Average customer rating:
- Great value for the price
- Pretentious
- If nothing else, it looks good on your bookshelf.
- Loved it,
- Lousy Binding
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Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities)
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
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ASIN: 0517053608
Release Date: 1990-10-03 |
Book Description
Includes the major works by one of the greatest names in literature. Namely, Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities. This Library of Literary Classics edition is bound in padded leather with luxurious gold-stamping on the front and spine, satin ribbon marker and gilded edges. Other titles in this Library of Literary Classics series include: Charlotte & Emily Bronte: The Complete Novels; Edgar Allan Poe: Selected Works; Mark Twain: Selected Works; Jane Austen: The Complete Novels: Lewis Carroll: The Complete, Fully Illustrated Works; and William Shakespeare: The Complete Works.
Customer Reviews:
Great value for the price.......2007-08-02
Let's face it, there are better editions of Dickens out there. You get what you pay for. This is not a top of the line leather edition. For the price, though, you can't beat it. It is what it is, a reasonably priced leather edition of four of his novels. At five dollars apiece, the price can not be beat.
Pretentious.......2007-06-07
Buying books because they look good on your shelf is pretentious and phony - and this book capitalizes on that. I got this as a gift and was amazed when I read it at the number of typos in it. There is simply no way this collection was proofed by an editor - that or the editing company is one of the worst in the world.
Buy these fantastic books, but not this edition, unless you just want people to think you read Dickens.
If nothing else, it looks good on your bookshelf........2007-03-13
You would do better off buying these books individually from a different publisher.
It sounds impressive, leather bound, gilded edges, but it is very cheaply done. On the plus side, it does have a ribbon book mark so you don't have to buy your own.
But this book was poorly edited, filled with needless typos, and with all four of these books available from numerous other publishers, I would suggest to just buy it from them.
Loved it,.......2006-02-12
I'm a big fan of long drawn out novles. I've always been a fan of Dickens. This book has on eof my favorite stories by his pen: Great Expectations. His style is very personal I found it a lot like Tolkien. His ability to tell a good tale is clear as the reader becomes part of the story. Very nice volume and worth the time and money in my opinion.
Lousy Binding.......2005-12-20
I've read all but "A Christmas Carol" in this edition. I've found several typos. Moreover, the binding is becoming unglued. I estimate by the time I finish "A Christmas Carol" the binding will be totally exposed. I value permanent books (otherwise I would buy paperbacks). I suggest anyone who enjoys Dickens buy a better edition.
Average customer rating:
- Free SF Reader
- Merry Christmas Everyone!
- Charles Dickens for Children
- Patrick Stewart is perfect in this reading!
- Nasty McGreedy!
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A Christmas Carol (Books of Wonder)
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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A Christmas Carol
ASIN: 0688136060 |
Amazon.com Audiobook Review
Patrick Stewart's one-man production of Dickens's A Christmas Carol played to sold-out audiences in New York and Los Angeles. In this studio recording based on those performances, Stewart is in rare form, using his considerable range of voices to play all roles, from the Ghost of Christmas past to Tiny Tim. It must be said that Stewart clearly enjoys playing Scrooge best of all--but isn't the villain always the most compelling character? Even if you feel that "every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart," this rendition of Dickens's classic will get you in a Yuletide mood. (Running time: 2 hours, 2 cassettes) --C.B. Delaney
Book Description
Afterword by Peter Glassman. Here is the condensed version of the holiday classic, as edited by Dickens himself for his many public readings. This delightful version, streamlined for maximum dramatic effect yet retaining all the unforgettable moments, features twenty-one magnificent color pictures by the celebrated New Yorker artist. A Books of Wonder Classic.
Customer Reviews:
Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
The best of Charles Dickens' work. Ebenezer Scrooge is a bloke that pretty much anybody who came across him would classify as a miserable old coot.
When he is particularly miserable towards an employee at xmas, a few spooky spectral spirits take him to task.
Merry Christmas Everyone!.......2007-08-02
The classical unabridged version of this beloved Christmas tale is finally here!
Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' is the perfect holiday gift for a loved one! This book is recommeneded for kids of all ages!
:D Enjoy!
Charles Dickens for Children.......2007-06-22
After finishing the original text of "A Christmas Carol" my 6 yo child was begging for me to read the story to her. When searching for a version which would suitable for her I came across a copy of the DK Eyewitness Classic at our local public library. It was a hit with our child! The text is a close adaptation of the original text. Throughout the book there are sprinklings of historical facts which are linked to the story through "eyewitness" encounters. At the end of the book is a historical section which deals with the particular time period the story takes place. Plus there is a full page biography of the author. This is a fantastic way to introduce your children to classic literature.
Patrick Stewart is perfect in this reading!.......2007-05-18
Two of my most favorite things --- Patrick Stewart and A Christmas Carol. Now I get both in one! This CD was a remarkable rendition of A Christmas Carol. Given Patrick Stewart's English accent, it made it even better.
What can one say about this that isn't already known? Everyone knows the story of A Christmas Carol so there is no need to restate what it is about. If you have ever seen an episode of "Star Trek - Enterprise", you know what the voice of Patrick Stewart sounds like. So, I will only say imagine the English setting of the story and the English voice of Mr. Stewart and you have one of the best tellings of this story I have ever heard.
Nasty McGreedy!.......2007-02-03
One of the most amazing stories in western literature is Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. When brought to the stage, the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge from a horrid, lonely miser to benevolent, vibrant celebrator of Christmas can be an enthralling experience. The recent production of this show at GeVa Theatre attempted to take the audience on just such an adventure.
Customer Reviews:
Merry Christmas Songbook.......2003-10-28
This collectin of classic and popular Christmas carols is truly wonderful. Not only is it at a level suit for an average piano player, the compositions of the songs are so enjoyable, and fun. This book is definetely worth the money! Have fun!
Bringing back the memories..........2003-10-02
I can't believe they still print this book! My family has had it since probably the mid-80's, and I have been playing out of it ever since I could read music (about age 6). It has always been a joy. The music is definitely for experienced pianists, but be sure and read the "stories behind the songs" at the beginning of each section for some fascinating insight into your favorite Christmas songs. This book is a definite must for those who love playing and singing Christmas music.
Excellent!.......2002-12-12
This is the best collection of Christmas songs I have found. Spiral bound with hard cover. If you are looking for Christmas sheet music, look no further.
A treasure.......2002-11-25
I am so happy I bought the Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook this year! The arrangements are not that difficult, yet they sound very satisfying and are fun to play. I think any second or third year piano student will have the skills needed to play anything in this book. It's great to have such a big collection in one book (110 songs!) so I don't have to switch around and search through other books and sheet music to find what everyone wants to sing. All of the standards are included as are a lot of hard-to-find favorites like "Blue Christmas" and "All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth." I love the hardback/spiral bound edition which lays nicely flat on the piano. Also, most songs are on two facing pages so there's not a lot of page turning. One of the best features is the songbook you get with the lyrics -- this means I can pass out copies so everyone can sing without crowding over my shoulder to use the book I'm trying to play from. I just got this book two days ago and I've already spent tons of time at the piano just enjoying playing through the arrangements. Great book and a good value.
Only Missing One Song.......2002-11-06
This is the best Christmas compilation ever. It is only missing one key song - Irving Berlin's "White Christmas". Irving makes you buy that one seperately even though he's been dead for five years. They used to sell sets of the lyri books, which I highly recommend getting if you can for Christmas sing alongs.
Book Description
50 Christmas carols Orchestrations for several of the carols from this collection are available on sale or hire under the titles Three Carol Orchestrations and Five Christmas Carols. Eight Carol Accompaniments for 5 and 8 part brass (from CfC1 and CfC2) are on sale.
Average customer rating:
- The Hobo Philosopher
- Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...
- Even the Blind Mans Dog avoided Scrooge!
- A True Classic
- Read the book the way Dickens wrote it..........
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A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: Prestwick House Inc.
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1580495796 |
Book Description
This Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Edition includes a glossary and reader's notes to help the reader fully appreciate the beauty and humor of Dickens's work.
In his "Ghostly little book," Charles Dickens invents the modern concept of Christmas Spirit and offers one of the world's most adapted and imitated stories. We know Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, not only as fictional characters, but also as icons of the true meaning of Christmas in a world still plagued with avarice and cynicism.
Customer Reviews:
The Hobo Philosopher.......2007-09-15
I know, I know you've seen the movie a thousand times. You've seen the play live; saw your kid in the play in school. Yes, but did you ever actually sit down and read the book? I had one friend who read it aloud to his children every year and another whose mother used to read it to him every Christmas. The last time I read this book I recorded myself on my Karaoke. I started reading books aloud out in my reading room some time ago. It is really a whole other experience. They call this book a classic and that is exactly correct. If you have never actually read it -you have got to take the time and do it. Take it from me you won't forget it and it will not be the same old, same old.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery..........2007-09-13
Has any story been copied more times than A Christmas Carol? It seems almost every year there is a new movie version. And how many sitcom characters have been visited by the ghosts of Christmas? It all starts to get a little tiring at times, but the original never does. This story is beautiful. No matter how many clumsy knockoffs try to capitalize on the idea and no matter how many dance numbers it inspires, the integrity of this classic will endure. Read it again, and introduce it to your children, too.
Even the Blind Mans Dog avoided Scrooge!.......2007-08-17
This is the most heartwarming story EVER written about Yuletide,the story is truly magical.
It captures the very essence of what Christmas is all about.
I like to start reading it every December,just to get into that "Christmassy" mood,
it's a lot more effective then "Bottled" Christmas spirits.
But as the author is at pains to point out;
Marley was dead,.... to begin with.
"I am the Ghost of Christmas Past."
"Long Past?" inquired Scrooge: observant of its dwarsfish stature.
"No. Your past."
(One of many simple but great lines,that stay with you when you've finished.)
Reading this story certainly changed my life,and saved me the need for three visits!
"God bless us everyone".
A True Classic.......2007-06-23
We would be hard pressed to find people not familiar with A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, due to several movies the novel has spawned. I finally sat down and read the novel and am glad I did. The novel by the prolific and popular Dickens is well-written with great characters. That the author can generate such imagery and fully-realized characters in such a short story, is a testament to his staying power. This book packs an emotional punch, and is a great tale for the holidays, or any time you need to remind yourself to be thankful for what you have and those around you. A classic story and a must read. 5 stars.
Read the book the way Dickens wrote it.................2006-11-23
I hope all readers take time to read A CHRISTMAS CAROL in the original language Dickens used in the 1840's. Dickens' language remains humorous, descriptive and insightful and not inaccessible to most modern readers especially with the use of a good glossary. This is a great read aloud for families at Christmas time and also a great introduction to Dickens and other Victorian writers. Don't settle for an abridged version. Read this masterpiece the way it was intended
Average customer rating:
- Great illustrations; unabridged text
- A Great Read Brought to Life with Excellent Ilustrations
- A must-buy for families
- Incredible book, highly recommended
- A Christmas Carol
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A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
Manufacturer: Candlewick
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A Christmas Carol
ASIN: 0763631205
Release Date: 2006-09-12 |
Book Description
The celebrated P.J. Lynch captures the spirit of Dickens's beloved tale in a richly illustrated unabridged edition.
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge opens on a Christmas Eve as cold as Scrooge's own heart. That night, he receives three ghostly visitors: the terrifying spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Each takes him on a heart-stopping journey, yielding glimpses of Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit, the horrifying spectres of Want and Ignorance, even Scrooge's painfully hopeful younger self. Will Scrooge's heart be opened? Can he reverse the miserable future he is forced to see? Now in an unabridged edition gloriously illustrated by the award-winning P.J. Lynch, this story's message of love and goodwill, mercy and self-redemption resonates as keenly as ever.
Customer Reviews:
Great illustrations; unabridged text.......2007-08-10
This is a beautiful copy of A Christmas Carol. I bought it to read this Christmas to my girls and can't wait! A solid, well-made, sturdy copy that will be with our family for a long time!
A Great Read Brought to Life with Excellent Ilustrations.......2007-06-23
We would be hard pressed to find people not familiar with A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, due to several movies the novel has spawned. I finally sat down and read the novel and am glad I did. The novel by the prolific and popular Dickens is well-written with great characters. That the author can generate such imagery and fully-realized characters in such a short story, is a testament to his staying power. This book packs an emotional punch, and is a great tale for the holidays, or any time you need to remind yourself to be thankful for what you have and those around you. A classic story and a must read. This edition which features wonderful illustrations helps bring the story even further to life. 5 stars.
A must-buy for families.......2007-05-14
I bought this book because I thought it would be fun to read to my kids at Christmas time. My expectations were definitely met.
Not only is the story great- there is a lot in there that doesn't make it into the movies- but the illustrations and even the construction of the book are perfect for family reading.
The binding is very sturdy and should hold up to years of use. It is a great value for the price and I would certainly recommend it.
Incredible book, highly recommended.......2007-02-27
I've been shopping on Amazon for years and this is the first review I've ever left for a purchase I made; that's how impressed I was with this book. I also collect versions of the classic story and I agree with the other reviewer that this is positively one of the best, ever. A majority of the pages have beautiful illustrations that wrap into the text or take the entire page, the binding and cover is understated yet perfect for this book. This is the unabridged version, the original text of the author. If you were to own just one copy of A Christmas Carol, this would be it.
A Christmas Carol.......2007-01-10
An absolutely beautiful version of one of my favorite stories! I really hope the boy I bought it for is enjoying it because I hated to give it away!
Book Description
Easy-to-use, reproducible lessons on literary terms, comprehension and analysis, critical thinking, related scriptural principles, vocabulary, activities, plus a complete answer key.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent guidebook.......2007-05-13
While a classic, I had a hard time finding good resource and study materials for A Christmas Carol. One well known publisher was reliable, but typical, too--classroom activities were good, but not expansive. However, THIS book seems to (perhaps?) be written by a home schooler with a Christian bent. That is perfectly suitable regardless of the school environment because the story IS, after all, based on the Christian premise of Christmas meanings and taking moral responsibility for our fellow man. The book had excellent essay / critical thinking questions, was reproduceable, and well-balanced between nitty gritty things like vocabulary and more "big picture" issues like literary analysis and tools used by the author and their effectiveness. This was purchased as an academic decathlon resource, and we came in 5th overal in the state of California! Am glad I found it!
Not worth the money.......2006-12-05
I was expecting a book. This is a packet of papers. The activities are shallow and the packet does not contain any activities more than what I could create on my own in a few minutes on the computer. It focuses on vocabulary and does not include anything creative, motivational, or very little that will even move students to engage in higher-order thinking. I am incredibly disappointed and will not be using any of the activities in my seventh grade classroom.
Well Done for the Age Group who most frequently study this book.......2006-01-19
The book, "A Christmas Carol" is a staple in sixth and seventh grade classrooms across the US. This study guide is a perfect companion!
A Christmas Carol Study Guide.......2005-09-13
I was expected a study guide geared for a university level, not elementary/highschool.
Book Description
Have you ever wondered how Santa's sleigh really works? Or what reindeer eat? Or just how big the North Pole's mailroom must be? Well, this Christmas all of your questions will be answered with this ultimate book of SANTA CLAUS. This is your lavish behind the scenes tour of the history, the mystery, and the magic of Jolly Saint Nick. Learn all about the clothes, the elves, and the gadgets that make the man. Find out all the secrets about the man who makes miracles happen every December 25th.
Did you know...
Santa's suit was once green and that the red suit was spun from the finest spun spider silk?
Santa's sleigh has a magic cargo hold that can never be full?
New Reindeer are constantly in training to be the next Comet or Cupid or Donner...?
Features thirty-two pages jam packed with never before heard top secret information about Santa Claus. An incredible design, flaps, fold-outs and holiday memorabilia make this the must have gift this Christmas.
SANTA CLAUS Includes:
Holiday gift tag stickers
An authentic naughty and nice list
Santa's route map
A double-gatefold look inside Santa's workshop
A replica of the Elves worker handbook
Mrs. Claus's very own cookie recipe
Genuine North Pole gift tag stickers
And much, much more!
Customer Reviews:
Santa explained!.......2007-01-22
This beautifully illustrated book explains all the questions kids have about Santa --- how reindeer fly, how Santa can get to every kid's house in one night, etc. Included are fold out pages, Santa's diary, a letter to Santa and many more unique features. My 7-year-old is fascinated by this book. It has really cemented his belief in Santa. I have ordered 4 books to give as gifts and will be ordering more. This is truly a book you will enjoy every Christmas and a book that will be passed down to future generations.
Santa Claus Book(fold open).......2007-01-20
The Book is Wonderful,the pages with there secret little places is so special to those who read it,but this is not a replacement for the truth of our Saviors birth. Thank you for letting me speak.
A must have for children!.......2007-01-16
This book is fantastic!! There is all kinds of information regarding Santa Claus and the North Pole. My 5 year old was at a friend's house and had the book read to her. When I walked in she was so excited and had all sorts of things to tell me about Santa and the North Pole! I just had to buy it for our home. I highly recommend anyone to purchase this item!
Awesome book.......2007-01-14
This book is wonderful! It tells all about Santa and his world. My son loved exploring and all the wonderful details and pull outs in the book where great.
*****AWESOME*****.......2007-01-11
one of the most beautiful christmas books i've ever seen. it is now well after christmas and my kids still want me to read it! dont miss out on this book for yourself or as a gift. the illustrations are great and it answers all questions any kid would have about santa, the elves, reindeer...etc.
Book Description
These true, fascinating stories of the inspiration, heartache, trials, and faith that inspired some of the greatest Christmas carols, hymns, and popular songs will enrich the joy and celebration of the Christmas season.
Customer Reviews:
Great read - but too small.......2007-01-11
The book and information was wonderful. A very nice read. However - stick to the original size. This miniature edition is a little TOO miniature... only about 1 inch square.
Good for modern songs, bad for older ones........2006-11-05
The author should quote his sources, because others in the future may take his statements for fact, when some of the stories are not backed up by other authors / researchers. I have found conflicting information about some of the music both in print and online. A Google search will lead you to different versions and also different background info on "The Twelve Days of Christmas", for example. Also, though I am no musicologist, I would consider a christmas song as being secular, and a christmas carol as being about sacred topics, i.e. Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. In contrast, The "Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook" is pretty good about (briefly) explaining the backgound / history of the selections (plus it has the music) and almost every one of the popular songs, but it does not always have all of the verses of the songs.
Sloppy research.......2006-03-02
For someone with 50 books to his credit--as per the dust jacket--Collins is highly sloppy in the research of this book. As has been previously noted, he just presented a common story about the origins of "Silent Night" without necessarily having done any deep research. And the comments about "The Twelve Days of Christmas" come straight from a silly internet piece, with no basis in fact.
This is common throughout this book. It seems more often than not, Collins has just done some cursory internet research and then slapped it all together and called it good.
Some other screw-ups: Irving Berlin was worried that "White Christmas" wasn't really a good song. Actually Berlin, upon introducing it to his office staff and musical secretary, refered to it as "not only the greatest song I've ever written, but the greatest song ever written." Berlin at one point had plans to make White Christmas the main production number in a major Broadway revue. In performing it for Crosby and studio execs, Berlin got nervous with himself and choked in performing it. You can read about this in Jody Rosen's excellent book on White Christmas, called "White Christmas."
As for his assertions about the meaning and origin of the term Merry in merry Christmas, he gets it wrong again. Ten minutes in the Oxford English Dictionary, available at any decent public library, would have given him the answers.
Better Books on this subject are Rosen's afforementioned book and "The Penguin Book of Christmas Carols" ed. Ian Bradbury.
Inspire Your Heart and Mind .......2005-12-17
Did you ever wonder how your favorite Christmas hymns and carols came to be written? Where were they first sung and why? Who are the people behind them? What events in their lives, what discoveries of faith, inspired these beloved songs into being? Ace Collins has complied a lovely little book to help you find out.
For instance, here you will find everything from "Angels from the Realms of Glory" to "White Christmas". (Yes, there are some popular songs sprinkled in among the hymns and carols!). Do you know...
...What favorite hymn was written the Christmas that the church organ conked out? (Yes, I know some of you know the tale, but it is here for those who don't).
...Which one was a faithful Christian's response to the carnage of the War Between the States?
...Which hymn was penned with a visit on horseback to the village of Jesus' birthplace fresh in the writer's memory?
Ace Collins relates the stories, both familiar and fresh. He helps the reader not only wonder as they wander through the holidays but also figure out who Good King Wenceslas was and why he is worth singing about after all these years. Collins is the author of over fifty books including "Turn Your Radio On" and "The Cathedrals". All of these stories are accompanied by the words of the carols and hymns, so you can sing or hum along as you read about them.
This book would be a great devotional book or family conversation starter to use throughout the Advent season, with 31 different stories to inspire your heart and mind throughout the wondrous season. It is small enough to serve as a great stocking stuffer and lovely enough to be a stand-alone gift for any number of people on your Christmas list.
Big disappointment.......2005-01-20
I was expecting accurate information regarding the history of Christmas songs and carols. Instead, Ace Collins has taken some facts about the carols and woven fairytales around them. In some cases he has taken a few facts and assumed results that are erroneous.
Having personally researched "Silent Night" in Austria, I can say for certain that Collins has presented another fanciful story based on some facts and some misconceptions about the world's best-loved carol.
The tale about "The Twelve Days of Christmas" being a secret catechism for Catholics in the period when they were oppressed in England doesn't make any sense. The "secret" Catholic beliefs it supposedly hides are identical to the Protestant beliefs of that era. Therefore there was no reason to keep them secret from Protestants -- 1 = one God, 2 = Old and New Testament, 3 = gold, frankincense, and myrrh -- and so on.
Sadly, it's just another feel-good Christmas book when it could have been a valuable resource for people wanting accurate information.
Product Description
Inside you'll find easy-to-make ornaments, holiday projects to make with the kids, and elegant-yet-easy ideas for decorating your tree, your banister, and your mantel. You'll love the delicious holiday recipes and food gifts galore. We show you how to create personalized gifts for everyone on your Christmas list-even your favorite pet. You'll find lighting ideas, beautiful wreaths and clever centerpieces that only take minutes to make. Carol Field Dahlstrom is the author of this book and shares her years of crafting, decorating, and entertaining experience with you.
Customer Reviews:
I LOVED THIS BOOK! .......2005-12-03
I bought this book to get some ideas for parties and crafts that my kids and I could make together. I will be making my own beautiful christmas cards and using some of the decorations on my holiday table. We also found some fun ornaments that we could make together as a family.
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