Includes bibliographical references

General critical introduction; a note on the text and annotation; Dickens's prefaces; introduction to "A Christmas Carol"; text of "A Christmas Carol"; introduction to "The Chimes"; list of illustrations to "The Chimes"; text of "The Chimes". Appendix A - the deleted passages from "The Chimes"; appendix B - descriptive headlines for the "Carol" and "Chimes

In October 1843, Dickens hit upon the idea of writing a story that would not only celebrate Christmas but alert people to the desperate needs of England's poor. "The Christmas Carol" was the result. "The Chimes" is a topical satire set on New Year's Eve.