A Christmas Carol, is a short novel by Charles Dickens which was originally published in 1843. Suddenly conceived and written in a few weeks, the story is regarded as one of the outstanding Christmas stories of modern literature. The novel contains a series of spectral visions. The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is allowed to review his life and to change its outcome. The Ghost of Christmas Past reveals vignettes of Scrooge's early life as a schoolboy, an apprentice, and a young man in love. The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals to Scrooge that joy has little to do with wealth. Both visit the homes of Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's much-abused clerk, and his generous nephew Fred, who has married for love. Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come allows Scrooge a vision of what his end will be like if he continues on his present course. Scrooge is now a changed man. He immediately sets about mending his ways. He becomes generous and thoughtful and thereby finds redemption and joy.