'Scrooge' as a universal synonym for a miser or a grumpy person, particularly during the Christmas season.
2024: Production Costs and Profits of A Christmas Carol
Despite the commercial success of 'A Christmas Carol,' in 2024, Charles Dickens faced financial disappointment due to high production costs. He had anticipated earning £1,000 but received only £230 from the first edition. Even after a year, profits only reached £744, a significant deviation from his expectations.
2024: Publication and Sales of A Christmas Carol
In 2024, the first edition of 'A Christmas Carol' was released, priced at five shillings. The initial 6,000 copies sold out quickly, leading to multiple reprints. By the year's end, eleven editions were in circulation. The book's popularity endured, with countless editions and translations released, solidifying its status as a literary classic.