Few books are as bound up with Christmas as Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. When it was published on 19 December 1843 it came with eight illustrations by the Punch artist John Leech – four hand-coloured etchings and four wood engravings – and they have shaped how we picture Scrooge, Marley and the three Spirits ever since. If there's a Dickens lover on your list, a print of one of those original plates makes a gift with a story behind it.
The four colour plates
Mr Fezziwig's Ball
The frontispiece to the first edition: old Fezziwig and his wife leading the dance at the warehouse Christmas party. The most joyful picture in the book, and a lovely choice for a hallway or dining room at Christmas. Shop Mr Fezziwig's Ball – from £16
Marley's Ghost
Jacob Marley, wrapped in the chains he forged in life, confronts Scrooge by the fire. Atmospheric and instantly recognisable – a natural fit for a study or reading corner. Shop Marley's Ghost – from £16
Scrooge's Third Visitor
The Ghost of Christmas Present, enthroned on a heap of Christmas food and drink, beaming down at a startled Scrooge in his nightcap. Shop Scrooge's Third Visitor – from £16
The Last of the Spirits
The silent Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come points Scrooge towards his own neglected grave – the darkest and most dramatic of Leech's plates. Shop The Last of the Spirits – from £16
The four engravings
The Phantoms
Scrooge looks out of his window at a night sky full of wailing, chained spirits. Shop The Phantoms – from £16
Scrooge Extinguishes the First of the Three Spirits
Scrooge presses the extinguisher-cap down on the glowing Ghost of Christmas Past. Shop Scrooge Extinguishes the First of the Three Spirits – from £16
Ignorance and Want
The two ragged children hidden beneath the robe of the Ghost of Christmas Present – the scene that carries the book's message most directly. Shop Ignorance and Want – from £16
Scrooge and Bob Cratchit
The closing scene: a reformed Scrooge raises Bob Cratchit's salary over a bowl of Christmas bishop. Shop Scrooge and Bob Cratchit – from £16
For the complete set
All eight plates hang beautifully together as a gallery wall, and with our pair offer every two prints you buy are 15% off. The digital downloads (£6 each) are a good last-minute option if you'd rather print at home.
More for Dickens fans
One of Dickens's earliest illustrators was George Cruikshank, who drew the plates for Sketches by Boz and Oliver Twist. His own caricatures make a witty companion to the Carol prints.
An Evening Party
Cruikshank's lively, crowded scene of a Georgian evening party. Shop An Evening Party – from £16
The Head Ache
Cruikshank's famous image of a hangover, with tiny demons hammering and drilling at a sufferer's skull. A perfect gift for anyone who overdoes the Christmas punch. Shop The Head Ache – from £16
Good to know before you order
- Order by 1 December for delivery before Christmas.
- Pair any two prints and save 15% – applied automatically at checkout.
- Free UK delivery on orders over £40.
- Every print is made to order in the UK on 200gsm Enhanced Matte Art paper. Choose A4 (£16), A3 (£25), A3 framed in black, oak or white (£75), or an instant digital download (£6).