A Christmas Carol Manuscripts January 6, 2011

'A Christmas Carol' is a magical book written by Charles Dickens in a six-week flurry of activity in late 1843. Greeted with universal acclaim at the time of publication, 'A Christmas Carol' might rightfully be called an "instant masterpiece." When the manuscript was returned after printing, Dickens arranged for it to be finely bound in red morocco leather and presented it as a gift to his solicitor. It was purchased by Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s. Visitors to The Morgan Library & Museum can view the original manuscript by Dickens in a special presentation in the museum's newly restored McKim Building. Also on view is the first edition 'A Christmas Carol' (1843), which will be open to the title page, printed in red and blue, along with the engraved frontispiece of Mr. Fezziwig's ball, which was colored by hand.