Few of us pass the holiday season without at least one viewing of a Christmas Carol.
But what many do not know is that there was a story behind the story, and the influence that it had on the author.
In Dickens time it was quite common for one man to support not only his own family but the families of his and/or his spouses siblings. Dickens had a great burden on his back and it was not getting easier as his publisher informed him that sales were slacking and he might get reduced royalties over time.
Dickens also got less income than he might have because he wanted to give to his readers. Recognizing that for many a book was a luxury Dickens sought to keep the price as low as possible while keeping the quality as good as possible. This was fine with the publisher but the cost came out of Dicken’s royalties.
So Dickens began writing his epic Christmas Carol as strictly a money making venture, a last minute idea to bring some money into the house. He started writing in October so he had to rush, and it was hardly a labor of love.
But as he wrote, the story took on a life of its own, he began to grow just as Scrooge grew and he gained the joy and love he hoped to share with his readers.
The full story is at the link above and it is well worth ready.
And God Bless Us.. Every One.