The Christmas books - A Christmas Carol; The Chimes; The Cricket on the Hearth

Dickens's story of solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of Christmas by a series of ghostly visitors, has proved one of his most well-loved works.

Ever since it was published in 1843 it has had an enduring influence on the way we think about the traditions of Christmas.

Dickens's other Christmas writings collected here include "The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton", the short story from "The Pickwick Papers" on which "A Christmas Carol" was based; along with shorter pieces drawn from the "Christmas Stories' that Dickens wrote annually for his weekly journals.

In all of them Dickens celebrates the season as one of geniality, charity and remembrance.