The words 'Merry Christmas' first appeared in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which has become probably the best-loved of all Christmas stories, and it appears here with the four other stories that combined to make The Christmas Books, first published in 1852. Somehow, Christmas and ghost stories go well together, and here too Dickens was a master of the art. Compiled here is a complete collection of his supernatural tales, including such classics as The Signalman and The Trial for Murder. The collection is completed by a selection of Dickens' other tales, which amply demonstrate the great range of his writing. The stories include illustrations from the original editions, featuring the works of John Tenniel, Edwin Landseer and many others. Combine these elements together, and you have a book that would make a wonderful present throughout the year.