The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain

"... Christmas is a time in which, of all times in the
year, the memory of every remediable sorrow, wrong,
and trouble in the world around us, should be active
with us, not less than our own experiences. ..." The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain, a Fancy for Christmas-Time, bookends the series of five Christmas stories by Charles Dickens (1812–1870) that began in 1843 with A Christmas Carol. Originally published in 1848, this dark yet redemptive novella strikes a balance between the pathos and comedic characterizations found in the greatest of Dickens' works. This edition was adapted from the 1913 Chapman & Hall "cheap" Christmas Books edition (originally collected 1852) and the 1907 J.M. Dent and Co./E.P. Dutton & Co."gift" edition. It maintains the unabridged content and spelling of the original publications, though punctuation spacing and usage has been modernized and changed to American quotation style.
Published for the Supernatural Fox Sisters’ Supernatural History Series—collections of books and artifact reproductions focusing on places and events in supernatural history.

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a prominent English novelist and social critic, celebrated for his vivid storytelling and keen observations of Victorian society. Born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, Dickens experienced a difficult childhood marked by financial instability and a stint in a workhouse. These early experiences deeply influenced his writing and social consciousness. Dickens's novels are renowned for their memorable characters, intricate plots, and sharp social commentary. His works often critique the social and economic injustices of his time, including the harsh conditions faced by the poor and the inadequacies of the legal and educational systems. Dickens's writing is characterized by its rich, descriptive prose and its ability to blend humor with serious social issues. In addition to his novels, Dickens was an active public figure, engaging in various social causes and reform efforts. He was a passionate advocate for children's rights, labor reforms, and improvements to the criminal justice system. Charles Dickens passed away on June 9, 1870, but his legacy endures through his substantial contributions to literature and social reform. His works continue to be widely read and adapted, reflecting his lasting impact on both literary and social spheres.