On the night of Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three Christmas spirits. The Ghost of Christmas Past confronts Scrooge with his youth, the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals the Cratchits' struggle amid poverty, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come harrows Scrooge with dire visions of the future if he does not learn to treat his fellow man with kindness, generosity and compassion. A Christmas Carol remains one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, and this edition is sure to please with its 48 illustrations from over a dozen different artists. Charles Dickens redefined the spirit and importance of Christmas and initiated a rebirth of seasonal merriment. The book played a significant role in reinventing Christmas with an emphasis on family, goodwill, and compassion.