A Charles Dickens short story that was actually the inspiration for "A Christmas Carol." In this story, a gravedigger that hates Christmas gets kidnapped by goblins while digging a grave and then they help him get into the Christmas spirit. The beginning of this version has a biography of the author.

The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 1 (of 2) by Charles Dickens: As one of Charles Dickens' earliest and most beloved works, "The Pickwick Papers" follows the humorous misadventures of the eccentric Mr. Samuel Pickwick and his companions as they journey across the English countryside. This episodic novel is a delightful satire on various aspects of Victorian society, filled with memorable characters, humorous incidents, and social commentary that has entertained readers for generations. Key Aspects of the Book "The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 1 (of 2)": Social Satire: Dickens uses humor and wit to satirize different facets of Victorian society, offering keen insights into human behavior and societal norms. Character Studies: The novel presents a colorful array of characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, making them both endearing and comical. Serialized Format: Originally published in serialized form, "The Pickwick Papers" popularized this style of publication and contributed to Dickens' fame as a writer. Charles Dickens was a prolific English novelist and literary giant of the 19th century. Born in 1812, he grew up in challenging circumstances but rose to prominence as a writer through his serialized novels, which captured the essence of Victorian society and the struggles of the working class. Dickens' works, including "Oliver Twist," "A Tale of Two Cities," and "Great Expectations," remain widely read and cherished for their vivid characters, social commentary, and timeless themes.

Shortlisted for the HWA Goldsboro Debut Crown It is 31 March 1836. A new monthly periodical is launched entitled The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. Conceived and created by the artist Robert Seymour, it contains four of his illustrations. The words to accompany them are written by a young journalist, under the pen-name Boz. The journalist's real name is Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers soon becomes a phenomenal, unprecedented sensation, read and discussed by the entire British Isles. Before long, its success is worldwide. Stephen Jarvis's novel tells of the dawning of the age of global celebrity. It is a story of colossal triumph and of the depths of tragedy, based on real events - and an expose of how an ambitious young writer stole another man's ideas.

Views the Victorian novel through the prism of literary imitations that it inspired.