Book About Dickens a Holiday Hit

In Charles Dickens's time, Christmas was nothing like it is now, and the idea of banking on a story like A Christmas Carol was considered a risky proposition. Les Standiford's new book, The Man Who Invented Christmas, looks at the making of A Christmas Carol, and the difference the book has made on Western society.

Dickens had financial troubles and a big family when he wrote the book, and had reached a point that Standiford calls "desperate." While the book holds an uplifting message, Standiford suggests the need for some fast cash may have been a major inspiration, too. Written in six weeks, Dickens did all of the writing and editing himself. He also managed the production.

The book is a major staple of our culture, having spawned movies, TV shows, and is one of the most commonly recognized tales of Christmas.