Mention the name Ebenezer Scrooge, and the image of a bitter old man in a dressing gown, slippers, and long night cap comes to mind. He is one of the greatest and most recognizable characters in English literature. What many people don't realize is that Charles Dickens' 1843 masterpiece, "A Christmas Carol", in large part created the joyous customs of Christmas as we know them today. In this well-loved Christmas classic, the hardened Ebenezer Scrooge is shown the meaning of charity and friendship after visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. Charming illustrations and captions highlight the story and explain what life was like in Victorian England.