Humbug! Rare First Edition 'A Christmas Carol' Goes To Auction

Rare First Edition ‘A Christmas Carol’ Set for Auction in Bath this January

We are delighted to announce the upcoming sale of a rare and highly sought-after early
copy of Charles Dickens’ festive masterpiece, 'A Christmas Carol'. The book, a First Edition, Second
Impression, is expected to fetch thousands of pounds when it goes under the hammer on January
19th.

‘A Christmas Carol is one of the most famous stories in the world,’ says our auctioneer, Andrew.
‘To have a first edition is incredibly special. It’s the very genesis of a story that is known all around
the world.’

It features the iconic original illustrations by John Leech, including the four hand-coloured
engravings that brought Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas to life for the Victorian
public.

A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, to give it it’s full title, was a
phenomenal success from the moment it hit the shelves, with the first edition selling out by
Christmas Eve 1843.

This second impression was rushed to print just days later to meet the insatiable public demand. Collectors prize these early editions for their historical proximity to Dickens’ original vision and the high-quality production values of the era.

‘It’s not just a book; it’s a cultural artifact that defined the modern Christmas. Given its ties to one of
the most beloved authors in history, we expect significant interest from both local and international
bidders,’ adds Andrew.

“Dickens’ use of the term ‘Merry Christmas’ in the story really popularised its usage with his
Victorian audience. To hold something so fundamentally ‘Christmas’ is spellbinding.’

A Christmas Carol goes under the hammer in Bath on January 19th in our Books
And Works On Paper Auction. Click here to view the full catalogue and bid.