Charles Dickens
Over the course of his career, Charles Dickens wrote a series of Christmas-themed short stories that were serialized in popular magazines of the era. The Holly Tree Inn, like many of these tales, reflects on the deeper meaning of the holiday, using the loneliness of the solitary traveler as a lens through which to examine society.
In this charming series of short stories from Victorian author nonpareil Charles Dickens, four pairs of lovebirds offer up a detailed account of their courtships. There's just one catch — none of the besotted have yet reached the ripe old age of 10. Displaying his usual knack for uncannily accurate characterization, Dickens gives readers a glimpse into the triumphs and trials of schoolyard romance.
Tired of the materialistic cynicism and cheerless hustle and bustle that seem to taint the holiday season these days? Hearken back to a simpler time and celebrate the true virtues of the season with this classic tale from Charles Dickens, master of the heartwarming Christmas parable.
The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit is, according to Dickens, a novel about selfishness. And every member of the Chuzzlewit family is given the chance to display their own brand thereof, among them the infamous villain Jonas Chuzzlewit. After sales of the first few serial installments were poor, Dickens moved the action to America, which he satirized as a vast wilderness peopled by likewise selfish characters.
Although he is now revered as the author of such long-form masterworks as Great Expectations, Charles Dickens' short stories ranked among his most popular creative endeavors during his lifetime. Like many of his Christmas-themed stories, The Seven Poor Travellers was originally serialized in a magazine. This heartwarming tale is a must-read during the holiday season, or anytime your spirit could use a boost.